The iconic Charles Anderson mural, formerly located on the gable end of the Hector McNeil Building in Clyde Square, has been successfully removed intact as part of the ongoing redevelopment of Greenock Town Centre.

The artwork, which consists of six individual panels, is being preserved for future display.

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson confirmed the importance of the piece to the local community, stating: "The frieze, designed by Charles Anderson in 1970 out of fibreglass, is a popular local cultural asset and planning to retain the artwork has been considerable. The preserved artwork will now be safely stored until a future location is confirmed. Two further Charles Anderson murals from inside Hector McNeil House have already been successfully removed and stored."

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The removal process began earlier this week alongside the demolition of the Hector McNeil Building. To ensure the murals could be accessed and inspected safely, contractors had to demolish the single-storey portion of the structure first.

Balfour Beatty, the contractor leading the works, emphasised their dedication to protecting local heritage during the redevelopment. A spokesperson said: "As part of the Greenock Town Centre redevelopment works, Balfour Beatty is committed to ensuring that any existing artwork of cultural and community significance is treated with the utmost care and respect.

"The safe removal, protection and preservation of the Charles Anderson mural have been prioritised, recognising its importance as a community asset and its potential for future re-use. This approach reflects our wider commitment to working collaboratively with Inverclyde Council and local stakeholders to protect local heritage and deliver long-term social value alongside the physical transformation of Greenock Town Centre."

The broader £24 million project is led by Inverclyde Council and supported by funding from the UK Government. The redevelopment initiative aims to transform the town centre by overseeing the demolition of Hector McNeil House, the eastern section of the Oak Mall shopping centre, the Bullring Roundabout, and the A78 flyover at High Street.