Works are set to begin next month on a critical Paisley route as part of a £59 million investment to create new transport connections to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).

The ambitious infrastructure programme, led by Renfrewshire Council, will also enhance active travel links in the area and serve the new £85.5 million state-of-the-art Paisley Grammar School Community Campus.

Contractor Farrans has been appointed to deliver the AMIDS South project. The first phase of works will involve the construction of a new road and junction next to the former Chivas building on Renfrew Road, which will eventually connect into a new road bridge across the White Cart river.

The new road and junction are scheduled for completion by summer 2026, with the entire £59m project due to be finished by Spring 2028.

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Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said the investment is another example of the council's ambition. "The new transport links and state-of-the-art school will transform Renfrew Road and this section of the town. Communities from across the White Cart river will be more connected to the town centre," he commented.

The AMIDS South project is designed to significantly improve access to Shortroods, AMIDS, and Glasgow Airport from the town centre, Renfrew, and the M8 motorway. Key elements include:

• A new road bridge at Paisley Harbour, providing access for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from Harbour Road to Inchinnan Road.

• A 1.7km gateway route along Abercorn Street, Harbour Road, and Inchinnan Road, linking the town centre to AMIDS and Glasgow Airport.

• The Gallowhill Link, a new walking and cycling route utilising the former railway underpass at the retail park to safely cross Renfrew Road.

Patrick Murray, Scotland's Regional Director for Farrans, confirmed the team has been in close preparation for site operations. "We recently held a successful Meet the Buyer event in the area and met with over 70 local suppliers to discuss packages we will be procuring in the coming months. We will be focused on minimising disruption," he stated.

The initial works on Renfrew Road will begin on Monday, 3 November 2025, lasting for 25 weeks.

The funding for the project includes £38.8m from the UK Government Levelling-Up Fund, £18.8m from Renfrewshire Council, and £1.5m from Transport Scotland for the Gallowhill Link. The separate £85.5m school campus is supported by the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Improvement Programme.