Creative Regeneration Inverclyde

Creative Regeneration are based in Inverclyde and were set up with the goal to bring new life to the area by using creativity, learning, and community projects. They want Inverclyde to be known as a creative, innovative, and positive place to live and work.

They run and plan projects that mix art, science, technology, and community learning — often called “STEAM”.

This means helping people learn creative and practical skills, encouraging local pride, and improving community spaces.

The big project – The Glebe

Their main project is called The Glebe.

It’s an old, listed building in Greenock that used to be part of the sugar-refining industry.

Creative Regeneration bought it with the help of grant funding and are turning it into:

A community makerspace (a place to learn and make things using tools and tech).

A digital production and events space for art, film, and design.

A National Stained Glass School and heritage centre.

A retrofit hub for learning about sustainable building and repair.

They see this building as a symbol of change — turning part of Greenock’s industrial past into a creative space for the future.

Inverclyde has lost many traditional industries and people over the years.

Projects like this aim to:

Create new jobs and training opportunities.

Support local artists, makers, and young people.

Boost confidence and pride in the area.

Bring people together through culture and creativity.

They’ve had funding and help from:

The Scottish Land Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Inverclyde Council.

Organisations like BE-ST, NEXTfab, and Vanishing Point (a theatre company).

The challenges

Restoring an old building is expensive and complicated, and they’ll need long-term funding to keep it running.

They also need to make sure the local community stays involved and benefits directly.