Money for old ropeworks

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2007/11/23

THIS landmark industrial building has been saved and completely renovated to provide spacious loft apartments with amazing views…

ONE of the most important buildings in Scotland's great shipping history, the distinctive red brick structure that was Gourock Ropeworks is being set on course as a vital link in Inverclyde's residential future.

The A-listed building is being transformed into a collection of New York loft-style apartments - the first project to produce this style of property in the area.

Serving almost as a monument to Clydeside's nautical past, Gourock Ropeworks produced canvas, sailcloth, ropes and fishing nets for the haulage and fishing industries as well as for shipping companies.

Now as Inverclyde's waterfront becomes increasingly popular with developers and housebuyers because of its stunning waterfront setting and proximity to Glasgow, the Ropeworks is perfectly placed to take the helm of this transformation process.

The renovation is being undertaken by Gourock Ropeworks Ltd. , a consortium made up of local people, and the exterior of the building has been carefully maintained with the interior given a modern, minimal renovation and formed into 35 spacious loftstyle homes including five penthouses.

 Each one can be adapted to perfectly match the individual purchaser's specific requirements.

The transformation process has included shot blasting to restore the barrel vaulted ceilings, brick piers and cast-iron columns.

Some of the living spaces measure over 40 feet and thanks to newly crafted windows the accommodation is especially bright.

Each apartment has either one or two bedrooms accessed from a hallway.

All have a separate utility room fitted with a washer-drier. Main bathrooms have a three-piece suite.

Some bedrooms incorporate a storage area which is ready plumbed so that the future occupant can easily create an en suite bathroom, or use the space as a dressing room or study.

Of course, the focal point for each of the apartments is the loft-style living area.
It includes a fitted kitchen with oven, hob, dishwasher and extractor fan.

Specification for the apartments includes gas central heating and double-glazed windows.
Outside there is a gated entrance into the landscaped walled gardens and there are two allocated parking bays for each apartment.

Prices for the apartments start at £189,000 for a two-bedroom, 1,200 sq ft design with larger 2,000 sq ft plus apartments selling at £275,000.

Marketing for the Gourock Ropeworks development is being carried out by agents Knight Frank.

Stuart Black, head of residential sales and marketing with Knight Frank, said: "The impressive sizes of these apartments and the dramatic views over the water are breathtaking and the interior spaces maintain the building's original architectural elements such as columns and vaulted ceilings."

INFORMATION:
0141 556 0880;
www. knightfrank. com