April 11 2025
Inverclyde Council is to belatedly commence demolition of a condemned Port Glasgow residential district to progress a regeneration masterplan.
A fire-gutted former school and church at Clune Park are first in line for the wrecking ball, both of which are set to come down in a matter of weeks. These will be followed by a further 15 tenement blocks comprising 138 flats lining the western side of Bruce Street and connecting section of Robert Street and both sides of Wallace Street.
The B-listed Clune Park School and Clune Park Church are both owned by Inverclyde Council, the former going up in flames in 2023. It had been hoped to pursue a facade retention scheme for the school to retain a focal point for the area.
Demolition contractor Caskie has been lined up to carry out the six-month contract from late April, clearing the way for a new residential masterplan prepared by Hypostyle Architects.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “It’s important to remember that the former school and church buildings and the residential properties are being demolished in the interests of safety based on professional advice following extensive investigations.”
A further 30 tenement blocks are subject to further investigations to identify dangerous buildings. Ultimately it is proposed to replace 430 substandard tenement flats with 165 affordable homes for social rent.
A mix of 165 new homes will be delivered in phases