THE first plots at a new development in Gourock have been put on the market for almost £300,000.

Construction company Globe Homes are working closely with local firm Bowman Rebecchi Estate Agents to create 22 three-bedroom semi-detached homes at the former McPherson Centre site.

The new properties will be constructed on the cleared land between Tower Drive, Jacobs Drive, and McPherson Drive.

Plots one and two at the highly-sought site are now on the market for £275,000, with further plots expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Bowman Rebecchi said that there had been a high demand for the new homes.

They stated that more than 160 people had pre-registered their interest in the houses, with many already identifying which plot they want to be their future home.

All of the homes are named after elements of famous Gourockian Captain Duncan McPherson's life. 

The development's logo is based on one of the ships that McPherson is believed to have sailed during his career and can be seen on the water fountain — donated to the town by McPherson — at Gourock Pierhead Gardens.

Andrew Bowman, director at Bowman Rebecchi said: “It was important for all parties to retain as much heritage as possible with the McPherson Centre despite it being demolished.

“We believe the ship to be part of the gem shipping line fleet, for whom McPherson worked for over a number of years.

“Our special thanks go to Paul Dickson for his support in creating this fitting tribute and to The Watt Institute in Greenock for confirming the accuracy of McPherson's life.”

Bowman Rebecchi has also worked closely with Globe Homes and Rebecchi Architectural to create a virtual reality experience of the homes for buyers.

The McPherson development is expected to get underway in autumn 2022, with the first homes ready for occupancy in February 2023.