Regeneration project now gathering pace
Massive infrastructures set to transform Renfrewshire are a step closer.
Bosses behind a train link between Gilmour Street and Glasgow Airport say preparations are progressing.
They also insisted moves are apace for the creation of a bridge connecting Renfrew to Yoker.
The projects are being funded as part of the £1.13bn Glasgow City Region City Deal.
Susan Aitken is cabinet chairman and insisted the work will create jobs and open up the district to further trade.
She said: “The Glasgow City Region Deal is one of the most advanced in the UK.
“We are now delivering projects at pace, providing a real boost to Glasgow City Region.
“Communities across the region are now seeing this investment on the ground and there is a real visibility around the projects.
“Thousands of jobs are being created through construction works underway and our employment schemes.
“Local businesses are benefiting from contract opportunities and from our new business support schemes.
“Infrastructure investment for new roads, bridges, remediation and public realm works is helping to unlock vacant sites in key locations for housing, retail and commercial development.
“We have ensured our projects have a focus on inclusive economic growth.
“We talk about the City Deal levering in an estimated £3.3 billion of private sector investment over 20 years.
“The cabinet has become ever clearer in its understanding of what that looks like in practice.
“Now we must make it our top priority.”
The Glasgow City Region City Deal is a partnership of eight councils and the governments in Westminster and London.
They have stumped up funding to help pay for infrastructure improvements across the west of the country.
Bosses selected 27 schemes across the region – with help from the public.
Renfrewshire will see a tram- train link between Glasgow Airport and the national rail network at Gilmour Street.
The jet hub will also be set at the heart of a new business district.
Facilities will be put in place to attract interest from the public and private sector.
A swathe of firms have already committed to the site.
The development has already secured over £ 120 million in investment.
A £ 56 million Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre has already been earmarked for the site.
And Hol y rood say s its £ 65 million National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland will open nearby.
Cash is also in place for the River Clyde bridge and improvements along the Renfrew waterfront.
The improvements are expected to cost in the region of £90m.
The City Deal is anticipated to generate 15,000 construction jobs during the building phase.
Almost 30,000 additional roles are expected to be created later.
Experts say schemes could unlock £3.3bn of private sector investment.
Scottish Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson says the work can provide a boost to towns along the River Clyde.
He said: “It is encouraging to see the progress that has already been made in the Glasgow City Region.
“It’s not yet a quarter of the way through the 20-year lifespan of the City Region Deal.
“This is an exciting time and the Scottish Government remains fully committed to working closely with regional partners over the upcoming years to get the most out of the opportunities created through the deal.”
Scottish Secretary David Mundell insists fresh cash can be brought into the area.
He said: “We look forward to the continued development and completion of more projects – and the economic growth and regeneration benefits they will bring.”
Construction on the airport business zone and bridge could be completed next year, with the rail link operational by 2025.