Innovation district AMIDS on course for jobs and growth in Renfrewshire

With a heating system 90% greener than a gas boiler and two specialist centres transforming skills, processes and productivity, Scotland’s home for manufacturing innovation is taking shape in Renfrewshire.

Here’s a snapshot of photos showing the progress being made on the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).

Renfrewshire Council is leading development of the 52-hectare site next to Glasgow Airport, which has already attracted the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) headquarters, operated by the University of Strathclyde, and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, led by CPI, both facilities on course to complete construction this year.

They will be the first occupiers to benefit from heating and hot water supplied through a ‘fifth generation’ low carbon renewable energy network, the sustainable system – including 3.7km of underground pipes – currently being installed by experts FES Energy.

There’s also a new primary sub-station providing power and later this year, further across the site, work starts on landscaping to create a central square and gathering place for people to meet, collaborate and enjoy the riverside views.

Netherton Avenue will provide a new gateway road through the district, complemented by better walking and cycling facilities, with two bridge connections around the site opening this year improving access for commercial vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, all funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Boeing has already landed in the wider district at Westway Park, opening the Metallics Research Centre in the NMIS Boeing facility.  This will see Boeing undertake its first ever research and development project in Scotland in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre, which is part of the NMIS group and has been based at Inchinnan Business Park since 2010 next to Rolls Royce.

And more companies are sure to follow, the £150million capital value and green campus credentials an appealing offer, with the council looking to form a joint venture with a private sector partner to develop the district to its full potential.

Plans are also being progressed to better connect people from the surrounding areas to the district through the UK Government’s Levelling Up funding, creating a new network of road, cycling and walking links from Paisley town centre along the route of the White Cart river.

Alongside new infrastructure, there’s strong links being forged with the local manufacturing sector through a new network, ensuring Renfrewshire companies know what AMIDS has to offer them and how they can secure supply chain opportunities.

And careers co-ordinators in Renfrewshire schools are linked into the jobs of the future and apprenticeships on offer, including a Foundation Apprenticeship in Digital Manufacturing.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Development of AMIDS will bolster our hugely productive manufacturing sector in Renfrewshire, made famous from the threadmills, shipyards and aerospace engines, and now accounting for more than 8,000 jobs – almost 10% of all employment across the region.

“It’s great to see the district taking shape, achieved despite the backdrop of the pandemic, and I’m sure it will bring big benefits locally as the research centres open their doors – creating new jobs and helping local, national and international businesses to grow and upskill their employees.

“Its development is a fantastic example of collaboration between a wide range of enterprise, education, public and private sector agencies and every aspect of it is focused on a net-zero future.”

Working together on its success alongside the Council are the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, the University of Strathclyde, West College Scotland, NMIS and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, CPI.