PLANS have been approved for new riverside routes at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovating District Scotland (AMIDS) which is being built near Glasgow Airport.
Renfrewshire Council’s planning and climate change board gave the green light to a series of new routes and links between Paisley town centre and AMIDS.
It includes a 1.7km riverside route from Abercorn Street to Inchinnan Road; a road bridge at the former Paisley harbour; an east-west road from Renfrew Road to the bridge crossing; dedicated walking and cycling along all new routes; and an underpass for walking and cycling at Renfrew Road into Gallowhill.
The local authority said that improving walking and cycling routes is a ‘key component’ of the plans, with the underpass beneath Renfrew Road to Gallowhill Road enhancing connections from the east of the town into West College Scotland and the new Paisley Grammar School community campus, which is due to be built by 2026.
A survey conducted ahead of the planning application being launched saw 90% of the 250 respondents saying they’d use the riverside route, whilst 86% confirmed they’d be more likely to walk or cycle following the infrastructure improvements.
Furthermore, business case projections found the completed infrastructure could attract an additional £136 million into the local economy and cut carbon emissions by more than 4,200 tonnes.
The project team is now looking to appoint a contractor later this year to complete the new transport connections, with the council anticipating that works will be finalised in 2025. The project is being backed by £38.7 million from the UK Government’s levelling up fund.
Councillor Andy Steel, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s economy and regeneration policy board, said, “Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation, AMIDS, is really taking shape and it’s crucial as many people as possible can access the jobs and opportunities it is bringing.
“This project will connect communities either side of the river to their employment and education and enable business growth by improving access for customers and suppliers.
“As well as the economic boost, it will bring environmental enhancements by reducing congestion, making improvements along the river and by offering new walking and cycling options. This will all help to cut carbon emissions and support Renfrewshire’s net zero targets.”
