Clyde waterfront transformation can support up to 700 jobs
Construction of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project will help to create jobs now, generate vital work for local suppliers and accelerate Renfrewshire's economic recovery.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
First Published: 22 February 2021 13:21
Updated: 22 February 2021 13:22
That’s according to a new report being considered next week by Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board which sets out the Final Business Case behind the UK and Scottish Government funded Glasgow City Region City Deal project.
New economic analysis reveals 700 new and existing jobs will be needed to complete construction of the project which is ready to start by Spring and expected to take three years to complete.
Planning consent is in place for the project to transform the Clyde waterfront, which includes a two-lane opening road bridge over the River Clyde from Renfrew to the boundary between Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire.
There’s also a new road through Renfrew connecting the bridge to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and enhanced walking and cycling connections spanning from Renfrew to Yoker train station.
The construction contract is currently being finalised and will see all subcontract and supplier work over £10,000 publically advertised, with supply chain events to encourage bids from local companies.
Community benefits from the main contract will see jobs, apprenticeship and graduate roles, work experience placements, school and college visits and career events provided as well as volunteering and funding for community projects.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “The impact of Coronavirus on the local economy is being keenly felt by our many brilliant businesses and many people have faced redundancy and unemployment, so it is hugely significant that the Clyde Waterfront project presents an opportunity we can seize upon now of much-needed jobs and opportunities for work and skills.
“To have the project finalised and the contract ready to award is a major boost to our local economy and will help sustain and protect people’s jobs, a lifeline to suppliers and the construction sector. Completing construction will in turn open up access to development sites along the River Clyde, bringing more jobs, opportunities and affordable homes on our doorstep, connecting communities to jobs, hospitals and education centres and create an attractive area along the waterfront.”
The final business case found a further 1,400 permanent jobs and 950 temporary construction roles could follow from the £230million in private sector investment attracted to both sides of the Clyde through improved access to development sites.
Creation of a new road through Renfrew will reduce the volume of town centre traffic and create a more pleasant environment, while there will be improved access to the Clyde footpath and measures to safeguard the local habitat at Blythswood.
And the report highlights the critical importance of the improved infrastructure in attracting more companies to choose AMIDS, the 52-hectare campus for advanced manufacturing being developed by the Council in collaboration with Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.
Completion of the underpinning infrastructure, also funded through the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal, is scheduled for Summer, while construction is also well underway on its first tenants, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
Councillor Nicolson added: “The strategic significance of Clyde waterfront cannot be underestimated in accelerating our economic recovery and in ensuring the success of AMIDS. We are proud to be developing Scotland’s home for advanced manufacturing in Renfrewshire and £185million in infrastructure, research, innovation and skills facilities have already chosen to base themselves here, bringing with them new jobs and skills development opportunities.
“The enhanced connectivity of the Clyde waterfront infrastructure will be vitally important in attracting more major employers, by opening up access to suppliers and a skilled workforce across the City Region.”
The project potential has been hailed by Renfrewshire’s Economic Leadership Panel, the group of major employers, small businesses and local skills, education and enterprise agencies supporting regional economic growth.
In December 2020, the panel produced an Economic Recovery Plan for Renfrewshire, setting out priority actions for a jobs-led recovery, maximising the potential of capital investment and enabling Renfrewshire to secure its position as the primary location for manufacturing research and development investment in Scotland.
James Lang, Chair of the Renfrewshire Economic Leadership Panel and Director of the UK’s largest leather manufacturer Scottish Leather Group, said: “Renfrewshire’s economy is built on strong foundations and planned investment in infrastructure will be critical to our recovery and growth following the tremendous impact of the pandemic.
“Delivering the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project is vital, in the short-term creating construction jobs and work for local people and longer-term providing a massive boost from the regenerated waterfront and developments that follow. It will also be central to the success of the manufacturing district and I know very well how important access to suppliers and employees is to manufacturing growth.”
Liz Connolly, Principal and Chief Executive of West College Scotland and President of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce said: “The Clyde Waterfront Project is a really significant development for the Renfrewshire economy and the wider Glasgow City Region. Initially the construction phase will present real skills development and employment opportunities for local people, ultimately the improved access and connectivity created by the project will lead to significant job opportunities within the region. The project will also give our SMEs an important route to join the supply chain and bid for contract opportunities.”
Renfrew High School Headteacher Billy Burke said: “For our pupils to have these job and skills development opportunities on their doorstep is very exciting. Apprenticeships offer a fantastic route to employment for young people and knowing our town is home to world-leading experts in manufacturing and engineering will be of great inspiration our learners.”
Latest Renfrewshire News
Paisley punk scene celebrated in new film
A film about the legendary Paisley punk scene is being premiered on Renfrewshire Leisure's online TV channel.
cinch presents TRNSMT Festival is back for the part of the summer!
cinch presents TRNSMT will finally return to Glasgow Green from 10th – 12th September, following a year without live music in Scotland, for a festival weekend like no other!
Riverside Museum celebrates 10 incredible years since opening
Ten years ago Riverside Museum opened in Glasgow to much critical and public acclaim.
The Bark of Ayrshire immortalised in bronze
Canine celebrities Olive & Mabel, joined their owner Andrew Cotter at the Poet's Path in Alloway this week to meet another doggie duo, The Twa Dogs!
Explore the history and legends of Lochwinnoch through a new digital story collection
A collection of short stories inspired by the Lochwinnoch countryside have launched online this week, thanks to funding received from Renfrewshire Council.
World Refugee Day to be celebrated as part of cultural programme of events at Glasgow Fan Zone
Declan Welsh & the Decadent West have been added to the line-up for the special World Refugee Day concert taking place at Glasgow Green this afternoon!
Work underway to connect Howwood to Paisley via new cycle route
Work is now underway on a new cycle route from Howwood to Paisley as part of drive to enhance active travel opportunities in Renfrewshire.
Nicola Benedetti and Iona Fyfe get behind Make Music Day Scotland this summer
Hybrid of in-person and online events planned in Scotland and across the UK to mark the global, annual celebration of music!
New walking tour app helps Glasgow get back on its feet!
From the latest graffiti murals to historic female icons that shaped Glasgow, get yourself outside this summer with the help of the new Glasgow Walking Tours app!
Young people inspired as Team Up to Clean Up visits local schools
Young people are being inspired to look after where they live and Team Up to Clean Up as Renfrewshire Council's award-winning campaign visits local primary schools.
First Scottish Dance Band online concert series to launch this month
The first ever Scottish Dance Band online concert series is set to launch this month under the watchful eye of musician and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Gary Innes.
Mackies of Scotland and National Trust for Scotland announce partnership to get families exploring this summer
Families are invited to reconnect with the National Trust for Scotland properties they love, uncover clues as they explore and receive a delicious Mackie’s chocolate treat for their efforts.
People across Scotland urged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease
Scots are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of adults who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.
A journey from lockdown back to live theatre 2021 to 2022
Join the National Theatre of Scotland on a journey back to live theatre as it celebrates a programme of new tours, returning productions, a World Premiere and its ongoing digital programme.
Grab yourself a deal in Paisley town centre with FiverFest!
Save money and grab yourself a bargain in Paisley town centre with great £5 offers from our local businesses as part of our summer FiverFest!
Day of digital celebrations planned for Sma Shot 2021
Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations will once again be marked with a programme of online events to commemorate the historic victory of local weavers.
Salvage Hunters want your location recommendations for their upcoming episode set to be filmed in Scotland
Salvage Hunters, the well-loved and most watched Discovery Network show is on the hunt for locations to feature in their special Scotland episode.
Dobbies announces virtual events to elevate your garden this summer
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced two virtual Expert Events to help gardeners elevate their green spaces this summer, no matter the size or style of their garden.
Cultural programme for UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Fan Zone unveiled
A packed programme of live performances has been announced for the UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Fan Zone, with Glasgow Green set to showcase Scotland’s diverse cultural scene!
itison give the chance to win a VIP Olympic experience with Sir Chris Hoy to raise funds for Social Bite
Win a VIP Olympic experience with Sir Chris Hoy or 90s throwback fitness class with Mr Motivator courtesy of itison... and help raise funds for Social Bite to break the cycle of homelessness.
Fun and games guaranteed at Summer Activity Camps
Youngsters can have a summer of fun and games thanks to Renfrewshire Leisure's Summer Activity Camps!
New town centre gallery artspace37 to host Scottish Drawing Competition from Paisley Art Institute
Paisley's newest contemporary art gallery, artspace37, based in Piazza Shopping Centre, is proud to announce that they will host the prestigious Paisley Art Institute's Scottish Drawing Competition!
Charity thanks volunteers for the massive difference they make
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, is getting ready to celebrate Volunteers’ Week (1st – 7th June) by thanking their volunteers for the huge difference that they make to people’s lives.
Celebrating the diverse cultures of ethnic groups in Renfrewshire
The diverse cultures of different ethnic groups in Renfrewshire are being celebrated with a series of online events and creative workshops.
Scottish Opera returns to live performance with over 200 pop up opera shows this Summer
Scottish Opera returns to live outdoor performance for the first time in nine months, with its popular Pop-up Opera Roadshow, starting Thursday 10th June!
New bridge brings big benefits for cycling and walking in Renfrewshire
A new bridge over the Black Cart river next to Glasgow Airport will bring big benefits for people cycling and walking in Renfrewshire.
Ayr company scoops best ice cream in UK award!
Mancini's of Ayr has been voted the best ice cream manufacturer in the UK at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance, the sector's UK trade association.
Plans launched to plant ten trees for every person in Glasgow City Region
Over the next decade, ten trees for every man, woman and child in Glasgow City Region will be planted as part of a new urban ‘forest’ to tackle climate change.
Scottish Celebrity Chef backs charity Tartan Tea Party to celebrate Thank You Day
Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin is backing Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Tartan Tea Party to celebrate the nationwide 'Thank You Day' on Sunday 4th July.
Dobbies celebrates National Childrens Gardening Week with refreshed Little Seedlings and Ambassador launch
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced the online relaunch of its much-loved Little Seedlings Club, to support and celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week.
Sponsored Links
