Friday October 2nd 2026
Aerial view of the Central Greenock project site with the now demolished A78 High Street flyover, eastern section of the Oak Mall Shopping Centre, and Hector McNeil House, with the Municipal Buildings, Waterfront Retail Park, and Waterfront Leisure Complex in the background.
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Central Greenock project building demolition works are nearing completion – with residents being reminded that the town centre is still open for business.
Removal of the A78 High Street flyover and eastern section of the Oak Mall Shopping Centre structure is now largely finished.
It follows the demolition of Hector McNeil House, which was completed in May.
It is now full steam ahead with the construction phase of the £24 million project, which is largely funded by the UK Government and is being delivered by Inverclyde Council.
Main contractors, Balfour Beatty, are turning their attentions to creating a new low-level road, signalised junctions and pedestrian crossings to replace the flyover and Bullring Roundabout.
They will also construct a temporary, weatherproof façade at the eastern entrance to the Oak Mall ahead of a new, permanent frontage being delivered at a later date.
In the meantime, access to the town centre remains open, including 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.
“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.”
The temporary road measures on the Bullring are expected to be in place until July 2027.
Following this, the traffic management will be altered to allow for the demolition of the north side of the Bullring.
All roadworks are due to be completed by late 2027 and further details about the second phase will be made available nearer the time.
An alternative route remains in operation between Ratho Street and Barr’s Cottage for the duration of the roadworks, including as a diversion for traffic that would normally travel along the A78 High Street.
A variety of improvements were made and temporary measures introduced across the roads networks in preparation for the main roadworks phase of the project, which started 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 is designed to open up the town centre and improve access for pedestrians and vehicles, including to and from the waterfront, while removing ageing and underused infrastructure.
More information about the Central Greenock project is available on the Inverclyde Council website at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/centralgreenockproject.
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