Press Releases
Local construction company wins Riverside Inverclyde contract to refurbish Ladyburn Business Centre
Hot on the heels of work commencing on Phase 1 of office development at Riverside Business Park (26,000 sqft of modern office accommodation), Riverside Inverclyde (ri) is today, Tuesday 7 October, pleased to announce the next important stage of development at the Business Park - the start of the £720,000 refurbishment of Ladyburn Business Centre at Pottery Street, Greenock. This development will provide much needed space for companies involved in the third and voluntary sector as well as quality studio space for visual artists.
The refurbishment of the former Ladyburn School, constructed in 1930 was acquired by ri in March this year. Refurbishment works start on site today the 7 October, and are scheduled to be completed in March 2009. The scope of works includes a comprehensive internal and external refurbishment of the building as well as complementary landscaping surrounding the prominent two storey building.
In order to create a high quality of environment for those working within the building and people travelling along the A8, ri has appointed a local stained glass artist Alec Galloway. Stained glass will be installed in the most prominent sections of the front of the refurbished building and together with a newly commissioned piece of sculpture by Keith McCarter will create a pleasant working environment and valuable investment proposition in the area.
Bill Nicol, Chief Executive, Riverside Inverclyde explained: “Social enterprise is a significant sector in Inverclyde, generating a total of £35 - £40 million per year in Inverclyde and employing some 1500 people, approximately 5% of the total employees in the area. Given the important role of this sector in the local economy and its ability to be nurtured and grown, ri is keen to provide much needed space for occupation. By refurbishing Ladyburn Business Centre up to 20 suites will be provided. It is envisaged that the centre will bring organisations together and build capacity through the networking opportunities which will arise. This in turn will increase capacity for the social enterprise economy to make an improved contribution to the Inverclyde economy.”
Bill continued: “Despite a wealth of artistic talent in Inverclyde, there has to date been a lack of suitable and affordable workspace for artists. The provision of affordable space within Ladyburn will help artists, but more broadly, help diversify local employment which can only be a good thing.”
Significantly, local company WH Kirkwood Ltd has been appointed as lead contractor to carry out the programme of internal and external refurbishment.
Garry Williamson, Implementation Manager, Riverside Inverclyde said: “ri is delighted to appoint local construction company WH Kirkwood Ltd as lead contractor in the refurbishment of Ladyburn. The appointment is testimony to ri's commitment to opening up opportunities to local business, and to WH Kirkwood's successful application of over 100 years experience in all aspects of the construction and civil engineering industry.
Artists or Social economy organisations interested in leasing space within the building should contact ri on 01475 755 080.”
Ian Macnaughton, WH Kirkwood Ltd said: "We are delighted to have won the opportunity to contribute to Riverside Inverclyde's long term plans to regenerate Inverclyde. The project gives not only the opportunity for a local business but also gives the opportunity for local employment. Our company has already been involved with two previous Riverside Inverclyde projects and is delighted to be involved in this project which is both prestigious and substantial.”