Evaluation of the Greenock Waterfront: final report

The Greenock Waterfront initiatives aimed to enable the regeneration of the wider Inverclyde economy, through improvements to the physical environment and the provision of infrastructure for the development of leisure, educational and retail facilities, by undertaking environmental improvements, developing brownfield land, and creating employment opportunities. The evaluation aimed to assess the impact of the regeneration on the Greenock, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire economies, its value for money, and the redevelopment of the harbour area.

The methodology consisted of: desk research; consultations with key partners; pedestrian and business surveys; an economic profile of Greenock; and a Greenock and Inverclyde press search.

Finds the land uses on the Waterfront have created over 2,400 jobs (65% of the direct jobs going to local people), contributing to an above average increase in employment, a fall in claimant count unemployment, and the diversification of the Inverclyde economy. Indicates that 35 hectares of derelict land were cleared. Observes that the developments helped to create an office market and make the transition to a service based economy possible. Other impacts include a modest, positive image change, leading to the potential for inward investment and a housing market improvement. Shows that the development has been popular with Greenock residents. Suggests there is scope for improvement. Concludes that the completion of the harbour scheme is an important goal for SE Renfrewshire’s partners.

For future competitive place projects, recommends that: the quality and vibrancy of places is crucial; developments need a strong, unifying identity; and it is necessary to give attention to the employment and training needs of those who do not readily fit with the types of employment created. In project management terms, highlights the importance of dedicated management, the key role of project ‘champions’, the importance of land ownership, and the difficulty of realising sustainable flagship heritage / tourist projects.