September 4, 2014

An iconic tobacco warehouse in Greenock opens its doors to the public for the first time.

The historic five-storey building, which is located on the corner of Clarence, Hood and Haig streets, dates back to 1896.

Local architect Dominic Quigley had always been fascinated by it and asked owners if he could take a look around.

He was so thrilled at getting a rare chance to have a sneak peak at a part of Inverclyde’s heritage that he asked if the public could visit it too as part of the annual Doors Open Days weekend.

(Image: Newsquest)

Owner and businessman Joseph White — who has a property portfolio which includes nightclubs Word Up and Harwoods and the old Gillespie’s furniture building — bought the warehouse 15 years ago and was happy to oblige.

He said: “We bought it to secure the cultural heritage of Greenock and the Inverclyde waterfront and put money into the infrastructure to restore the building.”

The B-Listed bonded store, although known as a tobacco warehouse, was also used for the storage of whisky.

It was built by Greenock whisky distillers and blenders R Thorne & Sons Ltd.

Mark Brysland, the director of property for Mr White’s company, said: “I love the warehouse.

“We refurbished the lower units and let them out and I would like to see something happening to the building.

“It is of interest to young and old people alike and there may be some people who are still alive who worked here.”