Hard and soft landscaping works including new public realm spaces, footpath improvements and planting work also form part of the proposals, which were revealed on Inverclyde Council’s website on Monday.
The plans are part of the Greenock Central Project, which will see the eastern part of the Oak Mall demolished, the A8/A78 trunk road relocated to street level, and the replacement of the Bullring roundabout with a smaller signalled junction.
According to a supporting statement lodged with the formal planning application, the public realm works will involve the creation of areas of green space, street trees, public seating and a network of pedestrian and cycle paths linking to controlled crossings of the A8 and A78, as well as improving on the quality of the retained public space in Clyde Square.
The new proposals detail tree planting and pavement improvements on the eastern (Dalrymple Street) and southern (High Street) approaches to the junction where the Bullring roundabout currently stands, with wild cherry, cypress oak, rowan and yew among the trees set to be planted.
Preparations for the demolition of the Oak Mall’s eastern end began in November last year, three years after planning permission was granted, and a separate application for additional demolition at the Oak Mall and the creation of a new façade was approved in February of this year.
The supporting statement, prepared for the council by environmental consultants Ironside Farrar, says: “The landscaping proposals contribute to a more sustainable, liveable and attractive town centre by creating high-quality public realm with a mix of hard and soft landscaping that enhances the town centre environment, improves accessibility and encourages public use, incorporating green infrastructure and planting that supports biodiversity, providing habitat enhancements and contributing to the local nature network.”
Inverclyde Council’s website says the application has an ‘expiry date’ of Friday, December 19.
The then Conservative Government allocated £19.4 million to the transformation of Greenock town centre in April 2022 under what was then known as the Levelling Up Fund, and added a further £20m to the cash pot for the town’s regeneration in October 2023.
In her Budget last week, Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a further £20m for the town, specifically for the redevelopment of the Inchgreen dry dock.
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