Press Release
11th January 2001
£3 Million for New Public Transport Hub at Gourock
Plans for the regeneration of Gourock have been given a huge boost following today’s announcement by Transport Minister, Sarah Boyack, that she has awarded £3 million to fund a new public transport interchange in the town.
The award gives the green light to plans to provide a one-stop terminal, linking ferry, rail, bus and taxi services. This "transport hub" will encourage and increase the use of public transport, will attract more visitors to the area and deliver a huge boost for the local economy.
It will be the key to wider redevelopment proposals for the Gourock waterfront.
MSP for Greenock & Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, who, together with colleagues on Inverclyde Council, has campaigned for this investment is "delighted" with the news.
"This is good news for Gourock, " he said. "The new interchange will radically improve public transport and offer real choices to those who live and work in the area, as well as those who visit Gourock each year.
"I congratulate the Minister on her decision and also pay tribute to the hard work of Inverclyde Council in making their case."
Mr McNeil continued, saying that the new transport hub, while delivering a first-class integrated transport system, was not an end in itself.
"The knock-on effects, in terms of increased visitors and business, will kick-start the regeneration of Gourock. Exciting plans to regenerate the town can now be taken forward thanks to this announcement."
In making the announcement, the Transport Minister, said:
"I am delighted to make this award to Inverclyde Council.
"This funding has been made available from the Public Transport Fund to help provide people throughout Scotland with real transport choices as well as improving a truly integrated public transport network."
The interchange will improve integration between different modes of transport by replacing the existing rail and ferry terminals. It will include facilities for park and ride, busses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians, in addition to links to Gourock town centre and the newly redeveloped waterfront.
ENDS
Background Notes:
Today’s announcement is made as part of the third round of Public Transport Fund awards which were announced by Transport Minister, Ms Boyack, last November. The bid from Inverclyde Council was deferred at this point for further information and has now been accepted following a revised submission. It takes the current total from the third round awards to more than £36 million.
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