Clyde Waterfront regeneration to create 12,400 jobs and new bridge

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CATRIONA STEWART

investments will make it easier for employers to do business, easier for employees to get to and from their places of work and open up the potential for future investment.

“Around 1,400 jobs are expected during the construction period and a further 11,000 permanent jobs could be created through existing business expansion and new businesses being attracted to the area as a result of the City Deal infrastructure investment.”

Construction of a new bridge over the White Cart, realignment of Abbotsinch Road, and new cycle routes form the project proposals to improve connections between the existing Westway, Inchinnan and airport business parks.

It will also help create a world-class business and commercial location in the heart of Renfrewshire, connected by air, sea and land, developers hope.

Plans for the £39.1m Glasgow Airport Investment Area project are also being submitted officials.

Renfrewshire Council said the plans will attract £282m in private sector investment, deliver 1,690 new homes and bring back 83 hectares of land into use.

It will also create 1,015 jobs during the construction period and 629 permanent jobs as a result of new business creation.

It is hoped the project will support the continued growth and expansion of Glasgow Airport and bring £430m in private sector investment.

Renfrewshire Council also said the scheme will create 365 jobs during construction and up to 10,600 jobs as a result of new business creation in the Investment Area.

It will deliver 250 new homes and bring 60 hectares of vacant and derelict land back into use. If approved, work on both projects is expected to start on site in 2018, with construction completed in 2020.

Extensive engagement with more than

to Renfrewshire planning 2,000 people has signalled public support for the projects, with feedback surveys showing 90 per cent backing for the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project. Some 94 per cent of respondents said they are behind the Glasgow Airport Investment Area project.

Mr Grant added: “Improved connections will also benefit the public and local employers, with 59,000 jobs becoming more accessible to Renfrewshire residents.

“I am very excited at the potential of the Glasgow Airport Investment Area to bring highly skilled jobs to the area. The signs are already there – the First Minister recently announced an £8.9m specialist centre to develop new manufacturing processes for lightweight materials for the aerospace and automotive industries.”

The projects are funded through the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal, an agreement between the UK Government, Scottish Government and eight local authorities.

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