A waterfront site at James Watt Dock in Greenock, Scotland has been conditionally sold to Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, in a move that could reshape part of Inverclyde’s historic docklands.
The agreement was confirmed by James Watt Dock LLP and is subject to planning approval. If granted, the redevelopment is expected to introduce a mix of food and beverage outlets, leisure facilities and residential units.
The project will proceed in three stages, beginning with Sheds C and D and the crane, before moving to Sheds A and B and concluding with the Boat Yard area. Each phase will only be transferred to Glasgow Arts Centre Limited once the previous stage has been completed. The phased approach is intended to preserve the listed buildings on the site while maintaining standards throughout the development.
Brian Lavalette, Property Director for Scotland at Peel Waters and member of the James Watt Dock LLP Board, stated: “This is an exciting moment for the Inverclyde waterfront. Glasgow Arts Centre Limited brings imagination, experience and a genuine commitment to heritage-led development. We look forward to seeing the plans evolve and the site flourish.”
Director Bradley Mitchell of Glasgow Arts Centre Limited has experience in restoring and repurposing historically important structures across Glasgow. Its previous projects include the Britannia Panopticon, the Barclay Curle shipyard and crane and the conversion of Washington Street into creative studios for artists, musicians and producers.
Mitchell said: “We’re delighted to begin this journey at James Watt Dock. Our vision is one that blends ambition with sensitivity to the site’s rich history, creating something exceptional for locals and visitors alike. We have a lot of history along the Clyde and I would like to connect Greenock to Glasgow through culture and heritage. We feel the site has a lot of potential for small businesses and start-ups and could be something really exciting for Greenock.”
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, described the announcement as “a significant moment not just for the historic Sugar Sheds and iconic Titan Crane but for the ongoing regeneration of Inverclyde.” He added: “I am delighted to welcome Glasgow Arts Centre Limited as the new owner of these famous landmarks and their proposals to redevelop the site has the potential to create an exciting new attraction to encourage even more people, near and far, to discover Inverclyde and the many great things we have to offer."
The James Watt Dock Marina, which continues to operate independently, remains an important part of the Inverclyde waterfront and is expected to benefit from the wider regeneration. A planning application for the Sugar Sheds redevelopment is anticipated to be submitted to Inverclyde Council in early autumn 2025.
