Public supports City Deal projects
Huge backing for riverside and airport plans
More than 2000 people have shown their support for two major infrastructure projects that will create jobs and connect communities
Events and exhibitions over the past 12 months on the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside and Glasgow Airport Investment Area projects have caught the public imagination.
And support has soared for the Renfrewshire- led Glasgow City Region City Deal projects following public exhibitions in Renfrew, Paisley, Clydebank and Yoker last month.
Feedback surveys show 90 per cent are backing the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, recognising its potential to regenerate the riverside and better link the communities of Renfrew, Yoker and Clydebank.
The project includes a new opening bridge over the River Clyde; construction of the Renfrew North Development Road joining the bridge with Meadowside Street/ Kings Inch Road and Inchinnan Road – with improved facilities for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.
The support also extends to the Glasgow Airport Investment Area project – with 94 per cent of respondents behind the plans, which will lead to the creation of a world-class commercial location connected by air, sea and land in the heart of Renfrewshire.
New bridges across the Black Cart and White Cart, the realignment of Abbotsinch Road, better connections with the existing road network and new cycle routes are all part of the project plans which will improve connections between the Westway, Inchinnan and Airport business parks.
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson welcomed the news on a recent visit to Renfrew, saying feedback from communities during the events and exhibitions has played a significant part in shaping the final projects.
Councillor Nicolson said: “These major projects will bring new job opportunities; link communities better and provide places to be proud of.
“Providing long- lasting economic benefits to our communities is right at the heart of each of these City Deal projects, which will unlock the area’s economic potential, tackle unemployment and create thousands of new jobs while at the same time improve public transport and connectivity.
“At each stage of the projects, the input of local people has guided the development and I am pleased at the contribution communities in Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow have made in shaping these projects.
“From guiding the choice of routes to highlighting the things that matter most to their communities, they have made their voices heard.”
Local consultation events highlighted the most popular location for the new River Clyde Bridge, which will be the first opening bridge across the Clyde, improving access for communities If you are planning to be out and about in Paisley, please remember that Forbes Place will be closed for up to six months.
This is for waterworks to be carried out as part of a £17 million project by Scottish Water to improve the sewer network in the town.
The firm said the installation of a new combined sewer overflow has seen it and its contractors on both sides of the river to jobs, leisure activities, Glasgow Airport and hospitals.
The precise route of the Renfrew North Development Road was set to ensure minimal environmental impact and improve access to local woodland areas.
Community calls were also answered with every new road complemented by improved cycling and walking routes.
And following feedback on traffic congestion concerns, a detailed modelling study was conducted which found peak time traffic at Renfrew Cross is likely to be significantly reduced, while new routes will lead to reduced HGV traffic on Porterfield Road and on Paisley Road.
Planning applications for each project will be submitted on Friday, June 23, the Clyde Waterfront project being considered by the planning authorities in Renfrewshire, Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire and the Glasgow Airport Investment Area falling entirely within Renfrewshire’s remit. liaise with Renfrewshire Council to plan road traffic management.
During the road closure there will still be access to a car park used by Clydesdale Bank, which is located at the bottom of Dunn Square, as well as nearby offices.
They said they had implemented a system that enables access to businesses for workers and the public.
The project is part of work to reduce the frequency of spills from the sewer network into the Espedair Burn and White Cart Water in storm conditions.
The project includes the installation of a one mile-long waste water tunnel, or sewer, under the streets of Paisley.
The investment is part of £ 250 million programme to improve river water quality and the natural environment and tackle flooding across the greater Glasgow area.