Inverclyde Council's Regeneration Committee has agreed to sell a triangle of land to Network Rail to allow the company to press ahead with a new £5 million train station at Gourock.

By incorporating the 320 square metres of ground into the development it allows wider plans for the regeneration of Gourock to be considered.

Regeneration Convener Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "This is a significant moment in the long-term future of Gourock. Network Rail can now build their new station in a way that maximises the potential for regeneration in the area around the pier head. Discussions are ongoing with Network Rail about how best to use surrounding land owned by the company and the council."

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Riverside Inverclyde will work in partnership with the council to come up with a master plan for the transformation of the Gourock rail head area.

The local urban regeneration company has a proven track record following a number of successful projects in Greenock and Port Glasgow including the £180 million regeneration of the James Watt Dock and historic Sugar Sheds.

Bill Nicol, Chief Executive, Riverside Inverclyde said: "I am delighted that the Board of Riverside Inverclyde has agreed that it should work closely with Inverclyde Council to explore options to develop the pierhead area of Gourock. The area has so much potential and Riverside Inverclyde is keen to help unlock this with the council."

Vice Convener of Regeneration Ronnie Ahlfeld added: "I will be most interested in the development proposals now that work on the new station is imminent. It is important that we do not lose access to the river and I believe Riverside Inverclyde’s decision to have Gourock as the next 'live' project could be one of significant importance."

Planning permission for the new train station was granted in September. The development will see a new station building, improved access for bus and taxi services and the demolition of several redundant buildings. The number of car parking spaces will be increased to 111, the largest at any station in Inverclyde.

(GK/KMcA)