WORK on a new £2.2 million horticultural centre which will transform part of Greenock is due to begin in July.

Inverclyde Association for Mental Health (IAMH) are to turn the site in Broomhill into a pioneering training and community facility to help unemployed people get back into work.

The ambitious project is being funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Life Transitions programme.

Depute council leader Jim Clocherty, whose ward takes in the area which will be developed, says IAMH’s success in securing the lottery award should inspire other local groups.

Councillor Clocherty said: “This is a tremendous achievement and one worth recognising.

“It’s been highlighted many times that Inverclyde as an area doesn’t often go out and bid for national funding for projects and events.

“The horticulture project is an exciting and innovative project and that has been recognised with the award from the Big Lottery.

“Not only will it help to break down barriers for people accessing employment, it will further contribute to the ongoing plans to regenerate Broomhill.” The existing IAMH gardening programme operates at two sites in Greenock which are some distance away from each other, and they have reached their capacity — resulting in a waiting list which is limiting the growth of the successful social enterprise. The new facility will help to expand the service, increase training opportunities and help more people with mental help problems get back into work.

Margaret Tait, chief executive of Inverclyde Association for Mental Health, said: “We are committed to enabling people who face multiple barriers in their life the opportunity to realise their potential.

“Thanks to this award we can move forward with the development of our new facility where we will be able to offer a diverse range of opportunities not only to people experiencing mental health issues, but to the wider community.

“We envisage that the facility will play a central part in the dynamic regeneration of the Broomhill area in partnership with Inverclyde Council, River Clyde Homes and the local residents.

“Our intention is to create an environment which will be conducive to the promotion of acceptance, enabling, learning, enterprise, opportunity, recovery and well-being.

“We believe we can achieve this by creating a space through the design and layout of the facility and associated grounds that can be an inspiring functional facility that is considered a valuable resource and amenity within the local community.” The old Mearns Centre has been flattened to make way for part of the development and community campaigners are welcoming it with open arms.

Jenny Speck, chair of Broomhill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “The association welcomes the chance to go into partnership with Inverclyde Association for Mental Health to create both a community centre for the residents of the area and to be part of a regeneration that can only be of benefit to all concerned.

“We hope this will bring about a renewed sense of community and, together with the wider regeneration that is going on in Broomhill, make it both an attractive and desirable place to live once again.”