Sustrans Scotland’s Network Development Fund has helped provide a new route for people walking, wheeling and cycling in Greenock.
Brian Lavalette from Peel L&P, Chris Brace, Network Delivery Manager at Sustrans Scotland and Councillor Michael McCormick at the opening of the new coastal path in Greenock. Credit: Inverclyde Council
A new section of coastal path which passes through the heart of Inverclyde opened on 4 April 2023.
The transformed, traffic-free route has improved the experience for people walking, wheeling and cycling from the Beacon Arts Centre to Cartsburn in Greenock, and connected the area with National Cycle Network Route 75.
Construction work started in October 2022 and was recently completed.
Inspiration behind the re-routed path
This project is part of Inverclyde Council’s long-term plans to upgrade the active travel route between Wemyss Bay and Port Glasgow.
It follows 2021’s Sustrans Pocket Place project at East India Harbour that installed new seating, musical instruments, a telescope and a wildflower meadow on the southern infilled dock.
The traffic-free route has improved the experience for people walking, wheeling and cycling from the Beacon Arts Centre to Cartsburn in Greenock. Credit: Inverclyde Council
Accessible active travel infrastructure for everyone
The re-routed path through East India and Victoria Harbours has created a space where Greenock residents, regardless of age, background or ability, are able to easily and safely enjoy the benefits of exercising and being outside.
The coastal path has linked the west and east sides of Inverclyde.
It's improved connectivity to local businesses and connected with the existing path on National Cycle Network Route 75, which offers spectacular views of the area.
The project has created two segregated, two-metre-wide paths for walking, wheeling and cycling, and for people using mobility scooters.
An access point from the EE Customer Contact Centre has also been improved, and fencing at the harbour has been upgraded.
New lighting is currently being installed along the route with funding from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
Looking ahead
Ahead of the opening of the re-routed path, Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s Convener of Environment and Regeneration, discussed how he hoped the project would positively impact the local community:
“We have some of the best views in the country, so we should be showing them off, and this new coastal route does exactly that while encouraging people to use alternative forms of travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling, for the benefit of the environment and their health.
Residents and visitors alike now have a clear and comfortable path to travel through Greenock and Inverclyde, and of course we hope that by having welcoming routes like this, they will also stop off and enjoy the many attractions and wonderful local businesses we have along our waterfront and in our town centres.”
The new path has linked the west and east sides of Inverclyde, improved connectivity to local businesses, and connected with the existing path on National Cycle Network Route 75. Credit: Inverclyde Council
A vital amenity for the local community
Chris Brace, Network Delivery Manager at Sustrans Scotland, added:
“We’re very pleased to see work complete on this important link along National Cycle Network Route 75 in Greenock, supported by funding from the Scottish Government.
We hope the new path will be a vital amenity for the local community, making it easier and safer for everyone in Inverclyde to make healthier, happier and more sustainable choices for their everyday journeys.”
Brian Lavalette, Property Director for Scotland at Peel L&P, said:
“Creating sustainable, accessible, and inclusive communities within unique waterfront settings is at the heart of each of our Peel Waters developments.
“This new coastal route will encourage sustainable active travel, benefiting the health and wellbeing of our local communities.
“We are looking forward to this new scenic route being used to connect up Greenock Harbour with other neighbourhoods which will help drive inclusive growth for local businesses, the town and the region.
“We are very pleased that this route is now open, and by working in partnership with Inverclyde Council and our other partners, we have created more opportunities for our local community, which celebrates a unique part of Scotland and its fantastic waterfront location.”
SPT Vice-Chair and Inverclyde Councillor David Wilson added:
“SPT is delighted to be supporting this active travel project as part of our capital programme.
“This investment along the national cycle route will help encourage more people to become physically active and provide a safe traffic-free environment, ideal for families and young kids.”
Working in partnership
This project was delivered by Inverclyde Council with Scottish Government funding administered by Sustrans Scotland.
Support was given by PEEL Land and Property (Greenock Harbours) Ltd., which owns and leases part of the land the path travels through and granted permission for its use.
Work on new lighting along the new route is currently ongoing and due for completion at a later date, with funding from SPT.
Find out more about the National Cycle Network in Scotland.
Read why a barrier-free National Cycle Network is so important.
