James Watt Dock LLP Announces Sale of Historic Waterfront Site to Glasgow Arts Centre Limited
James Watt Dock LLP (a partnership between regeneration specialists Peel Waters and Riverside Inverclyde) is pleased to announce the conditional sale of a significant waterfront site at James Watt Dock to Glasgow Arts Centre Limited.
The sale, subject to planning approval, will unlock a mixed-use future for the site encompassing food and beverage, leisure, and residential elements. The landmark crane on site is earmarked for an ambitious project: what could become the longest urban zip slide in the UK.
Development will proceed in three carefully phased stages:
- Phase 1: Sheds C & D and the Crane
- Phase 2: Sheds A & B
- Phase 3: The Boat Yard Area
Ownership of each phase will only be transferred following the successful completion of the previous phase, underlining a shared commitment between James Watt Dock LLP and Glasgow Arts Centre Limited to ensure high-quality delivery and preservation of the site's heritage. This structured drawdown approach helps safeguard the future of the listed structures while enabling a bold new chapter for the docklands.
Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, focus on rescuing and renovating buildings that have architectural merit or that are important to Glasgow's heritage, repurposing them for use to the community, artists and small businesses. Led by Director, Bradley Mitchell, who’s impressive cultural development portfolio includes Britannia Panopticon; Barclay Curle shipyard and Crane and the transformation of several developments along Washington Street Glasgow into a bustling creative studio area for artists, musicians, producers and creatives.
The sale complements the continued success of the existing James Watt Dock Marina, which remains a key asset within the Inverclyde waterfront.
Brian Lavalette, Property Director for Scotland at Peel Waters and member of the James Watt Dock LLP Board said: “This is an exciting moment for the Inverclyde waterfront. Glasgow Arts Centre Limited brings imagination, experience and a genuine commitment to heritage-led development. We look forward to seeing the plans evolve and the site flourish."
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, added: “This is a significant moment not just for the historic Sugar Sheds and iconic Titan Crane but for the ongoing regeneration of Inverclyde.
“I’m delighted to welcome Glasgow Arts Centre Ltd as the new owner of these famous landmarks and their proposals to redevelop the site has the potential to create an exciting new attraction to encourage even more people, near and far, to discover Inverclyde and the many great things we have to offer.”
Bradley Mitchell, Director of Glasgow Arts Centre Limited said: "We're delighted to begin this journey at James Watt Dock. Our vision is one that blends ambition with sensitivity to the site’s rich history, creating something exceptional for locals and visitors alike.
“We have a lot of history along the Clyde and I would like to connect Greenock to Glasgow through culture and heritage. We feel the site has a lot of potential for small businesses and start-ups and could be something really exciting for Greenock.”
Planning for the Sugar Sheds develop is expected to be submitted to Inverclyde Council in early autumn 2025.
About James Watt Dock LLP
James Watt Dock LLP is a partnership between regeneration specialists Peel Waters and Riverside Inverclyde.
About Riverside Inverclyde
Riverside Inverclyde was formed in 2006 by the Scottish Government, Scottish
Enterprise and Inverclyde Council as a pathfinder Urban Regeneration Company to secure the long-term economic growth of Inverclyde. It has subsequently established both a subsidiary, ri (Property Holdings) Ltd to carry out commercial property projects and a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) with Peel Waters to progress the redevelopment of a 43-hectare site, James Watt Dock in Greenock.
About Peel Waters
Peel Waters is a UK wide portfolio of vibrant and innovative, waterfront developments. Each site is developed to regenerate its unique waterside setting, ensuring that the regeneration of the area delivers thriving, community-led, world class destination.
The Peel Waters portfolio started with the design, creation, and delivery of MediaCity at Salford Quays. The portfolio now spans over 900 acres, across six UK-wide sites. We are committed to projects that work for the communities they will serve, delivering large-scale regeneration projects, creating new jobs, economic growth, new homes and new public realm across the country.
As an established, trusted, partner of choice; each Peel Waters development is delivered in partnership with leading developers, designers, construction firms and investors to create new-style neighbourhoods which offer a wide variety of high-quality, sustainable homes and well-connected communities.
Peel Waters is part of the family run, Peel Group which has been operating across the UK for over 50 years.
The Peel Waters Portfolio includes:
• Chatham Waters
• Glasgow Waters
• Liverpool Waters
• Manchester Waters
• Trafford Waters
• Wirral Waters
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