A NEW 200-metre dockland road and causeway has been hailed as paving the way to new waterfront business opportunities in Inverclyde.

The route at James Watt Dock has been designed to open up Garvel Island, providing existing firms with better connectivity and 'unlocking' remaining sites for future development.

It has been delivered in a partnership by James Watt Dock LLP – a company owned by Riverside Inverclyde Urban Development Company and waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters.

The road replaces the previous bridge which had gone beyond its designated life and was not suitable for vehicles of a certain size and weight.

It is hoped the road will support Inverclyde Council’s efforts to ‘enhance the competitiveness’ of the area as a place to live, work, visit and invest in, as well as supporting the growing tourist and visitor economy at the marina.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, a member of the Riverside Inverclyde board, said: “We’ve all seen the transformation and success of James Watt Dock in recent years and this development is an important next step to open up even more of our fantastic coastline for the benefit of businesses and visitors to these shores.

Greenock Telegraph:

“The new road provides better connections to Garvel Island and also Great Harbour and paves the way for further development at both sites in future.

“Inverclyde is open for business and this development is one of many exciting projects happening locally to make this area an even better place to live, work, visit and do business.”

Brian Lavalette, Peel Waters property director, added: “This is the next step in the long-standing redevelopment project to regenerate the historic James Watt Dock site into a vibrant new residential, leisure and commercial community.

“Good connectivity and accessible locations are crucial for a community to grow and we are very proud to have worked in partnership with Riverside Inverclyde Urban Development Company and our other partners to complete this project and continue working together to deliver new opportunities for the area.”

Contractors George Leslie have built the route on new land which was created by sustainable filling – with the infill being undertaken by reusing clean demolition material collected from local projects.

Manging director David Ross said: "We are incredibly proud to have delivered this project on behalf of James Watt Dock LLP and to have supported their vision of enhancing Greenock’s infrastructure and making it a place where people can live, work and prosper.”