Glasgow Airport and Emirates will make Scottish aviation history with the first arrival of the A380 aircraft, which touched down at 19.45 on Tuesday, April 16.
Last week saw the first the time world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft which has been introduced to scheduled service in Scotland. Glasgow Airport has invested more than £8m upgrading its infrastructure to welcome the iconic aircraft, including the introduction of Scotland’s only triple airbridge.
Video of the Aircraft arriving via social media on our Facebook page.
https://i2.wp.com/www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/IMG_0206.jpg?fit=1571%2C988&ssl=19881571Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2019-04-24 13:11:442019-04-24 13:16:49Glasgow Airport and Emirates make Scottish Aviation history with first arrival of the iconic A380 aircraft
Glasgow Airport has invested more than £200,000 to introduce an eight-strong fleet of petrol/electric plug-in hybrid vehicles to its operations.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 4×4 vehicles will be deployed across the airport’s security, engineering and airfield operations teams. A number of charging stations have also installed across the airport campus to accommodate the two-litre engine vehicles.
Unlike conventional hybrids, PHEV vehicles like the Mitsubishi Outlander can be plugged-in and recharged from an outlet, which allows them to drive extended distances using just electricity. When the battery is running low emptied, the conventional engine kicks in to support it.
Each of the airport’s new vehicles have been supplied by Arnold Clark and can achieve up to 166 miles per gallon, bringing both attractive cost reductions and environmental benefits.
Mark Johnston, Managing Director at Glasgow Airport, said: “The Outlander hybrid vehicles are fantastic additions to our fleet. The vehicles they have replaced produced between 200 and 230 grams of CO2 per kilometre whereas the Outlander is around the 41-grams mark.
“As well as delivering up to 166 miles per gallon, they also have the ability to drive over 30 miles with zero emissions using just electricity. As the fleet makes short journeys around the airfield, the Outlanders will be charged frequently at one of our stations to again minimise the amount of fuel used. We also enjoy the added bonus that 100% of our own electricity supply at Glasgow Airport is generated using renewable energy.
“The environmental benefits and considerable cost reductions associated with the introduction of these hybrid plug-in vehicles are very attractive, so much so that through time we are considering rolling them out across the entire airport fleet.”
Scott McPhail, Group Business Franchise Manager, said: “We are delighted to be adding Glasgow Airport to our expanding portfolio of business customers, especially given their locality to our head office at Hillington, and with us being relatively new to working with Mitsubishi from a business supply perspective.
“We are sure our plug-in hybrid will be an excellent addition to their fleet, and we look forward to working with Glasgow Airport, as well as Aberdeen and Southampton airports, in introducing these vehicles across their operations.”
https://i0.wp.com/www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/HybridVehicles04.jpg?fit=1024%2C1522&ssl=115221024Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2019-03-05 11:57:132019-03-05 11:57:13Glasgow Airport’s new £200,000 green vehicle fleet is flying hybrid
Five additional services and 1200 extra seats available on popular Orlando route this winter
Virgin Atlantic has announced additional capacity on its popular Orlando route from Glasgow this coming winter, making 2019 the longest season ever for the airline at airport.
More than 1,200 extra seats will be made available on flights as a result of the airline’s decision to introduce an additional five flights in November and December this year. The first flight of the season will take place on Saturday 23 March with the last returning service departing Orlando on January 4th 2020.
Steven Marshall, Head of Airline Development (Long Haul) at Glasgow Airport, said: “Florida is a popular destination among Scottish holidaymakers and the decision to increase capacity on this route during the winter months by extending the service through to early January 2020 is a clear demonstration of Virgin Atlantic’s continued commitment to the Glasgow market.
“These additional winter flights are sure to be popular with families looking to spend the 2019 festive break with Mickey Mouse and his friends, or those passengers keen to explore Miami and the picture postcard Florida Keys.”
The additional flights in November and December will be operated using one of the airline’s 266-seat A330-200 aircraft. The fleet has recently been refurbished to include new Economy, Premium and Upper Class interiors and seating.
Juha Jarvinen, Executive Vice President of Commercial at Virgin Atlantic commented: “We have loved flying our Scottish customers from Glasgow to Orlando over the last 12 years and I can’t think of a better way to cement our commitment to the region than to offer our biggest ever season.
“We’re excited to welcome many more customers on-board, enabling them to experience our world famous service as they jet off on the holiday of a lifetime in the sunshine state.”
Following the launch of the Glasgow to Orlando, Florida service in 2007, Virgin Atlantic has carried over 400,000 passengers. In 2018 more than 55,000 passengers travelled between the airport and the Sunshine State, making Orlando Glasgow’s busiest route to the USA.
Virgin Atlantic’s winter extension compliments the existing summer programme, which operates from Saturday 23 March using the airline’s Boeing 747 aircraft. This operates up to four flights per week to Orlando in the peak summer months.
https://i2.wp.com/www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Exterior-3.jpg?fit=2500%2C1405&ssl=114052500Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2019-02-21 21:49:342019-02-21 21:49:34Additional capacity on Virgin Atlantic’s Florida service makes 2019 season longest ever at Glasgow Airport
Development of a major innovation district bringing jobs and investment into Renfrewshire has taken a significant step forward.
Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board has approved the Full Business Case for the Glasgow Airport Investment Area Project.
The project – one of three in Renfrewshire funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal – will see construction of new roads, bridges, cycling and pedestrian routes around Glasgow Airport.
What is being built?
Re-alignment and upgrading of Abbotsinch Road – including 1620 metres of new road
A two-lane bridge over the White Cart linking the investment area to Westway business park and other development sites
A 100-metre cycleway and pedestrian bridge spanning the Black Cart
New and improved junctions, extensive active travel facilities and connections to existing cycleways and paths
This infrastructure will improve connections between the Westway, Inchinnan and Airport business parks and enable development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).
Significant work has already started to develop this district, which will capitalise on existing advanced manufacturing and engineering and research expertise in Renfrewshire and Scotland to drive sustainable growth.
Thousands of jobs are anticipated to be created through development of the district, which has already attracted the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) to be located here.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Renfrewshire has a proud manufacturing heritage and through this hugely important project we are cementing our position at the beating heart of Scotland’s manufacturing future.
“I am pleased that everyone across the council chambers recognises the significance of this project and has backed it. Construction of this new infrastructure will create the connections and conditions which attract major investment and brings thousands of new jobs to the region.”
Almost 60 hectares of vacant and derelict land will be brought back into use through the Glasgow Airport Investment Area project, which supports the airport’s expansion plans.
It will also improve connections to the business parks at Westway in Renfrew, which has an onsite docking facility, and to Inchinnan, home to world-leading global life sciences company Thermo Fisher Scientific, engineering experts Rolls Royce and the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre.
The project Outline Business Case was approved by the Glasgow City Region Cabinet in December 2016 and planning consent for the main infrastructure was granted in late 2017.
Renfrewshire councillors have now signalled their support for the 192-page Full Business Case, which details every aspect of the £39.1million project including the economic, commercial and financial case.
Councillor Nicolson added: “I regularly meet with and speak to Renfrewshire’s business community and listening to what they say there is collective recognition of the strategic importance of this project.
“Our location combined with the established expertise and highly skilled workforce provide us with the perfect platform for this project to deliver on its objectives and I wish to extend my thanks to the incredibly detailed and diligent work which has been undertaken by our City Deal project team to reach this milestone.”
Final tenders for the project construction will be considered at the Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board on 27 March, before the Full Business Case is considered for approval by the Glasgow City Region Chief Executives Group.
And once considered by the City Region Cabinet on 9 April, construction is scheduled to start this summer.
https://i0.wp.com/www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Glasgow-Airport-Investment-Area.jpg?fit=4000%2C2400&ssl=124004000Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2019-02-21 20:54:362019-02-21 20:54:36Backing for airport investment area full business case
GLASGOW Airport is today ramping up its efforts in the battle against single-use plastic by offering staff free refillable water bottles.
More than 5,300 people work in and around the airport and each one, from pilots to aircraft engineers and cabin crew to security guards, will be encouraged to pick up one of the reusable bottles.
Pupils from a Glasgow primary school, known nationwide as anti-plastic campaigners the Sunnyside Ocean Defenders, visited the airport to help hand out the branded bottles.
Kirsty Webster, Glasgow Airport’s Sustainability Assurance Manager, said: “There’s a heightened awareness of single use plastics and the devastating effects they are having on our environment and oceans.
“As a responsible business we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. We do this by offering a number of re-usable solutions as part of our own drive to reduce single-use plastics across the airport.
“Many of our catering outlets within the terminal have already moved away from the use of plastic straws and we are keen to keep pushing this forward.
“The introduction of the reusable bottles builds on the other waste management initiatives we already have in place, including the provision of free water refill stations in the airport. Our retailers will also fill up water bottles on request.”
The Sunnyside Ocean Defenders have made the headlines nationwide through their ‘#NaeStrawAtAw’ campaign. The pupils were invited to the airport back in May last year to spread their message and highlight the many alternatives to plastic straws to our caterers, staff and passengers.
“The Sunnyside Ocean Defenders’ visit last year was really popular and I’m a huge fan of their campaign, so I was thrilled they were able to come back in again to help hand out the reusable bottles and reinforce the message,” Kirsty added.
In 2014, Glasgow Airport formed an action group involving all retailers to develop a Charter which became known as ‘Keep It Clean Behind the Scenes’. Through the Charter, more than 600 retail staff from over 30 businesses receive regular training on how to manage waste effectively and increase recycling.
Loganair cabin Crew, Jaymie Elliot and Linda McClean pictured with pupils from Sunnyside school, Artur Wrobel and Kennedy Brown. Picture by Chris James 5/2/19
Lisa Perrie, Principal Teacher at Sunnyside Primary School, said: “The children were really excited about coming back to help support this campaign. Kirsty and the airport team deserve real credit for making what is a significant commitment to fund the introduction of more than 5000 reusable bottles for staff. It sends a powerful message that we can each take steps to help to cut down on single-use plastic.”
A single plastic bottle will take 450 years to degrade. According to Zero Waste Scotland, approximately 15,000 tonnes of plastic bottles are currently sent to landfill each year across the country.
Jill Farrell, Chief Operating Officer, Zero Waste Scotland said:“Single-use plastic bottles are one of the most recognisable symbols of the throwaway culture we live in. We applaud Glasgow Airport’s decision to hand out re-usable water bottles as these will give their staff the joy of using them again and again, while saving single-use plastic bottles from ending up in the landfill.
“If we are serious about putting an end to single-use plastic pollution, then we must find sustainable alternatives, such as re-usable water bottles, and recycle as much as we can. Eco-friendly alternatives such as these not only help to protect the environment, but also save consumers money.”
https://i2.wp.com/www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/WaterBottles.jpg?fit=1024%2C654&ssl=16541024Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2019-02-06 15:41:122019-02-06 15:41:12GLASGOW AIRPORT PUTS A LID ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BY SERVING UP 5000 REUSABLE BOTTLES TO STAFF
Plans for one of the largest wind farm developments in Scotland have been given the green light following the installation of a state-of-the-art radar system at Glasgow Airport.
Together with air traffic services company, NATS, and Banks Renewables, Glasgow Airport has introduced a new radar earlier that can mitigate the impact of the Kype Muir Wind Farm near Strathaven, South Lanarkshire. The development will generate 88.4MW of renewable energy from its 26 turbines.
NATS will manage the dual Terma SCANTER 4002 radar system which is capable of supporting air traffic control requirements and mitigating the impact of the turbines. The system is now operational and NATS has secured the contract to operate and maintain the service for the 25-year life of the wind farm.
Due to their height and movement patterns, wind turbines can have a range of impacts on navigational systems, including being detected by Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) and appearing on air traffic control screens. This can have a number of impacts including distracting controllers, masking ‘real’ aircraft and mimicking the appearance of actual aircraft to the extent that they must be avoided by other aircraft. Such impacts can have a detrimental impact on the safety, efficiency and capacity of the airspace surrounding airport.
As a statutory consultee, Glasgow Airport must assess wind farm development proposals up to 50 kilometres away. Importantly, it must ensure any proposed development will not pose a risk to the safety of the 30 airlines who fly over nine million passengers to and from the airport every year.
Glasgow Airport Managing Director Mark Johnston said: “We are very pleased to announce that the system is now fully operational. For the last three years, the Airport’s planning team has been worked extremely hard with our partners from NATS and Banks Renewables to develop this wind turbine mitigation solution in what is a very complex and safety critical environment. Talking about the biggest ambitions for the UK there is also consult the UK’s biggest sports betting community for help with betting tips.
“As well as resolving the issue with Kype Muir, the mitigation may also have the potential to resolve issues with other future wind farm proposals, which can only be of benefit to Scotland’s renewable energy sector.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “It’s great to see Glasgow Airport hosting the launch of this new radar system, which is a significant development for aviation safety.
“The new radar is able to distinguish between aircraft and wind turbines situated at Kype Muir Wind Farm, and this technology will be invaluable with the ever-growing sustainable energy sector.”
Andrew Liddell, Technical Director with Banks Renewables, said: “We’re especially thankful to Glasgow Airport for engaging with us to deliver the new radar. This means that not only will our new wind farm stay clear of any radar detection – but other new wind farms may also benefit from this regional solution.
“We also acknowledge how proactive and instrumental the Scottish Government has been in helping deliver such a positive outcome.”
Paul Beat, NATS General Manager at Glasgow Airport, said: ““We’re delighted to have worked with Glasgow Airport, Banks Renewables and TERMA to deliver a mitigation solution that both supports safe and efficient air traffic services, while also allowing this important wind farm development to be built and make a major contribution to the Scottish Government’s renewables strategy.”
Glasgow was one of the first airports in the world to deploy large scale wind turbine mitigation in the form of infill radar and has continued to innovate by deploying single turbine blanking in response to the increasing number of developments.
As a result, it has approved 90% of the 495 wind turbine applications it received between October 2012 and August 2016. These projects have the potential to generate more than 700MW of energy.
https://i0.wp.com/www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Terma.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=16831024Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2019-01-31 15:35:022019-02-04 14:04:08GLASGOW AIRPORT RADAR PROJECT CLEARS MAJOR WIND FARM DEVELOPMENT FOR TAKE OFF
PARTNERS working to deliver a new transport link to Glasgow Airport are developing plans for a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) scheme, as a potential alternative to a tram train.
PRT – which operates at a number of other airports, including Heathrow – was identified as one of two options for airport access in an original Strategic Business Case in 2016.
Partners now believe that it is likely to emerge as the preferred option and will ask the City Region Cabinet to approve work on an Outline Business Case, to be completed later this year.
A meeting of the project’s Executive Steering Group, on Wednesday, heard that the scheme could be delivered within the existing budget and timescale, being operational 2025.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Cllr Susan Aitken said: “Improved connectivity to Glasgow Airport is a key priority; however the advice from officers and consultants is that significant questions remain about the deliverability of the current tram train option, particularly in relation to capacity at Central Station.
“As a result, the Executive Steering Group has agreed that additional work should be done to establish an alternative Outline Business Case for a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) option. This work was not advanced by the previous City Deal Cabinet, but it is now crucial in order to allow us to make a fully informed choice about which of the options in front of us should be progressed.
“I remain committed to a solution that delivers improved public transport connectivity to Glasgow Airport – but I am determined that it should also provide value for money for the city, and deliver the widest possible inclusive economic benefits. I’m confident that we have made significant progress towards that outcome today.”
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This is a really positive step forward and recognition that a transport link between Glasgow City Centre, Paisley and Glasgow Airport is critical to the success of the city region economy.
“It is important we get the right solution which takes in to account competing demands on the existing rail network and delivers for the whole of the City Region. In order to ensure we get the right solution, we now have a clear way forward and agreement to look at a business case for a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, which can be delivered quickly and finally make the connection between the Airport and the city that business leaders and investors are crying out for.
“Renfrewshire Council is fully supportive of this approach and will be seeking Cabinet approval in the next few weeks to develop an outline business case to deliver a PRT for 2025.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “The Scottish Government is committed to the Glasgow City Region Deal and wish to see it succeed, so I’m pleased we have agreement on the way forward for this important project from all members of the Executive Steering Group.
“It’s crucial that improving access to Glasgow Airport is balanced with the needs of the region’s existing transport network. The Personal Rapid Transit system option potentially meets this aim, and I look forward to seeing the revised business case once it’s completed.”
Mark Johnston, managing director at Glasgow Airport, said: “We welcomed the opportunity to meet with the councils and the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Michael Matheson MSP, who convened the meeting to discuss the Glasgow Airport Access Project.
“Over the course of the past 10 years, we have been working with partners to address the long standing issue of access to and from Glasgow Airport. With the recent Jacobs report having confirmed congestion on the M8 has reached record levels there is an acceptance by all involved that doing nothing is not an option.
“We were informed that due to issues around rail capacity the project partners are developing an alternative option. This will be evaluated and we will of course work with the partners to promote the delivery of an effective solution within the agreed timescale.”
Although the detail of a PRT scheme would be developed through the new business case, it would be likely to see passengers use the existing rail network between Central Station and Paisley Gilmour Street – and a second shuttle or pod vehicle between Paisley and the airport.
https://i1.wp.com/www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Glasgow-Airport-exterior.jpg?fit=5315%2C3543&ssl=135435315Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2019-01-31 15:12:192019-01-31 18:07:00PARTNERS AGREE TO INVESTIGATE SECOND OPTION FOR AIRPORT ACCESS
– Airport’s chaplaincy service and staff to raise funds for Scotland’s national children’s charity this year –
Children 1st has been chosen as Glasgow Airport Chaplain’s Charity for 2019.
Chaplain Keith Banks and his team will be supported by staff from across the Glasgow Airport campus in raising vital funds throughout this year for Scotland’s national children’s charity.
Keith Banks, who has been the airport’s chaplain since 2009, said: “We have selected Children 1st as the Chaplain’s Charity for 2019 because it is a leader in its field. It does what it says on the tin – puts children first.Supporting this charity will mean making a difference to the lives of children in real need of protection, care and support.
“I’m always incredibly grateful and humbled by the efforts made by my colleagues each year to raise money for the fantastic causes supported by the airport’s chaplaincy service. Our passengers are also very generous and play an important part in raising funds each year.”
Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children 1st, said: “Children and families in Glasgow and across Scotland will be happier and safer in 2019 thanks to Glasgow Airport’s Chaplain’s Charity.
“Children 1st are delighted to have been chosen as the Chaplain’s Charity of the year. Their support will help our work with families and local communities to protect children from harm and to support children to recover from trauma and abuse. It will also support Parentline, our free phone and online service for any family that needs us.”
Last year the airport’s chaplaincy raised a record £7,600 for Glasgow-based Funding Neuro and Reaching Older Adults in Renfrewshire (ROAR). Children 1st together with Keith and his chaplaincy team are hopeful the Chaplain’s Charity total can top £10,000 this year.
Introduced by Keith in 2010, the Chaplain’s Charity has raised almost £68,000 in total for a number of national and local good causes. Previous beneficiaries of the Chaplain’s Charity programme include The Teddy Bear Foundation, CHAS, Robin House Children’s Hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust, The Salvation Army, Wish upon a Star, Make a Wish and the British Heart Foundation.
This year’s fundraising got off to a flying start with a launch day donation of £1787, which was raised through an annual staff survey with Glasgow Airport donating £1 for every person who took part.
Glasgow Airport’s Chaplain’s Charity raised more than £7,600 to support two charities based in Glasgow and Renfrewshire in 2018.
Chaplain Keith Banks and his team were supported by staff from across the Glasgow Airport campus in raising funds for Glasgow-based Funding Neuro and the Reaching Older Adults in Renfrewshire (ROAR) throughout last year.
Keith Banks, who has been the airport’s chaplain since 2009, said: “We had asked our staff to nominate organisations for the Chaplin’s Charity programme in 2018 and received so many worthwhile suggestions.
“We really struggled to choose just one, so we decided to pick two – one from Glasgow and another from Renfrewshire, given the airport’s close links with both areas.
“It was the first time we’d split the annual charity partnership, but Funding Neuro and ROAR are two fantastic charities which provide different, yet incredibly worthwhile support in the local community.”
Introduced by Keith in 2010, the Chaplain’s Charity has raised almost £60,000 in total for a number of organisations including The Teddy Bear Foundation, CHAS, Robin House Children’s Hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust, The Salvation Army, Wish upon a Star and Make a Wish and the British Heart Foundation.
He added: “As always I’m very grateful to my colleagues across the airport – and of course our incredibly generous passengers – who help raise these vital funds each year.”
Funding Neuro was founded by Bryn Williams, who himself has Parkinson’s Disease, to help fund research and pioneering treatment for devastating neurological conditions including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and brain tumours prevalent in children.
Sharon Kane, Funding Neuro’s chief executive, said: “It has been a privilege to be one of the Chaplain’s charities. Keith and the staff at Glasgow Airport have put in a lot of effort and organised some fabulous events to raise such a fantastic amount.
“The funds raised will help us to continue our work to find the answers to some of the most devastating neurological conditions.”
The aim of ROAR is to tackle loneliness in older age by helping people get out and stay connected with their communities and peers. They operate 25 clubs, projects and services across Renfrewshire including lunch clubs, cinema and exercise classes, reaching almost 1000 older people every week.
Nicola Hanssen, ROAR’s general manager, said: “We are so grateful to have been selected for the Chaplain’s Charity in 2018. It has been a terrific year. We have gained far more than the money.
“It has been a real privilege to get involved with the staff at Glasgow Airport who have been so generous with their time, effort and support. The funds have gone towards keeping our art club operating, which is a lifeline to the members who come from all walks of life and really rely on the companionship there to keep them going.”
Glasgow Airport Chaplain’s Charity 2019 will be unveiled later this month. For more information on the airport’s chaplaincy service contact chaplaincy@glasgowairport.com
https://i2.wp.com/www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Chaplains-Charity-2018-final-amount.jpg?fit=1500%2C2127&ssl=121271500Brian McGuirehttps://www.paisley.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paisley-logo-trans.pngBrian McGuire2019-01-12 10:04:492019-01-12 10:04:49Glasgow's Chaplain's charity raised more than £7600 for its two chosen charities in 2018
Renfrewshire’s future is bright, despite tough challenges facing all local economies, says Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson.
More than £100million is currently being invested in Paisley town centre cultural venues as part of plans to use the region’s rich heritage to drive its economic regeneration.
And 2019 signals the start of construction of an advanced manufacturing innovation district next to Glasgow Airport which is set to bring thousands of highly skilled jobs to the region.
“Every high street in every town and in every city is facing tough challenges, but we have a bold vision and are already taking significant steps towards securing Renfrewshire’s long-term economic future,” said Councillor Nicolson.
“This year will see us take the next steps on this exciting journey, working together with the business community and skills agencies as every organisation has an important part to play in delivering a bright economic future for Renfrewshire.”
Celebrating the region’s rich traditions – from weaving the paisley pattern to the iconic Paisley Abbey – and establishing Renfrewshire as a key visitor destination are at the centre of the regeneration plans.
New figures show great progress, with visitor numbers more than doubling to 5.3million between 2015 and 2017, while hosting major events attracted record numbers and ploughed £3.5million into the local economy this winter.
Paisley town centre cultural venues are about to undergo a total transformation – including the flagship project turning Paisley Museum into an international-class destination anticipated to attract 125,000 visitors each year.
There’s also been the launch of destination brand Paisley Is showcasing all the area has to offer and new funds rolled out to help grow the cultural sector, encouraging the sustainable growth of local arts, music and other creative organisations.
Alongside this are major infrastructure projects funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, including the £39.1million Glasgow Airport Investment Area project, with construction starting in spring on new connections underpinning the site which has already been confirmed as home to two multi-million pound national innovation centres.
Councillor Nicolson added: “I’m immensely proud that Renfrewshire will once again be the beating heart of Scottish manufacturing, soon to be home to national innovation centres transforming the future of manufacturing and inspiring future generations.
“And as the town centre cultural venue work progresses, we are already seeing the positive impact of our focus on culture and tourism as visitor numbers have increased exponentially and events like Paisley’s Halloween Festival are proving immensely popular, drawing on our rich history and attracting large local, national and international audiences.”
Renfrewshire already boasts an employment rate outstripping its city region neighbours, while weekly earnings for Renfrewshire residents exceed the national average.
And the council has committed a further £4.5million until 2022 to provide business support and help people into employment.
Building on the success of business incubator InCube, 2019 will see the launch of Start-Up Street – providing low cost workspaces helping companies make the leap into their first commercial premises.
Councillor Nicolson added: “We’ve committed long-term funding for business development and to help people find and sustain employment. Our focus is on inclusive growth, ensuring we target support to the people and places most in need so that we can make the greatest difference and improve the opportunities for future generations of Renfrewshire residents.
“Renfrewshire has so much to offer and it is our priority to make it a place people want to visit, live, work and invest in. The next year will see more houses built and we will continue to listen to what our communities tell us they want and need, ensuring everyone benefits as the economy grows.”
