Works will begin next month on a key Paisley route as part of a £59million investment in new transport connections to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), adding to the new £85.5million secondary school and improved active travel links in the area.
Renfrewshire Council is leading the project, which includes a new road and junction beside the former Chivas building on Renfrew Road. This will serve the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus and connect to a new road bridge over the White Cart.
The route will greatly improve access to Shortroods, AMIDS and Glasgow Airport from Paisley town centre, Renfrew and the M8. Key elements of the AMIDS South project include:
- A new road bridge at Paisley Harbour linking Harbour Road to Inchinnan Road for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists
- A 1.7km gateway route along Abercorn Street, Harbour Road and Inchinnan Road connecting the town centre to AMIDS and the airport
- A new walking and cycling route called the Gallowhill Link, using the former railway underpass at the retail park to cross Renfrew Road safely
- Walking and cycling upgrades on Greenock Road between Inchinnan Business Park and AMIDS, which are already complete
Council Leader Iain Nicolson said the investment will transform Renfrew Road, improve connections across the White Cart, and make access to jobs, education and the new school easier. He said AMIDS is already attracting industry and high-quality jobs and the new links will provide crucial access to what is becoming Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation.
The development will also bring economic benefits including apprenticeships, graduate roles, work placements, subcontracting opportunities and engagement with schools, colleges and community groups.
Bob Grant, Chair of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, said AMIDS South will help businesses connect and grow, strengthen supply chains, and attract investment.
Farrans Construction has been appointed to deliver the project. The new road and junction are expected to be complete by summer 2026, with the wider scheme finishing by spring 2028.
Photo: Aerial view of the planned AMIDS South transport corridor, including the new road bridge and link roads connecting Paisley to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland
Photo credit: Renfrewshire Council
The first works on Renfrew Road start Monday 3 November, from just before the former Chivas roundabout to the entrance of West College Scotland. Outside lanes on both sides will close for 25 weeks as part of a 52-week programme.
Patrick Murray, Scotland Regional Director for Farrans, said they will minimise disruption and keep stakeholders informed. The contractor and council will hold public information events, meet businesses, issue updates online and through local media.
Residents can subscribe to updates at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/amids-south.
AMIDS South is funded by £38.8million from the UK Government Levelling-Up Fund, £18.8million from Renfrewshire Council, and £1.5million from Transport Scotland for the Gallowhill Link.
The £85.5million Paisley Grammar School Community Campus is being delivered by the council with support from the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Improvement Programme.
Headline photo: Visualisation of the new East–West link route with dedicated walking and cycling paths alongside the upgraded road connection
Photo credit: Renfrewshire Council