DATES have been set for the start of work on three new major regeneration projects worth a total of around £30 million.

As recently revealed by the Tele, the trio of developments are part of the £1.1 billion City Deal scheme funded by the UK and Scottish governments.

The initiative could generate around 1,500 jobs in the area and now more details about the three local schemes — which will take place at Inchgreen dry dock, Greenock Ocean Terminal, pictured, and the old Inverkip power station — have emerged.

In Inverkip, a roundabout and associated improvements worth £3.8m will take shape on the A78 to pave the way for full development of the old power station site, which has already been earmarked for hundreds of new houses.

Work on the road should be ready to start in just over two years and be completed by October 2017.

The Ocean Terminal expansion project is to begin in 2017 and is expected to cost £14m.

It is aimed at increasing cruise ship capacity by way of extending the existing pier and adding a new one.

At Inchgreen, a West of Scotland renewables hub will be established thanks to a £9m-plus investment, although this work is not scheduled to start until 2021.

Councillors warmly welcomed the economic and infrastructure boost during a meeting of the policy and resources committee on Tuesday, hailing it as one of the ‘most exciting projects ever’ for the area.

Depute council leader Jim Clocherty said: “For us and for the future of Inverclyde it’s a great opportunity we really have to grasp with both hands.” Council leader Stephen McCabe, pictured, added: “It’s an exciting initiative.

Councillor Jim MacLeod, the SNP group deputy leader, also gave the plans his backing, and said he was particularly impressed with the Ocean Terminal proposals.

He said: “We have got to welcome any improvement in Inverclyde’s infrastructure and especially if jobs are to be created.

“It’s also very welcome to get more tourists coming to Inverclyde and Scotland.” Concerns were raised by some elected members about the £3.75m which the local authority will have to contribute to the project in the face of job and budget cuts throughout the council.

But Councillor McCabe said: “For us to invest £3.75m and get £27m I think is a good deal.

“This is a no-brainer.”