MSP Jamie Greene says the new the new cruise ship terminal being built in Greenock will transform the area's tourism prospects.
Construction is under way as part of a £19.2m development which will welcome passengers and crew from some of the world’s largest and most luxurious vessels to Inverclyde.
The project, led by Inverclyde Council, is part of the £1 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal funded by the UK and Scottish governments, with contributions from Peel Ports (£8m), operators of the existing Greenock Ocean Terminal, and the George Wyllie Foundation via the Dunard Trust (£1.5m).
The development is expected to increase visitor numbers to some 150,000 passengers a year and provide a £26m boost to the Scottish economy.
The dedicated cruise ship visitor centre will feature an arrivals/departure hall as well as a museum paying tribute to the late, world-famous artist George Wyllie, who worked as a Customs Officer in Greenock and lived for many years in Gourock, and a high-end restaurant and roof terrace with panoramic views of the River Clyde.
It is expected to be completed by summer 2022.
Mr Greene said: “This new game-changing visitor centre will provide a massive boost for our local area, creating jobs, boosting tourism and attracting inward investment.
“This project will also be a great opportunity for us to showcase the very best of Inverclyde and give visitors a true taste of our culture, heritage and rich history.
“It also comes at a particularly difficult time, with the pandemic having hit us disproportionately hard and damaged our local economy, and I would like to thank all those involved at every level for making it happen.”
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