New £60 Million Bridge to Enhance Access Between Paisley and Glasgow Airport

Plans for a significant infrastructure development in Scotland have been unveiled, with a new bridge linking Paisley to Glasgow Airport. The ambitious £60 million project aims to enhance transport connections, featuring a harbour bridge, new roads, and dedicated walking and cycling paths in the area.

The initiative, spearheaded by Renfrewshire Council, is designed to improve access from Paisley town centre to Glasgow Airport. It will also facilitate better connectivity to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), a key area anticipated to attract substantial investment and create economic opportunities.

Funding for this project has been bolstered by a substantial contribution of £38.7 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund. Additionally, the local authority has allocated £18.8 million to construct a new road bridge over Paisley Harbour and establish a gateway route along the White Cart River. An extra £1.5 million from Transport Scotland will be used to ensure safe access from Gallowhill via an underpass on a former railway line.

Project Timeline and Economic Impact

The construction is expected to be completed by 2028. The plans include a comprehensive network of roads, cycling, and walking paths connecting the town centre’s train and bus stations to AMIDS, Glasgow Airport, and Inchinnan. A new road will also be created from Renfrew Road to the bridge, facilitating access to the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus.

This development is projected to stimulate the local economy significantly, potentially generating an additional £136 million in private sector investment. Furthermore, it is estimated that the project could reduce carbon emissions by over 21,700 tonnes, while fostering growth for both existing and new companies, ultimately leading to job creation in the region.

Council leader Iain Nicolson emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “It will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and provide a significant boost to the area’s economy. It is important that we provide the appropriate access to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation.” He added that this infrastructure will facilitate better connections to education and employment opportunities, enhancing the appeal for organizations considering establishing themselves in the area.

Construction and Future Prospects

The contract for delivering this major project has been awarded to Farrans Construction, a firm known for its work on the Govan to Partick bridge in Glasgow. As the construction progresses, the local community and stakeholders are optimistic about the improvements this bridge will bring to connectivity and economic vitality in the region.

Overall, the new bridge project will serve not only as a vital transportation link but also as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and sustainability in Renfrewshire and beyond.