Work is set to begin on a £59 million infrastructure scheme that will transform transport links between Paisley town centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), and Glasgow Airport.
The project, led by Renfrewshire Council, will see the construction of a new road bridge across Paisley Harbour, a 1.7km riverside route along the White Cart, and a network of walking, cycling and road connections designed to enhance access to the region’s growing manufacturing hub.
Major investment and funding support
The AMIDS South project has secured £38.7 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with Renfrewshire Council contributing £18.8 million. An additional £1.5 million from Transport Scotland will fund a safe walking and cycling route from Gallowhill, making use of an underpass on the former railway line.
Council leaders believe the scheme will unlock further economic growth, with projections indicating £136 million in private sector investment, a reduction of 21,700 tonnes in carbon emissions, and the creation of hundreds of new jobs across Renfrewshire.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said:
**“AMIDS is one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire’s recent history as it will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and provide a significant boost to the area’s economy so it is important that we provide the appropriate access to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation.
“This project will not only provide infrastructure to better connect communities to education and employment opportunities, but it will also significantly improve the offer to organisations looking to locate here with enhanced access to the airport and the fourth-busiest train station in Scotland.
“This will be another flagship project for Renfrewshire following the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which included the new Renfrew Bridge, and will be further proof of the Council’s ability to successfully deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects which bring substantial benefits now and for generations to come.”**
Strategic importance for the region
The new transport links are expected to strengthen Paisley’s position as a gateway to AMIDS, a 52-hectare campus which has already attracted major international manufacturing and technology businesses.
The infrastructure will also connect into the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus via a road from Renfrew Road to the bridge crossing. Dedicated walking and cycling routes will provide safe access for students, residents and workers commuting to and from the innovation district.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood welcomed the scheme, saying:
**“Backed by over £38million in Government funding, this flagship project will deliver a major boost for Paisley and for Scotland as a whole.
“It’s exactly the kind of investment behind last month’s announcement of nearly £340 million from our Levelling Up Fund to communities across the UK. The new bridge will provide safer, better-connected transport links for local people, businesses and schools, while driving economic growth and creating thousands of new jobs – a key part of our Plan for Change.”**
Contractor appointed and delivery timescale
Farrans Construction has been awarded the contract to deliver the project, with work now moving into the planning and preparation stage. The scheme is expected to be fully completed and open by 2028.
Patrick Murray, Scotland’s Regional Director for Farrans, said:
**“AMIDS South is a project which will deliver major economic and connectivity benefits for the town of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire, and we are looking forward to getting work started on site.
“Our experienced team has recently completed the highly-successful Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow and we have a long history of projects in the transportation sector in Scotland including Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven in joint venture as SFN, M80 Stepps to Haggs and the A737 Dalry Bypass in Ayrshire. We are working through the final stages of preparation with our client Renfrewshire Council and will be engaging on the ground with local stakeholders shortly.”**
Building on recent investments
The AMIDS South project represents the latest stage in Renfrewshire Council’s £1bn capital investment programme, which has already delivered landmark projects including the award-winning refurbishment of Paisley Town Hall, the renovation of Paisley Arts Centre, the creation of a new Learning and Cultural Hub on the High Street, and the near-complete transformation of Paisley Museum.
In addition, the council has committed £90 million over ten years to improve local roads and pathways, alongside up to £170 million for long-term investment in the schools estate.
The new bridge and riverside route will also complement the recently opened Renfrew Bridge, linking Renfrew with Clydebank, Yoker and the wider Glasgow City Region.
With work now set to begin, council leaders and contractors are confident that the scheme will provide long-term benefits for businesses, communities and the wider Scottish economy.
Notes to Editors
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Project cost: £59 million, comprising £38.7 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, £18.8 million from Renfrewshire Council, and £1.5 million from Transport Scotland.
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Key elements of the project include:
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Construction of a new road bridge at Paisley Harbour, designed for pedestrians, cyclists and road traffic.
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Creation of a gateway route linking Paisley town centre to AMIDS and Glasgow Airport via Abercorn Street, Harbour Road and Inchinnan Road, incorporating new cycleways and landscaping.
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Development of a new east–west road link from Renfrew Road into the route, enhancing connectivity to AMIDS and improving access to the proposed Paisley Grammar School Community Campus.
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Integration with the Gallowhill Link, making use of the former railway underpass to provide a safe crossing of Renfrew Road.
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Upgraded walking and cycling provision along Greenock Road between Inchinnan Business Park and AMIDS.
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