The demolition of a derelict former Greenock nightclub has begun to pave the way for regeneration of the area.

Contractors have started tearing down the old Babylon premises at the corner of Argyle Street and West Stewart Street on behalf of Inverclyde Council.

The local authority purchased the rundown property to allow for the redevelopment of the site, which is earmarked for housing, as part of the overall regeneration of Greenock town centre.

There is a temporary road restriction in force preventing vehicles from turning left from Argyle Street onto West Stewart Street, parking restrictions and limited pedestrian access in and around the site to facilitate the works.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “It has taken a lot of hard work and effort to get to this stage and I’m pleased that demolition work is finally underway.

“The building really has been a blight on Greenock Town Centre for too long and now thanks to the council’s intervention it is being demolished to pave the way for redevelopment of the site, which is part of our wider regeneration plans for the town centre.

“Naturally, there will be some disruption while this important work takes place so I’d like to thank people in advance for their patience and understanding during this time.”