Revised plans submitted for demolition of Oak Mall

Inverclyde Council previously granted planning permission for the demolition of a section of the shopping centre at its eastern end.

The latest proposal seeks permission to extend this to include a further two vacant units.

This is part of a wider project which will also see the elevated section of the A78 roundabout demolished and reinstated at street level, with the Bullring roundabout also being reconfigured.

The new application also details plans for the mall’s new façade, where architects hope to create a ‘visually obvious’ key central arrival point.

​INCH Architecture and Design says the staggered front façade would step away from the road and ‘open up a positive public space’.

There would also be an opportunity to display some form of artwork, with developers hoping to make use of existing materials from the wider demolitions to help ‘redefine’ the public space.

The existing Oak Mall entrance (Image: George Munro) The application makes specific reference to a mural currently displayed on Hector McNeil House – which is also to be flattened as part of the town centre redevelopment. 

It states: “We will look to utilise circular economy principles and reuse certain key features of this building.

“We believe that the mural, designed by Charles Anderson R.S.W. in cast fibreglass should be retained and given prominence in the new designs for the mall frontage.

“In addition to the mural, there are elements of precast concrete panels that we would also like to retain and reuse in the new façade proposals.

“These panels offer the opportunity to be demounted, cleaned and refurbished before forming part of the proposals for the new façade.”

Internal plans for the mall’s ground floor include a new draught lobby to protect from external conditions, and the creation of additional lettable space for concessions stands or market events.

A supporting application is yet to be made in relation to landscaping around the new entrance.