A new harbour and one-way traffic on Kempock Street are featured in plans to redevelop central Gourock and its pierhead.
Inverclyde Council is backing the plans drawn up by regeneration company Riverside, which would see a new link road being built – but a bypass has been ruled out as too expensive.
A ‘masterplan’ for the project highlights Gourock’s ‘interesting, historic townscape’, exceptional views and almost unique open air swimming pool.
But it states that these assets are isolated and poorly connected, adding: “The town centre must have a more positive relationship with the river; it requires a new frontage and riverfront esplanade.”
As well as changes to roads and car parks, a ‘high quality public open space’ is proposed for the pierhead.
Full details of the plans are available here, together with an online form for the public to make comments.
Looks like a well thought out development, and one that is sorely needed. I have 3 observations;
1. The slipway for formalised beach access should be wider; slipways can never be too wide and although Gourock has some slipways already they are either in very poor condition or are difficult to access.
2. Has there been consideration of the need for a new landing stage for the Gourock-Kilcreggan ferry? There were press reports that the existing stage was becoming unsafe, it is certainly unsightly and not a good welcome to Gourock; if it is to be replaced it would make sense that the works are carried out at the same time as this development to minimise disruption. Building a new landing stage for both the Dunoon and the Kilcreggan ferries further northwest, closer to the railway ticket office, would seem a logical thing to do, improving the intermodality with the train and bus services and taxi rank in the carpark. It would also improve access between the ferry services and the centre of Gourock, and if the proposed Sainsburys is built many people will travel from Kilcreggan to shop there in preference to a 30 minute drive or 45 minute bus ride to Helensburgh.
3. Will Network Rail please put an entrance in the northwest side of the ticket office? It is very frustrating walking up to what looks like a door and indeed is one, only to discover it’s locked; having to walk all the way round the inexplicably massive building to the front door is irritating and makes pedestrians walk far further than car or bus travellers have to.