Work has re-started on a new Greenock cruise ship visitor centre as part of a £19.2 million development to handle some of the world’s largest vessels to Inverclyde in Scotland.
Construction resumed following the appointment of a new contractor after the original builder withdrew for financial reasons.
The building is expected to be completed by summer 2022.
The Greenock Ocean Terminal plans were approved in 2019, with the opening originally planned for this summer before the pandemic forced delays.
The first cruise ship to call at Greenock since the start of the pandemic arrived a fortnight ago with almost 50 booked in for the rest of this year, including MSC Virtuosa.
More than 100 ships are due next year.
The project is part of the £1 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal funded by the UK and Scottish governments.
An £8 million contribution has come from Peel Ports, operator of the existing Greenock Ocean Terminal.
The development is expected to increase visitor numbers to some 150,000 passengers a year and provide a £26 million boost to the Scottish economy.
The dedicated cruise ship visitor centre will feature an arrivals/departure hall as well as a museum, restaurant and roof terrace with views of the River Clyde.
A 200-metre floating pontoon was recently completed by the port operators as part of the overall project.
Peel Ports Clydeport director Jim McSporran said: “The overall investment in the cruise terminal is crucial to the remarkable growth of cruise traffic at Greenock, and this magnificent new visitor centre will allow us to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for passengers.
“We are building a major cruise business on the Clyde and, despite the impact of the pandemic on the global industry, we are back in business.
“Thanks to the success of Greenock Ocean Terminal, more people than ever will be taking a cruise to Scotland and boosting both local and national tourism.”
UK government minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart, said: “This fantastic new visitor centre represents a major step forward in the regeneration of Greenock.
“It will provide a real boost to the local economy and community while offering visitors a warm welcome and a taste of Inverclyde’s culture and heritage.”
Scottish tourism minister Ivan McKee added: “I am pleased to see such a remarkable development, especially given the strains of the pandemic.
“This new visitor centre at Greenock Ocean Terminal will make a significant contribution to the local area, supporting economic growth in the local community and the wider city region whilst promoting tourism.”