Contractors on behalf of Inverclyde Council have moved on site to prepare for the demolition of the former school and church buildings within the estate within the next couple of weeks followed by the demolition of an initial 138 properties across 15 tenement blocks thereafter.

It is the first phase of demolition at Clune Park, which comprises around 430 residential properties across 45 tenement blocks in total. 

These works are being carried out in the interests of safety after dangerous building notices were served following extensive investigations by council building standards officers and external surveyors.

The first tranche of flats to be demolished are opposite the former church building and comprise the western side of Bruce Street and connecting section of Robert Street and both sides of Wallace Street.

Work will be carried out by Greenock-based company Caskie Limited following certification that all utilities are disconnected.

The contractors have moved on-site to get set up and clear the area in preparation for the demolition works, which are expected to start before the end of April and are due to last around six months.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “It’s important to remember that the former school and church buildings and the residential properties are being demolished in the interests of safety based on professional advice following extensive investigations.

“The council has a duty to ensure public safety across Inverclyde and take action where necessary to protect the public from dangerous buildings and that’s the position we find ourselves in with Clune Park.

“With the demolition due to commence, this is an historic moment and progress towards the ultimate goal of regenerating this prominent area of Port Glasgow. 

“There is still a long way to go to realise our ambition of redeveloping Clune Park, but this is a significant step in the right direction and one I’m sure the people of Port Glasgow and wider Inverclyde will welcome.” 

Another two tranches of dangerous buildings notices have been issued on other sections of the estate and further investigations are taking place to identify other potentially dangerous buildings.

The council has been proactively acquiring properties in Clune Park for a number of years and now owns over half the estate.

The vast majority of Clune Park is derelict and the residential blocks, former school and the old church buildings have all been badly affected by deliberate fires and anti-social behaviour in recent times and that has contributed to the deterioration of the condition of the properties.

People are encouraged to stay away from the area and take heed of the safety warnings during demolition phases.

Council officers have held information sessions to inform people living in and around Clune Park about the works, plans for the site, and to answer questions.

A new Clune Park masterplan was approved by the council in November 2023 with the ultimate aim of demolishing the estate and building up to 165 new, affordable homes for social rent.

The masterplan is subject to a variety of factors, including securing ownership of the remainder of the estate, obtaining planning permission, and attracting the necessary external funding to build new homes.