Tuesday June 23rd 2026
Inverclyde Council headquarters
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Buisnesses are being invited to have their say on proposed changes to West Blackhall Street aimed at improving parking and tackling obstruction.
Inverclyde Council has written directly to traders in the area seeking their views on a series of proposals that would create additional parking spaces and increase turnover of bays.
It is hoped the plans would add extra capacity for businesses and shoppers and reduce the number of vehicles parking illegally and inconsiderately on the cycle path and in loading bays.
The proposed changes are in response to feedback from traders and members of the public and, if approved, would see four new spaces created in and around West Blackhall Street and a 45 per cent increase in daily parking availability by altering the current parking time limit.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “The West Blackhall Street redevelopment has transformed a tired and disjointed area into a more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone and that’s something we should be proud of.
“But we have listened to the concerns about the challenges with parking, deliveries and inconsiderate parking, especially on the cycle path, and that’s why officers have developed a series of changes that could be made relatively quickly to alleviate some of those pressures.
“It’s important that businesses have the opportunity to have their say on the proposals and provide feedback about any further improvements that could be made.”
The plans include:
Better Use of Loading Bays
By allowing loading bays to operate as parking spaces after 10am, this could create 15 additional parking spaces across the town centre – an increase of around 15 per cent – while still protecting essential delivery access for businesses between 8am and 10am.
Increasing Turnover to Support Local Businesses
Introduce a one-hour maximum stay within the town centre on West Blackhall St, Westburn St, Nicolson St, Laird St, Argyll St, Jamaica St, Kilblain St, Nelson St, Dalrymple St, Grey Place and Haig St. This would significantly increase the number of visitors who can access the town centre each day.
A comparison a parking availability on West Blackhall St, Westburn St, Nicolson St, Laird St, Argyll St and Jamaica St is shown below:
– Pre-redevelopment: 540 vehicles per day
– Current: 392 vehicles per day
– Proposed: up to 784 vehicles per day. This represents a 45 per cent increase in daily parking availability, helping more customers visit shops, services, and amenities.
Creating Additional Spaces
– Dalrymple Street: Three new parking spaces opposite Word Up.
– Jamaica Street: One additional space near the junction with West Blackhall Street. These small changes would deliver immediate, visible improvements to parking capacity.
During the town centre redevelopment, an additional two disabled bays were added.
Businesses have until Tuesday 30 June 2026 to provide feedback.
If there is broad support for the proposals, they would initially be introduced on a temporary basis under a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, which will allow for the impact of the changes to be monitored and adjustments made if required.
For more information, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/roads.
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