ANOTHER company is showing interest in building at Greenock’s harbours, the Tele can reveal.

The unnamed business is looking at developing land close to the restaurant/bar being built by the Hungry Horse chain between East India and Victoria harbours.

The news has been welcomed as a sign that business activity is picking up in Inverclyde after the recession.

The subject of business investment at Greenock harbours was raised at the environment and regeneration committee by Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe.

Councillor McCabe asked: “Is there any sign of movement in the market which would lead to the imminent prospect of development?” A heartening response was delivered by Aubrey Fawcett, the local authority’s director of environment, regeneration and resources.

Mr Fawcett, who has also been confirmed as regeneration body Riverside Inverclyde’s chief executive until March 2017 — but is being paid only by the council — said he had walked around the area recently with a representative from Peel Ports, the company that runs Greenock Ocean Terminal and owns waterfront land.

He said: “I asked the same question about development and I was told there has been an inquiry for the area immediately west of the Hungry Horse site.

“This has come from a commercial interest.

“I can’t say who the inquiry is from.” He added: “It is a big step forward compared with the last three or four years of no activity.” Welcoming the news, Mr McCabe said: “Things have stalled because of the economy but I am delighted we are actively trying to encourage interest in that site.” The Hungry Horse’s family friendly pub will be called the Tail O’ the Bank, to reflect Inverclyde’s maritime past.

The £2 million development is creating around 40 full-time and part time jobs and is expected to be open later this month.