Greenock Ocean Terminal

Location: Greenock, Inverclyde

Brick Manufacturer: Ibstock PLC

Brick Names: Slate Blue Smooth, Sky Blue Glazed

Architect: Richard Murphy Architects

Brickwork Contractor: Heron brothers

An iconic structure on the banks of the Clyde, the new Greenock Ocean Terminal / Wyllieum was built for Inverclyde Council, Peel Ports, and the George Wyllie Trust as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal. The £19.2 million facility serves as a new cruise ship visitor centre, a processing centre for passengers, and a separate wing devoted to the work of local artist George Wyllie. The building also contains a top-floor restaurant and a roof terrace with panoramic views of the river. There is also a sculpture garden separating the structure’s two wings.

The striking visitor centre makes an excellent first impression on arrivals. The new facility also helps Peel Ports to accommodate an increasing number of passengers as the cruise business grows - more than 100 ships were expected last year. Meanwhile, the Wyllieum is a fantastic tribute to a world-renowned artist who actually worked as a customs officer in Greenock for many years.

Built by Heron Bros and designed by Richard Murphy Architects, the scheme has a clear nautical influence. Indeed, the building resembles a traditional cruise liner with extensive glazing imitating the bridge of a ship. The terrace also includes three ship smokestacks.

The elevations are constructed of Ibstock’s Slate Blue Smooth Blue bricks - a natural choice as they complement the colour of the ocean. Thin single brick lines of sky blue glazed bricks break up the otherwise monolithic slate blue facades and provide additional visual interest.

Peel Ports and the George Wyllie Foundation made contributions of £8 million and £1.5 million respectively to deliver the new building. However, as mentioned previously, the project also forms part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal - a £1 billion project funded by the Scottish and UK governments. It therefore plays an important role in the community and contributes significantly to the on-going regeneration of Greenock.

The new Greenock Terminal and Wyllieum is expected to increase visitor numbers to 150,000 per year, which represents a £26 million boost to the local economy. It is therefore a huge asset to the community and of huge significance to Inverclyde and the wider region.