AN iconic Georgian building in Greenock has been restored to its former glory following a multi-million pound renovation.
Riverside Inverclyde has unveiled the revamped Custom House and has now set its sights on attracting a national or global player to be its headline tenant.
The building, designed by architect William Burns, will be 200-years-old next year. Riverside Inverclyde said it was once home to the “vigilant assize men who policed Scotland’s burgeoning trade with the world”.
Andrew Bowman, head of business investment and operations at Riverside Inverclyde said, “It really is Inverclyde’s Jewel in the Crown, and we wanted to make sure that we did the building justice with the refurbishment.”
The restoration has taken place in four phases over four years. Over £4 million has been spent transforming business space, which has been snapped up by companies including Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions and PG Paper.
The final phase included the white, pillared Long Room, the northern entrance and the Grand Staircase. Riverside Inverclyde said it is to the Long Room the firm hopes to attract a “world class client” to boost the local jobs market.
“We are conducting a global search,” said Mr Bowman, “as well as offering some particularly attractive incentives. The Long Room, which is fully Cat6 cabled, could provide MD and boardroom space as well as an extensive open-plan office space.
“The new occupants will also benefit from considerable reliefs for locating in Inverclyde, which is a Tier 2 Scottish Enterprise zone, attracting a potential 30% credit towards capital expenditure through Regional Selective Assistance grants.”
