THE plan for a new £15m cruise ship terminal and visitor centre and George Wyllie museum will take up a third of all the parking spaces at the Waterfront.

Planning documents show that 83 of the 256 parking spaces at the car park, which serves the Waterfront leisure centre and cinema, would be lost as a result of the building proposed for beside the river.

A transport statement produced by consultants as part of the proposal argues that the loss of parking will not present a problem, stating that that the existing car park does not operate 'anywhere near capacity'.

It says: "It is noted that a total of 83 car parking spaces will be lost as a result of constructing the new building within the existing Waterfront car park.

"The existing car park is used for both the cinema and the Waterfront Leisure complex but it operates well within capacity and indeed the operators of the car park (Inverclyde Council) have confirmed that the loss of the 83 parking spaces will not have any operational impact on the running of the existing waterfront facilities.

"It is not anticipated that there will be any car parking displaced from this area."

Under the plans a section of Customhouse Way would be used as an area for up to 10 coaches at a time dropping off passengers returning from excursions.

A traffic regulation order would be in place on days when cruise ships are visiting, meaning that the stretch of road would be closed to private vehicles.

Normal vehicles trying to get access to facilities on Customhouse Way, such as the cinema and leisure centre, would be diverted to approach from the A8/Brymner Street side.

The new development is being proposed along with a new cruise ship berthing pontoon planned for the eastern side of the terminal.

The aim is to enable more cruise ships to visit the town and take the number of visits towards 100.

The application is currently being scrutinised by planning officials.

If the bid gets the go-ahead then it's hoped the development would be ready for summer 2020.