A CONSULTATION on proposals which aim to help put Gourock on the map and improve the appeal of its key attractions such as its famous outdoor pool and Kempock Street is closing this week.

Inverclyde Council is seeking the public’s views on what priorities and proposals should be included in its Gourock Town Centre Action plan.

The suggested priorities include adding better facilities such as an outdoor waterfront sauna at the iconic Gourock Pool and narrowing the width of the road on Kempock Street to provide space for outdoor seating at its many cafes and restaurants.

A wide variety of proposals are included in the local authority’s online consultation, which closes on Thursday.

These fall into the categories of ‘enhancing place quality’, ‘developing the destination’, ‘promoting active travel’ and ‘safeguarding heritage and build assets’.

Other suggested improvements include lobbying the Waverley paddle steamer’s operators to re-introduce a Gourock stop and enhancing access to marine leisure activities such as wild swimming, sailing, and rowing, including signage and a potential pontoon for private boat mooring.

Improving shopfronts, jet-washing the town centre and launching a ‘deep clean’ programme, adding better play facilities, installing new promenade lighting and furniture, creating a heritage trail and upgrading parks and green spaces are also proposed.

The council’s consultation document states: “Having an up-to-date, ambitious but deliverable action plan – with community support – is invaluable when it comes to attracting investment / funding to an area.”

It continues: “Our vision is about celebrating and enhancing Gourock Town Centre as a unique destination. Gourock Town Centre has a long and rich history that fosters a strong shared sense of identity and belonging.

“It is home to a wealth of independent shops, historic assets, and unique tourism and leisure facilities, including the oldest open-air heated swimming pool in Scotland.

“Combined with its strategic waterfront location on the south bank of the Firth of Clyde, this makes Gourock a fantastic place to live, work, and visit, and to enjoy and engage in civic activity and celebration.”

Online consultation is taking place until 20 June after which a draft action plan will be drawn up.

The consultation can be found at https://tinyurl.com/mp9yumzd.