WORK is finally set to start on a new £9.7 million Inverclyde community hub for adults with learning disabilities early next month.

In an update to the area's social work and social care scrutiny panel, members are told that the main contract date will be early November.

Plans for the new centre on the site of the former Hector McNeil Baths were first given the green light  in March 2020 but since then there has been on going delays, including a re-tendering process.

A total of £3.4 m projected to be spent this financial year on building the hub to replace the Fitzgerald Centre.

Concerns had been raised about the increase in costs with revised plans put in a place and the go-ahead was finally given last August.

Since the project was first announced has been beset with delays including a re-tender process and the discovery of nesting birds at the site.

Finalisation of the development agreement and financial closure is expected in the next couple of weeks.