Development of a major innovation district near Glasgow Airport has taken a significant step forward as Renfrewshire Council approves the full business case
The Full Business Case for the Glasgow Airport Investment Area project was approved at Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board.
Funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, the project will see the construction of new roads, bridges, cycling and pedestrian routes around Glasgow Airport.
Under the full business case, the Abbotsinch Road will be re-aligned and upgraded, including 1,620 metres of new road. A two-lane bridge over the White Cart linking the investment area to Westway business park and other development sites will also be created.
A 100-metre cycleway and pedestrian bridge spanning the Black Cart and new and improved junctions, extensive active travel facilities and connections to existing cycleways and paths are proposed.
Significant work has already begun to develop the innovation district, which will capitalise on existing advanced manufacturing and engineering and research expertise in Renfrewshire and Scotland to drive sustainable growth.
Thousands of jobs are anticipated to be created through development of the district, which has already attracted the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) to be located here.
Planning consent for the main infrastructure was granted in late 2017 and once considered by the Glasgow City Region Cabinet on 9 April, construction is scheduled to start this summer.
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “I am pleased that everyone across the council chambers recognises the significance of this project and has backed it.
“Construction of this new infrastructure will create the connections and conditions which attract major investment and brings thousands of new jobs to the region.”
