02/12/2003 –  AN ambitious £10m plan to transform one of Inverclyde's most historic buildings was presented to planners. 

Plans to convert the A-listed derelict Gourock Ropeworks building in Port Glasgow into luxury loft apartments was likely to be given the go-ahead.

Planning bosses recommended that the iconic Gourock Ropeworks in Port Glasgow should be converted into 35 flats.

They backed plans for an eight-storey building in the grounds of the Ropeworks that would house 24 flats,  but a further proposal to erect a nine-storey block consisting of 54 apartments was criticised as being unacceptable.

(Image: Newsquest) Planning officials said the building would be too high, too close to the ropeworks, and would dominate the skyline.

Planners revealed that if the application by Tom Hamilton, of Hamilton Pep Ltd, was approved, the ropeworks units would be sold as shells with the apartments on the upper levels having access to a roof garden.

In his report, Fraser Williamson, head of planning services, said: "The building would remain largely intact with the most noticeable external alterations being the construction of a glass and steel structural stair/lift well curtain walling system, the opening up of new windows on the currently blank west gable, and the installation of conservation style Velux rooflights.”

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Architectural and heritage groups, including the Scottish Civic Trust, Historic Scotland and the Royal Fine Arts Commission for Scotland, welcomed the proposals overall

However, both Historic Scotland and the Royal Fine Arts Commission for Scotland had reservations about the nine-storey block.

The conversion plans were put forward to be scrutinised by councillors and referred to Scottish ministers for final approval for listed building consent.