City Deal funding towards the £19.2 million cost of the new cruise berthing and visitor centre at Greenock Ocean Terminal has been confirmed.
The Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet has approved a contribution of £9.7m from its overall £1 billion pot, which is funded equally by the Scottish and UK governments.
The balance of the marine and landside works will be paid for by Greenock Ocean Terminal operator Peel Ports (£8m) and the George Wyllie Foundation through arts funder the Dunard Trust (£1.5m).
The news comes as early stages of site work begin on the overall project, which is led by Peel Ports and Inverclyde Council.
The development, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2020, will boost the number of cruise ship passengers welcomed to Scotland through the successful Greenock facility.
It will allow up to 150,000 passengers to pass through Greenock Ocean Terminal each year, delivering £26m in annual visitor and crew spend to the Scottish economy.
In addition to the cruise berthing and the visitor centre designed by Richard Murphy Architects, the plans also include a purpose-built gallery celebrating the work of Inverclyde artist George Wyllie and a restaurant with panoramic views across the Clyde.
Peel Ports Clydeport port director Andrew Hemphill said: “The confirmation of City Deal funding comes as the Terminal celebrates its 50th birthday. This overall investment is crucial to the remarkable growth of cruise traffic to Greenock, allowing us to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for passengers.
“Year on year, we are building a major cruise business on the Clyde and, thanks to the success of Greenock Ocean Terminal, more people than ever are taking a cruise to Scotland.
Inverclyde Council Leader councillor Stephen McCabe said: “The project is part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal and aims to boost the capacity at Greenock Ocean Terminal for cruise ships. The addition of a restaurant and Wyllie Gallery will help to provide a year-round attraction for visitors to Greenock and Inverclyde.
