FIRMS have been urged to prepare for a range of sub-contract opportunities on the £79.5 million Clyde waterfront and Renfrewshire riverside project.
Civil engineering specialist Graham was announced as the main contractor for the development in March. The works will bring a new twin-leaf swing bridge over the River Clyde as well as a transformation of the waterfront and a new road connecting from the bridge into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) being developed next to Glasgow Airport.
Economic estimates predict that some 700 jobs will be supported during the three-year construction period, with the firm now set to advertise sub-contract opportunities as preparatory work gets set to commence imminently – with fencing, scaffolding, temporary electrics, site accommodation, cleaning and catering services all being required to get the site up and running.
There will also be contracts for a range of equipment, including pumps, barges and generators and orders for aggregate, concrete and piling to complete construction of the new bridge connecting Renfrew with Clydebank and Yoker.
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said, “The new infrastructure will connect communities to amenities on both sides of the Clyde and help to transform the waterfront, the improved access appealing to developers over the coming years. It’s an exciting project and represents an excellent boost as we look to create jobs and opportunities for work to recover from the economic impact of Covid-19.
“I would urge local suppliers and companies to contact the construction company and register their interest in becoming a supplier.”
As part of the £79.5million contract, Graham, who have a waterfront office in Renfrewshire at Braehead, have also committed to deliver more than 100 community benefits including jobs, apprenticeships, qualifications and community volunteering activities.
This includes career talks and promotion of careers in engineering to school pupils and college students as well as jobs targeted at people currently unemployed, working in partnership with employability teams in Renfrewshire and neighbouring Glasgow City Region areas.
Jim Armour, Graham contracts manager, said, “We are delighted to be delivering the Clyde Waterfront project and bringing some fantastic supply chain opportunities to the Renfrewshire area.
“The scale of this scheme means the range of roles and materials, plant and equipment required are vast and we urge local organisations to register their interest as soon as possible to be part of this transformational engineering project for Scotland.
“On all of the projects that we deliver across the UK and Ireland, we continually look for ways to add value and deliver benefits for the communities that our work brings us into contact with.
“Our aim on this project is to make a positive economic impact through employment, training and work experience opportunities for local people and organisations. Living and buying locally during the works, alongside supporting community initiatives, also plays an important part in maximising the social value that we can bring.”
Anyone interested in supplying services or securing a contract should register with Public Contracts Scotland where the different tenders will be advertised and email civils.supplychaineoi@graham.co.uk expressing an interest to work with Graham.
