A £19 million package of support for the proposed ocean liner terminal of Greenock has been described as a “game changer” for the cruise business in the port town.
Funds from the state-backed City Deal together and Peel Ports are due to be spent on the new cruise ship berthing and visitor centre situated at Greenock Ocean Terminal.
Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet approved a contribution of GBP 9.693 million from its overall GBP 1 billion pot, that is funded equally by the UK and Scottish governments.
The balance of the marine and dockside works is to be paid for by terminal operator Peel Ports (GBP 8 million) and George Wyllie Foundation through arts funder the Dunard Trust (GBP 1.5 million).
The news comes as early stages of site works begin on the overall project led by Peel Ports and Inverclyde Council.
The development is scheduled for completion in summer next year. It is expected to boost the number of cruise passengers welcomed to Scotland via the Greenock facility. It will see up to 150,000 guests per year passing through the cruise terminal, delivering GBP 26 million in annual visitor and crew spend to the economy of Scotland.