MORE than £1 million is to be ploughed into two major regeneration projects in Greenock.

Riverside Inverclyde (RI) is to receive almost £650,000 to continue its transformation of the iconic Custom House building and the council will receive nearly £400,000 to help fund the major redevelopment of the former Mearns Centre site and its surrounding area.

Both awards were announced yesterday in the latest round of funding from the regeneration capital grant fund (RCGF), a joint partnership between the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

Scottish housing minister Margaret Burgess said: “Not only will these projects help transform neighbourhoods and deliver real benefits to local communities, but they will also contribute to stimulating economic growth by supporting and creating jobs.

“This announcement brings the total number of projects to receive funding under RCGF to 40, and increases our overall joint investment to £50 million over a two-year period.

“I am pleased that COSLA continues to work with us on this initiative.

“It is a great example of how by working together Scotland’s public bodies are delivering real improvements in local communities for the benefit of those who live there.” The council, along with the local community and Inverclyde Association for Mental Health, are in the process of developing a horticultural training and community facility on vacant Mearns Street land.

It will include training, meeting, and office space, along with a hall area and café.

The facility will support individuals and help move them back into sustainable employment.

Meanwhile, RI chiefs have secured money to create an enterprise workspace within the 18th century Custom House building.

Councillor Stephen Hagan, COSLA spokesperson for development, economy and sustainability said: “Local authorities remain committed to regeneration activity, and funds such as the RCGF allow communities to achieve their vision for enhancing their local areas by delivering viable and sustainable regeneration outcomes.”