£30 million city deal investment confirmed

Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon

The first £30 million of investment in a transformative £1.13 billion city and region deal for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley has been confirmed.

During a visit to Greenock ocean liner terminal, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said more than £14 million of the £1.13 billion package is earmarked for a planned expansion of the quayside and construction of a state-of-the-art visitor facility, by Inverclyde Council and terminal owners Peel Ports.

Two other local developments are also being considered in Inverclyde as part of the city deal: a £9.4 million ‘renewables hub’ at Inchgreen dry-dock and £4 million of improvements to the A78 at Inverkip.



The Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal is backed by £500 million each from the UK and Scottish governments, with eight Glasgow and Clyde Valley councils contributing a further £130 million.

The First Minister said: “The port at Greenock provides the gateway to Glasgow and the west coast of Scotland, and I am delighted that it may be one of the first beneficiaries of the city deal being supported by the Scottish Government.

“This proposed investment in the ocean terminal would significantly expand cargo and cruise berthing facilities, creating and supporting local jobs.

“With passenger numbers at the terminal reaching more than 100,000 this year, this planned

expansion will help cement Greenock’s position as one of Europe’s leading cruise liner terminals, which plays an important role in developing a thriving local economy.

“The Scottish Government recognises that cities and their regions are the engines of our economy and we are working strategically with local authorities, such as Inverclyde, to unlock investment and stimulate growth.

“This proposed development at Greenock is just part of an infrastructure investment programme that can unlock benefits from more than £1.13 billion in support being provided through what is the biggest city deal of its kind anywhere in the UK.”

Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “Greenock Ocean Terminal is one of the three projects in Inverclyde to benefit from the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal funding.

“The cruise market through Greenock has grown substantially in recent years and sustaining that expansion is a crucial outcome of the project. With the expansion of the quayside and development of a new visitor facility, Greenock Ocean Terminal can continue to be a major economic and tourist boost locally in Inverclyde and in Scotland.

“The Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal project shows the key role local authorities play in working jointly with each other and both national Governments to deliver the key infrastructure to further develop our areas.”

Mark Whitworth, CEO Peel Ports added: “Peel Ports are committed to continuing to work with Inverclyde Council to explore economically viable options for the development of additional cruise capacity at Greenock.”

Ann MacLeod of Inverclyde Tourist Group said: “We would welcome the extension to the port and cruise ship terminal at Greenock. This will attract more cruise ships to Greenock, increasing passenger numbers and benefiting the local economy.”

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