Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) will decamp its Port Glasgow headquarters for a temporary period to make way for a five-month office expansion project.

CMAL, which owns ferries, ports and harbours on the west coast and Northern Isles, needs additional space for more desks and meeting areas.  The government-owned company is increasing its team of skilled and specialist workers to manage a growing portfolio of complex ferry and harbour projects.

CMAL occupies the first floor of Municipal Building on Fore Street in Port Glasgow.  It shares the A-listed building, which is owned by Inverclyde Council, with Port Glasgow public library.

Contractors will begin work this month to reconfigure the building to maximise underused space within the ground floor, where there is currently a large common entrance foyer.  CMAL will gain the additional space it needs, and the library will benefit from a more efficient layout, with enhanced digital facilities and an atrium area for group activities, such as school visits and Bookbug sessions for babies and toddlers.

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive at CMAL, said:

“We considered moving to larger premises, but our preferred option is to stay where we are and work with Inverclyde Council to maximise the current accommodation.  We are committed to the Inverclyde area and want to maintain our presence in Port Glasgow.  Around half our employees live in the local area.

“The reconfiguration of the building means the space will be used more efficiently.  Both CMAL and the library will benefit.  We will have the capacity we need for our growing team, and the library will have a refurbished, fit-for-purpose space designed to meet the needs of modern library users.”

CMAL’s team will use office accommodation on Cartsdyke Avenue in Greenock during the five-month building project.  It is estimated they will return to the newly refurbished premises in Port Glasgow in May 2021, subject to Covid-19 restrictions.  Currently, CMAL team is operating a rota system for office use to accommodate coronavirus health and safety measures, with team members also working from home.


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