The start date for the £24 million transformation of Central Greenock has been confirmed, alongside new artist's impressions showing how the town centre will be reshaped.

Hoarding has been installed this week around Hector McNeil House as preparations get under way for the main construction phase, which is largely backed by the UK Government via the former Levelling Up Fund.

Work will be delivered in stages, beginning with the demolition of Hector McNeil House in January 2026. That will be followed by taking down the eastern section of the Oak Mall, the A78 High Street flyover and the Bullring Roundabout, all described as being in poor condition.

The principal roadworks phase will then deliver a new low‑level road and a signalised junction to replace the flyover and roundabout. A new Oak Mall entrance, improved public realm and additional greenspaces are also planned.

Access to and from Greenock Town Centre for drivers, public transport users and pedestrians will be maintained throughout. Diversions will apply during key periods, particularly when works are taking place on the A78 at High Street and around the Bullring. A full programme of dates, diversion routes and further public engagement will be published shortly.

The overall project is scheduled to complete in 2027. A dedicated website has been launched to provide updates for residents, businesses and visitors.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: "A huge amount of work has gone into this project already to get us to the stage we are at now with the first phase of the main physical works now due to begin early in the new year.

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"The redevelopment will remove ageing and outdated infrastructure and modernise Greenock Town Centre to make it a more attractive place to live, work, visit and do business.

"It will lay the foundations for further external investment and regeneration in Central Greenock, including through the Place for Neighbourhoods project.

"Unfortunately, disruption is unavoidable, but council officers are working closely with the main contractors and various partner organisations to keep disruption to an absolute minimum and ensure Greenock and Inverclyde remains open and accessible during the various stages of the project.

"But this is the biggest project of its kind in a generation and an opportunity to build upon other major improvements, including the new Ocean Terminal building and the West Blackhall Street redevelopment, to make a positive and long-lasting difference to central Greenock.

"I hope people will share in this positive outlook for the town and get behind Greenock."

Inverclyde Council has secured £19.39 million from a UK Government grant towards the scheme, with the remaining £4.19 million coming from a mix of external funds and the council's capital reserves.

The project will remove and replace ageing infrastructure, strengthen links between parts of the town centre and the waterfront, enhance retail space and create new civic areas. It is also intended to unlock further investment in central Greenock through the UK Government‑funded £20 million Plans for Neighbourhoods project (formerly Towns Fund).

Extensive planning, design and engagement with partner organisations has been ongoing behind the scenes, alongside initial site investigations.

What to expect during the works:

- Access to Greenock Town Centre, including Council/HSCP offices and local businesses, will be maintained for vehicles and pedestrians.

- Public transport will continue to operate, with Kilblain Street and West Stewart Street bus terminals remaining open.

- Parking will still be available across council‑owned and commercial car parks, although the Bullring Roundabout car park and part of Wallace Place car park will be removed during the project.

- Removing failing infrastructure is central to the plans — specifically the A78 flyover and the empty eastern portion of the Oak Mall, both in poor condition.

- The project will open up town centre access, improve connections to the waterfront, provide more public space and greenery, and create conditions for further regeneration and follow‑on investment, including through the UK Government‑funded £20 million Plans for Neighbourhoods project (formerly Towns Fund).