Demolition work for the Central Greenock project is close to completion, with the public reminded that the town centre remains open for business throughout.

The removal of the A78 High Street flyover and the eastern section of the Oak Mall Shopping Centre structure is largely finished, following the demolition of Hector McNeil House in May.

Attention is now turning to construction on the £24 million programme, which is largely funded by the UK Government and being delivered by Inverclyde Council.

Main contractors Balfour Beatty will create a new low-level road, signalised junctions and pedestrian crossings to replace the flyover and the Bullring Roundabout. A temporary, weatherproof façade will also be installed at the Oak Mall's eastern entrance ahead of a permanent frontage to be delivered later.

In the meantime, routes into the town centre remain open, including access between Container Way and Dalrymple Street via the Bullring.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: "The Central Greenock project is really moving at pace and with these demolition works nearing completion, it is another key milestone in this important modernisation of the town centre.

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"The transformation thus far is remarkable and you can really see one of the key aims of the project – to open up the town centre – starting to take shape.

"I'm now looking forward to the construction phases beginning and the delivery of a more modern and accessible town centre for everyone.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to remind people that access to Greenock Town Centre remains and that the many wonderful shops, businesses, cafes, bars and restaurants are still very much open for business and need your continued support."

Temporary road measures at the Bullring are expected to remain until July 2027. After that, traffic management will be adjusted to allow demolition of the north side of the Bullring.

All roadworks are scheduled to conclude by late 2027, with further details on the second phase to be provided nearer the time.

An alternative route between Ratho Street and Barr's Cottage is in operation for the duration of the works, including as a diversion for traffic that would normally use the A78 High Street. A package of improvements and temporary measures was introduced across the road network in preparation for the main roadworks phase, which began at the end of July.

Cllr McCabe said: "Generally speaking, people have adapted well to the various temporary arrangements and officers have reacted quickly to feedback to ensure traffic continues to flow in and out of the town centre and along the diversion routes with little or no disruption.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these important modernisation works are carried out."

The Central Greenock redevelopment aims to open up the town centre and improve access for pedestrians and vehicles, including links to and from the waterfront, while removing ageing and underused infrastructure. Further information is available on the Inverclyde Council website.