Riverside Inverclyde | Harbours / Cathcart Street

ri DEVELOPMENTS

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Harbours / Cathcart Street

Physical regeneration:

The infill of the Lamont dry dock was completed in May 2010. This allowed the new Greenock Arts Guild or Beacon Arts Centre as it is to be known, to start on site in November 2010. The site start was marked by a visit from First Minister Alex Salmond, whilst the Patron of the Greenock Arts Guild, HRH Prince Edward, also attended a civic reception in Inverclyde during which the name of the new theatre was announced. Estimated for completion in June 2012, the theatre will provide a focal point for performing arts and help improve Inverclyde’s attraction as a visitor destination.

The Grade A listed Custom House was acquired by ri (Property Holdings) Ltd in January 2011. Up until December 2010, this elegant and imposing architectural landmark was the only working custom house in Scotland. Since the tenant H M Customs & Excise vacated the building in December 2010 there was a real danger of this historically and culturally important building falling into a state of serious disrepair. ri have secured the short-term future of the building and plans for the long-term redevelopment are being investigated in more detail.

The remainder of the Harbours/Cathcart Street development area has been affected by the continuing effects of the global credit crisis and subsequent impact on the residential development market. Despite this significant challenge ri’s development partner Clydeport has undertaken environmental improvements on site until such time as market conditions improve and the originally intended residential development led masterplan becomes viable once again.

The key focus within this area will be the refurbishment of the Custom House. The refurbishment will prioritise improving disabled access and the heating system. These works will be done in a non-abortive basis to secure the short to medium term future of the building whilst the long term redevelopment strategy is investigated further.

In addition ri will continue to monitor the progress of the new Beacon Arts Centre in partnership with other key funding partners to ensure the successful completion of the facility in 2012.

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