RJ McLeod has started work on a new regeneration project in Inverclyde.

The contractor is developing a new spur road off the A8 to create a new entrance into Port Glasgow town centre.

The route will form a junction with Shore Street and Princes Street, while a new civic square will be created in front of the Town Hall.

In addition, the new road will have footways on either side and a grass lawn will be created on the site of the present car park. The hard-landscaped civic space will extend over Shore Street from the front of the Town Hall. The existing civic square will be made smaller to make room for the new spur road, including the removal of the canopy and some of the steps and hard landscaping.

The scheme is being delivered by Riverside Inverclyde. as part of the Port Glasgow town centre 'masterplan', with priority projects including:

• Formation of new access into Port Glasgow from the A8 onto Princes Street (£500,000)

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• Environmental improvements to the town centre (£1.5 million)

• Removal of redundant buildings around Coronation Park (Costs N/A)

• Restoration of empty shop units to provide ‘fit for purpose' retail space (£1 million)

• Providing support for emerging retail businesses (£1.25 million)

• Acquire and demolish redundant buildings at Jean Street and Brown Street for residential development (£250,000)

• New business centre in Princes Street (£750,000)

• Develop new office and commercial accommodation in Port Glasgow (£800,000)

Riverside Inverclyde Chief Executive Fiona Maguire said: "This is the latest phase of the ongoing regeneration of Port Glasgow and will make a real difference to an area that has seen many years of decline."

Graeme Clark, Joint Managing Director of RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd said: "RJ McLeod are pleased to have been chosen to carry out the ‘New Gateway into Port Glasgow'. As a leading Scottish civil engineering firm with experience of regeneration in the Inverclyde area, we appreciate that the interface and relationships with local stakeholders, residents, businesses and the general public are key aspects to a successful project. This scheme will have both long and short term gains to the local community."

Cllr Colin Jackson said: "I am delighted that our plans for Port Glasgow to address years of decline in the area are moving forward. The Council, Riverside Inverclyde, the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund and the Cities Growth Fund have already contributed significantly to refreshing and renewing the town centre and this is the latest step to deliver our vision for the future of Port Glasgow."

(LM)