More than 100 homes to be built on site of 'Scotland's Chernobyl' housing estate

More than 100 homes are to be built on the site of a derelict housing estate dubbed “Scotland’s Chernobyl”.

Clune Park, in Port Glasgow, was initially built to house shipyard workers, however, the properties were sold to private owners over time.

Inverclyde Council announced its plans to demolish the properties in 2024 following “extensive investigations”.

Now the council has approved a plan in principle to build up to 135 new homes, with the site currently undergoing a massive redevelopment after decades of decline.

The council now owns over half the estate, but the majority of it is described as “derelict and unoccupied”.

Residential blocks, a former school and old church buildings were all badly affected by deliberate fires and anti-social behaviour in recent years.

Phase one of the redevelopment began in April 2025 and is complete with the former school, church and resource centre south of Robert Street all demolished and cleared.

Phase two to demolish many of the dangerous and unsafe residential buildings between Robert Street and Glasgow Road is currently under way.

Plan for 135 homes agreed by councillors

The plan agreed includes one and two-bedroom flats and two, three and four-bedroom homes.

In line with local planning priorities, 25% of the homes will be affordable housing.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “This is an important step in the council’s regeneration of Clune Park.

“We need new houses in Inverclyde and Clune Park is in an ideal location.

“This has been a long time coming. Although the approval is only for planning in principle, it’s essential to move forward and attract housing developers to see the potential in Clune Park.

“Phase one of the masterplan is complete and phase two is well under way. I look forward to seeing the transformation of Clune Park as it continues to develop.”