A SUCCESSFUL hospitality firm is splashing out a seven figure sum on a brand new Greenock restaurant which will create 70 jobs, the Tele can exclusively reveal.

Buzzworks Holdings, the award-winning operation behind Scotts in Largs and The Coach House in Bridge of Weir, are opening a restaurant in the new cruise ship visitor centre being built under the city deal scheme.

The latest outlet for the successful Scottish chain, which will be called Scotts, will seat 150 customers and boast a unique open air terrace with spectacular views onto the Clyde.

Kenny Blair, Buzzworks managing director, says he is 'delighted' to be opening in Greenock.

He told the Tele: "We have been in talks with Inverclyde Council for years about bringing our business to the area, but Covid-19 put a spanner in the works.

"It is incredibly exciting to bring a Scotts to Greenock.

Greenock Telegraph:

"We have many successful operations in areas that sit on the water, so the cruise ship visitor centre is going to be the perfect backdrop for our restaurant."

The overall cruise project, led by Inverclyde Council, is part of the £1 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal project funded by the UK and Scottish governments, with additional contributions from Peel Ports (£8m), operators of the existing Greenock Ocean Terminal, and the George Wyllie Foundation via the Dunard Trust (£1.5m).

Mr Blair hopes to have the restaurant up and running before the end of the year.

He said: "The designs are almost complete and we are aiming for the end of 2022.

"We have to wait until everything is built before we can get in and fit out our restaurant.

"We've used well-known Glasgow designer Jim Hamilton for our new Scotts, to bring a luxury feel to the space that will offer amazing views.

"Scotts in Greenock will be a place where you can come for a meal and everyone will be happy, from the grandparents to the children.

Greenock Telegraph: Buzzworks Kenny Blair with Councillor Stephen McCabe. Construction of Buzzworks restaurant ay Greenock Ocean Terminal Cruise Terminal.

"We will be offering a menu that appeals to people right across the board and offers great value for money.

"I can't wait to see it come to life."

The cruise ship visitor centre is expected to increase visitor numbers to around 150,000 passengers a year and provide a £26m boost to the Scottish economy.

As well as the restaurant, the centre will feature an arrivals/departure hall as well as a museum paying tribute to the late world-famous artist George Wyllie, who worked as a customs officer in Greenock and lived for many years in Gourock.

Council leader Stephen McCabe says it is exciting to see the centre, designed by Richard Murphy Architects and being built by Heron Bros, taking shape.

Mr McCabe said: "It's a real team effort and we're delighted to be working with Buzzworks, Peel Ports, the George Wyllie Foundation and the Dunard Trust.

"It's going to bring more people to the area and also add to the existing excellent network of restaurants we have in Inverclyde.

"It'll offer a perfect day out - you can have a look around the museum's offerings and then enjoy a great meal."

The council leader also welcomed the big jobs boost for the area.

He said: "Being a cruise ship visitor centre, local people may be wondering what is in it for them.

"But getting 70 people into jobs with a reputable employer like Buzzworks is outstanding.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the final product."