A MAJOR Inverclyde employer is planning to build a new state-of-the-art HQ in a rundown area of Greenock as part of a major £26 million regeneration project.

River Clyde Homes (RCH) has underlined its commitment to the Broomhill redevelopment by announcing proposals to relocate there to a purpose-built office complex.

The housing association is currently based at Roxburgh House on Regent Street, where it leases office space.

Plans for a new home are said to be at an ‘early stage’ but it is a big boost to the regeneration project.

It is one of the biggest ever to take place in Scotland and will see over 600 properties refurbished inside and out and around 20 brand new homes built.

Inverclyde Association for Mental Health (IAMH) have also lodged separate plans to transform the nearby former Mearns Centre land and build a new HQ along with a community centre and walled garden space.

Willie Croft, property and development services director at RCH, said: “River Clyde Homes has already announced its biggest ever area regeneration plan that will see over £26m invested in the Broomhill area of Greenock.” Mr Croft, inset, added: “This comes on top of other significant initiatives by our partners to invest in the infrastructure of the area. To underline our commitment to the regeneration we plan to build a new office complex in Broomhill.

“We anticipate this would bring ongoing benefits to the area and during the construction phase it will bring jobs and training opportunities.

“Our plans are at the early stages and no timescale has yet been set for the opening of the offices.

“We will be working with our partners to ensure that the plans contribute to the well-being of this important area of the town.” An announcement in June that the long-neglected Broomhill area is to be transformed was met with great delight by residents.

On top of the refurbishment and new-builds, multi-storey courts Prospecthill, Whinhill and Broomhill will be given a facelift when modern rain screens are fitted in a style similar to that of the recently-renovated Holmscroft area of Greenock. RCH has also teamed up with British Gas to develop a £7.2m replacement for the 40-year-old heating plant for the high-rise blocks and surrounding homes that will result in lower bills for customers.

Mr Croft said: “This is a huge investment in a modern day system that will supply cheaper and more efficient heating to over 650 homes in the Broomhill area.

“Customers will notice a significant difference in the comfort of their homes and their heating bills.” RCH’s partnership with Inverclyde Council has also meant that homeowners in the area will be able to participate in the refurbishment works at zero cost through a Scottish Government scheme.

The housing association is due to open a project office in a shop unit on Broomhill Way soon to allow residents to keep up to date with developments.