Greenock's Sugar Sheds could be used for pop-up events

The Grade A-listed Sugar Sheds in Greenock could be transformed into an events space under plans aimed at regeneratimg Inverclyde's waterfront.

Proposals by Glasgow Arts Centre Limited would see the internal spaces of the Sugar Sheds become a flexible pop-up events hall, hosting food markets, craft fairs, seasonal festivals and corporate events throughout the year.

The buildings take their name from Greenock's historic role as a centre of sugar importation, where raw materials arriving by ship were stored in vast dockside sheds before processing.

Stuart McMillan, the MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, previously suggested the venue be turned into a museum highlighting historical injustices.

The plans would also involve an on-site museum whilst also introducing temporary, reversible installations like pop-up stalls, food trucks and removable toilets, making sure the historic fabric of the building is untouched.

The A-listed Sugar Sheds were formerly used to store sugarcane transported into Scotland from the Caribbean but for years have been vacant and dilapidated.

The land is currently owned by James Watt Dock LLP - a partnership between Riverside Inverclyde and waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters.

Developers say the events programme would align with key moments in the calendar such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween, as well as local celebrations.

Bradley Mitchell, the director of Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, said: "These proposals are about bringing one of Greenock's most recognised historic assets back into action whilst respecting everything that makes it special.

"The Sugar Sheds offer an incredible scale and atmosphere, and by introducing a flexible programme of pop-up events, markets and cultural activity, we can create something that feels both authentic and exciting."

He added the new concept forms part of a "much bigger vision that turns James Watt Dock into a must-visit destination on the Clyde."

Glasgow Arts Centre Limited previously put forward a planning application to create an urban zipline experience from the Titan Crane, which could become the longest of its kind in the UK.

The newly submitted plans for the Sugar Sheds will complement the proposed outdoor experience by having a smaller indoor zipline and activity climbing centre.

Brian Lavalette, Scotland property director at Peel Waters, said reimagining the Sugar Sheds would help "celebrate the area's heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism, leisure and community use."