It is now being disassembled and transported to Port Glasgow in the coming days to once again take pride of place in the heart of the town centre just off Argylls’ Parade.
Sections of the new replica are expected to be delivered from this week and assembled over the next few weeks to be ready in time for the Comet Festival on Saturday, June 20 June.
A launch event to officially welcome the new Comet replica is being planned for immediately before the start of the festival.
A replica of the famous Port Glasgow-built PS Comet (Image: Inverclyde Council)
The Comet replica replacement project has been led by the Port Glasgow Town Centre Regeneration Forum and Comet Replica Sub-Group alongside Inverclyde Council.
Councillor Chris Curley, who chairs the forum and sub-group, said: “It’s exciting after years of planning and development by the council and local community to see the new Comet replica being built.
“The replica will commemorate and celebrate the contribution PS Comet made to Port Glasgow and beyond and also serve as a symbol of the achievements of the people of Port Glasgow who built the famous ship and of our proud shipbuilding heritage.
“I look forward to seeing the new replica being assembled over the coming weeks in time for the Comet Festival.”
The most recent Comet replica that was previously on display in the town centre was built in the 1960s but was dismantled in 2023 after it was deemed beyond repair by experts in a report commissioned by the council.
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The new model will take pride of place once again in the same location in the heart of the town centre with site preparation works having taken place in recent weeks.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “This is another milestone moment in the ongoing modernisation of Port Glasgow, including the town centre.
“The previous Comet replicas have served as a reminder and celebration of Port Glasgow’s industrial achievements and the new one will continue to be a nod to our shipbuilding heritage but also serve as a symbol of the town’s endurance and ongoing transformation.
“With so many improvements having already been delivered, other projects on the go, and more work in the pipeline, it’s an exciting time for Port Glasgow.”
While the replica will remain in the same spot, it will feature some slight changes, including a different colour of hull to reflect the copper bottom of the actual PS Comet, which was built in Port Glasgow in 1812 and was famous for being the first commercially successful passenger steamboat in Europe.
Finishing touches are being put on the new replica (Image: Inverclyde Council)
The replacement replica will also be in a slightly different position to make it more visible and will be suspended in such a way to make it appear like it is floating.
There will be new fencing, general improvements to the site, and interpretation boards to help tell the story of the Comet.
Council officials are also exploring the opportunity to add new lighting to illuminate the vessel and early discussions have taken place about potentially incorporating the adjacent fountain, which has been decommissioned, into the project – both of which would be part of follow-on projects at a later date.
Specialist contractor Aivaf is building the new Comet replica having successfully bid for the work during a competitive tendering process last year.
Bruce Davies, from the company, said: “This has been a very exciting and challenging project for us, having seen the issues that the previous replica suffered from and the huge expectations of the local people.
“We have approached this in a completely different way than the previous example as this is not required to be seaworthy.
“This replica has been designed with drainage holes in the hull which is something you would not expect in a boat but is to ensure that it does not rot from the inside like its predecessor.
“We have also designed it in non-traditional boat building materials to ensure longevity.
“The main structure of the vessel is constructed out of 316 stainless steel and then clad in Accoyo which is a modified timber that is rot-resistant.
“We are looking forward to completing the project and delivering this iconic piece into its original spot in the heart of Port Glasgow.”
A budget of £540,000 was set aside by the council to develop a suitable commemoration to honour the famous vessel.
The Comet Sub-Group, which is made up of representatives from the community, council and partners, was set up to explore the best way to do this and it was decided that a replacement replica was the best option.
Ahead of the delivery of the new replica, the council organised a free Comet exhibition and engagement event in Port Glasgow Town Hall in April.
It was an opportunity for people to share their memories and thoughts of the Comet whilst exploring the history of the ship and the people who designed and built it.