Inverclyde Can Benefit From People Choosing To Retire Here
Andrew Bowman at the balcony at Bowman Rebecchi’s offices in Gourock - Image: Duncan Bryceland
Property expert Andrew Bowman believes the ‘grey pound’ is one way of repopulating and revitalising Inverclyde by encouraging retired couples to live there - particularly Greenock.
He says a large number of older people are already choosing to retire to the area, which can be exploited for its future financial benefit.
Andrew, who is a director and co-founder of Gourock-based property firm Bowman Rebecchi, added: “There are a lot of people downsizing and coming into Inverclyde because there is good value for money in properties in the area.
“Most of them will have money, high net worth and savings. For many, there will be a better lifestyle here than in the city and more value for their money.
“They can go sailing, island hopping, jump on the Waverley or visit Largs as well as the new Ardgowan Distillery or sailing at Kip Marina.”
Andrew, a Trustee of Inverclyde Community Fund, continued: “There is great potential for Inverclyde on that side of things including the future provision of private care home facilities.
Image - Duncan Bryceland
“The city and the airport are still close by and there are more options than there would be in a village or a residential home.
“You are not cut off from the world. There are also the cruise liners from Greenock if they want to do that.”
The expression ‘grey pound’ refers to the purchasing power of older people as consumers.
Andrew also believes Inverclyde needs to exploit its untapped tourist potential and provide more short-term accommodations such as hotels and Airbnb.
Bowman Rebecchi manage the former Albert Hotel, now called Harbour Lets (Gourock).
He added: “There are opportunities with tourism particularly from the cruise ships.
“Greenock is in a great location and has good access to Glasgow Airport and the rest of Scotland.
“We know people are using the town as a starting point for their holiday and a base to go to events like the Edinburgh Fringe.”
Andrew sees first-hand the problems Inverclyde faces in the future. He believes a masterplan is needed to regenerate the area and reverse the population decline.
Andrew would like to see increased renovation of empty or derelict sites and the building of more industrial units to attract businesses.
He added: “There is an over demand and under supply of units at the moment.
“Apart from Sandy and James Easdale, there is nobody including Inverclyde Council regenerating sites or areas that could be used for economic growth as the funding is just not there.
“If you don’t have the industry, then you don’t have the jobs, then housing will struggle and people will not move into the area.
“Inverclyde needs a more joined-up approach to tackling these problems which historically it has never had.”
Andrew however is encouraged by the number of housing developments including 22 new homes in Gourock, 77 on the former Greenock Academy and Tate & Lyle sites in Greenock, plus the 400 proposed for Spango Valley.
However, he says it is vital there are enough schools and other amenities to provide for the increase in families.
Andrew would like to see more done to revitalise Greenock as a shopping centre.
Andrew says there is also a shortage of rented property in Inverclyde - caused in part by landlords selling up - which could be discouraging people from living there.
He has also welcomed calls for a bypass but believes pressure on the public purse for other projects means it is unlikely to go ahead.
Andrew added: “Compared to schools, hospitals or jails it is going to be very low down the list.
“I like the idea, but I just don’t think it will happen.”
Andrew feels that too many people in Greenock and Inverclyde are quick to complain. He says there needs to be a more positive outlook to regenerate the area and increase the population.
Andrew finished by adding: “We are the first to moan about stuff but the reality is that we are in a much better position than some other places across the UK.
“We have opportunities and it is up to all of us to capitalise and strengthen these going forwards.”
This article was produced as part of a series focusing on the issue of de-population in Inverclyde within the Greenock Telegraph - led by Norman Silvester.