December 6 2019

New plans have emerged for the revitalisation of Greenock’s Oak Mall, entailing a significant programme of demolition to allow the creation of a mixed-use development including 123 apartments and a community hub.

This calls for the full removal of the eastern section of the existing mall to create two new residential blocks fronting a repaved and extended Clyde Square. Freestanding screens and green walls will be employed to mask views of an elevated section of the A78 which is scheduled for repair.

As part of this work, a new mall entrance will be created utilising a brick façade to tie-in with the existing centre demarked by the ‘sail’ of an overhanging glazed roof light. An illuminated high-level Corten panel will serve as signage for the centre.

Outlining their approach to the residential component of the build CDA wrote: “Two residential blocks are proposed separated by the urban realm transition and pedestrian link. The buildings are simple forms, cleanly and crisply detailed in quality materials comprising reconstituted stone and facing brick in colours to match the adjacent heritage sandstone facades.

“The stone and brick elements of the facades are separated by entrance bays in panels of bronze finished anodised aluminium copper alloy cladding. The cladding also defines the parapet at the head of the buildings and masks the roof construction. The block heights vary to respond to the adjacent massing of existing buildings whilst respecting the dominance of the Municipal Building on Clyde Square.

“The corner apartments overlooking Clyde Square in each block have deeply recessed and projecting balconies and corner living spaces to act as bookends to the elevational composition.

3 Comments

#1 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 6 Dec 2019 at 18:19 PM

It’s a great pity that the Council who i u detest and own the Mall didn’t get rid of the elevated road system. It really isn’t necessary. That would have allowed the Town Hall to be shown off on all its Victorian splendour erected when Greenock was Scotland’s second town .

So much of the modern waterfront is dismal. It should be a celebration of the huge contributions Greenockians made to the world.

#2 Posted by Peter Buchannan on 7 Dec 2019 at 17:35 PM

For clarification, the Oak Mall is owned by an investment company and the Town Hall is a building within the Municipal Buildings and therefore not visible from 'street level'.

#3 Posted by BASARCH on 7 Dec 2019 at 21:29 PM

It’s bad enough that Hamilton Street ( now the Oak Mall ) was ravaged in the 70’s but this just continues the complete lack of sympathy for the small area of remaining Victorian grandeur in a once proud town. Shame on all involved.

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