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Work begins on £42million transformation of Paisley Museum

AL_A Paisley Museum - External Design extension and garden

Paisley Museum’s £42million transformation is now underway as construction work starts on campus to redevelop the four buildings which make up the site.

Kier is delivering the main works phase on the campus which includes two grade A listed buildings, including Scotland’s first public Observatory. Construction is likely to be completed by late 2022, with the museum reopening to the public in 2023.

This marks a significant step forward in the Paisley Museum Reimagined project – the signature project in Paisley’s radical regeneration which also includes the £22million refurbishment of the town’s A-listed Town Hall and a new learning and cultural hub housing library services on the town’s High Street.

The project will see the overall museum campus grow by 20 per cent delivering a 27 per cent increase in public space and 26 per cent increase in gallery space, allowing for Paisley’s internationally-significant collections to be re-interpreted and the number of objects on display to be more than doubled.

The Garden Gallery, which will be located in a new-build extension housing an accessible visitor reception and café, will deliver a true ‘wow’ moment for visitors with spectacular views and a unique social space connecting the Museum with the outdoor landscape. New images of the Museum’s Garden Gallery and exterior have been released to coincide with the start of construction.

As part of the redevelopment, there will be two dedicated learning spaces, a makers’ space and a revamped heritage centre which will introduce users to its key resources in an engaging way, encouraging interaction, research and participation. Other notable additions to the campus include new facilities such as a revitalised shop, multifaith prayer room, improved access with new lifts and a public courtyard. There will also be a museum café with capacity for 60 covers providing a social space for families, groups and individuals to enjoy. A picnic area will also be located close by.

The museum transformation project is an important part of Paisley’s economic recovery from lockdown, both in terms of the on-site activity that will take place during construction and the increased footfall that will follow when the museum reopens to the public. When Paisley Museum opens its doors, it is expected to attract 128,000 visitors each year from Scotland, the UK and overseas and provide a £79million economic boost to the area over the next 30 years.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The beginning of work on site is a major step forward in our journey to transform Paisley Museum into a world-class destination, bringing in visitors from across Scotland, the UK and abroad.

“The project is part of a wider investment by the council in Paisley’s venues to transform the town centre and take the work already done to make the town a key cultural destination within Scotland to a new level.

“The project team have already worked with hundreds of local people and groups to capture their stories. And we will continue to work with neighbours and surrounding businesses to make sure they are involved throughout the project and are ready to benefit from the massive boost this will bring to the town.”

Architects AL_A have radically reimagined the museum and its campus, reshaping it into a cultural hub of discovery, skills development, creativity and innovation. Working with an international team, including exhibition designers Opera Amsterdam, their design will allow the number of objects on display to be increased by 150%.

Matthew Wilkinson, Project Lead for AL_A, said: “The new museum will have a profound impact on Paisley’s future and it’s testament to the commitment and hard work of the whole community that we’ve reached this point. We’re extremely excited to be starting construction at Paisley Museum and to see our ambitious proposals coming to life.”

Kier have worked on a number of high-profile heritage construction projects throughout the UK and are currently helping to deliver the refurbishment of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Regional Building North & Scotland, states: “We know that Paisley museum is important to the local community as well as being a significant cultural destination in Scotland and we are delighted to start on site to expand and transform the building.

Over the duration of the project, we will work collaboratively with Renfrewshire Council and local supply chain partners to deliver this project. As part of our commitment to leaving lasting legacies in areas in which we build, we will also be providing job, training and apprenticeship opportunities.”

The project is being taken forward by Renfrewshire Council and led by a project team based within charitable arts and leisure trust, Renfrewshire Leisure. The project is being funded by Renfrewshire Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

The museum’s final phase of fundraising is now under way, with the museum website reimagined.paisleymuseum.org showcasing the project’s ambitious vision.

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Community Climate Panel to allow communities to have their say on Renfrewshire’s climate journey

Communities will help shape Renfrewshire’s response to the climate emergency after councillors agreed to establish a Community Climate Panel.

A cross-section of the local community will be recruited to join the panel and will be a key component of the community engagement on this issue as the Council seeks to create a climate conversation across Renfrewshire.

Councillors agreed to create the panel which will help set the priorities and recommended actions required  to make Renfrewshire net-zero by 2030.

A survey of businesses in Renfrewshire will also take place, supported by the Chamber of Commerce, which will focus on the climate emergency, green recovery, circular economy and opportunities for green investment and new green jobs.

Funding has also been agreed for independent research into the priority actions required to meet the area’s challenging net-zero target, with the analysis and technical assessment of current carbon emissions providing the strong evidence base required to set out the adaptation plan’s priorities.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Climate change continues to be an important priority of the council as we look to meet our ambitious target of becoming net-zero by 2030.

“We’ve already made great progress as a Council in recent years, but we need to accelerate this and also ensure that community and businesses across Renfrewshire are at the heart of our journey together.

“The engagement plans and funding agreed will allow officers to gain the views and evidence they need to set out our journey to net zero and I look forward to contributing to this alongside the community and our businesses.”

Funding has been provided from the Council’s £1million Climate Change Action Fund, which is intended to fund innovative projects and initiatives being developed by Council services in response to the climate emergency, provide initial funding to pilot new ideas and approaches, to support engagement and partnership working across Renfrewshire, or to accelerate the pace of change already being delivered through existing initiatives.

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/climatechange.

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New Chief Officer for Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership appointed

ISSUED BY RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL AND NHS GREATER GLASGOW AND CLYDE

Christine Laverty, currently Head of Mental Health, Addictions and Learning Disabilities Services for Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), has been appointed as the HSCP’s Interim Chief Officer.

Christine has worked in the health and social care field for thirty years and has held a number of key management roles in integrated public health services since 2002.

She will replace Shiona Strachan, who has been acting as Interim Chief Officer for Renfrewshire HSCP since December 2020.

Renfrewshire HSCP is responsible for delivering all adult social care services and all community health services for adults and children in the area.

Renfrewshire Council Chief Executive, Sandra Black, said: “I would like to thank Shiona for the leadership and support she has provided over the past six months in her role as both Chief Officer of Renfrewshire HSCP and as a member of the council’s corporate management team.

“Shiona’s experience has been invaluable in steering the important work of the HSCP as we continue to manage the current pandemic.

“I’m delighted to welcome Christine to the new role and look forward to working with her over the coming months.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Chief Executive, Jane Grant, said: “Shiona has made a significant contribution to Renfrewshire HSCP and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde during a period of extreme challenges.

“I thank her for her commitment and wish her well in her retirement and I look forward to working closely with Christine to continue the excellent work of the HSCP as we plan for the future.”

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Job programme in Renfrewshire recruits 100th young person

A job programme helping the prospects of young people across Renfrewshire has recruited its 100th placement.

Rhiannon McGinley lost her job during the Covid-19 pandemic, but is now “incredibly happy” after securing a new role with local company GBM Casting.

Kickstart is the UK Government programme funding paid job placements and training for people aged 16-24 receiving Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Renfrewshire Council, working with Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and Engage Renfrewshire, submitted a bid on behalf of local employers and secured more than 500 placements.

The programme is open to any local business, charity or social enterprise and the Council’s employability team Invest in Renfrewshire provide the recruitment and training support.

Last week, Rhiannon, from Paisley, became the 100th person in Renfrewshire to start in her new position, working as and Admin and Casting Assistant with GBM Casting.

She said: “In the past I had worked in the hospitality industry, primarily in pubs and nightclubs, but I was made redundant in October due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Due to so many people being in the same position as me and losing their jobs, it has been difficult to find employment as there was very little work to go round and so many people looking.

“Isobel Mclaughlan from Invest in Renfrewshire has been amazing in helping support me. She was always very caring, supportive and eager to help in any and every way she could. I was very lucky to have her as an advisor and I would recommend this service to anyone needing help with employment or struggling with work due to the pandemic.

“I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. I am incredibly happy with my employment, my colleagues are all extremely kind and welcoming and I can’t wait to get more confident within my role and get stuck into my work.

“I felt it was time to start my career rather than just looking for work, Kickstart and GBM Casting has made that opportunity available to me and I’m over the moon with it. I feel this job will help provide me with the skills I can use in my day-to-day life as well as professional life in the future.”

Graeme Miller is Founder of GBM Casting, whose business based at Glasgow Airport Business Park supply Supporting Artists for TV, film and commercials.

He said: “I have found the Kickstart Programme ideal for GBM Casting to grow the business and train new staff without risks.

“I was introduced to the programme by Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and had amazing support from colleagues at Invest in Renfrewshire, who helped with advertising the vacancy and passing suitable CVs onto us. We were amazed at the quality of candidates, that made selection the most challenging part of the process.

“We have been very successful, and we want to pass that success to younger people who have been hit hard by the pandemic through providing opportunities which enable young people to access skills and training helping to achieve a career and financial stability. It was really important that we found someone from the local area. We have high hopes for Rhiannon, and we don’t view it as a placement, it is the real deal.”

As part of the programme, the Council has committed to provide 120 placements, with 26 people now started in a range of roles across the different services.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Congratulations to Rhiannon and to all the young people who have secured a job placement. Many young people have been adversely affected by the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and we have made it a priority to provide every available support to help them back on the right track to achieving their ambitions.

“Through the Young Person’s Guarantee we are offering all young people the opportunity of an apprenticeship, fair employment, volunteering, training or support to go to college or university. Our employability team are on hand now to connect people to the opportunities and help them towards the route that’s right for them.

“I am immensely proud of our local employers who have come forward to create a placement. By doing this they are gaining a committed and determined new employee and helping to support the recovery and growth of the Renfrewshire economy.”

The Kickstart posts pay at least the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week and are advertised on our jobs portal where potential applicants can register their interest to find out more.

Employers can visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/kickstart to complete our online survey and register their interest in providing a placement.

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New fly-through video gives first glimpse of Paisley Town Hall transformation

A new fly-through video has been released giving the first look at how Paisley’s A-listed Town Hall will look after a £22m transformation into a landmark entertainment venue..

The striking Victorian-era town hall is undergoing a major redevelopment to keep it at the heart of local life for generations to come.

The project is part of a wider investment by Renfrewshire Council in Paisley’s cultural venues aimed at driving new footfall to the town, including the work to turn Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor destination.

And the people of Renfrewshire are today getting their first detailed glimpse of how the much-loved town hall will look once reopen.

The stunning CGI animation, produced by Glasgow-based studio Visual Lane and the project’s architects Holmes Miller, shows a busy day and night in the life of the building, including how it would look hosting a wedding ceremony and reception, conference, screening, and finally a packed music gig.

Building contractors Morrison Construction are currently on site, with work due to finish in late 2022 and the building reopen in early 2023.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd, which will operate the reopened building, said: “We are delighted to reveal this animation, which will give the people of Paisley and beyond their first real look at what their town hall will look like once back in use.

“Everyone in Paisley will have their own special memories of the town hall – and the work we are doing now will preserve that history and make sure future generations can have the same.

“At the same time, the town hall is a key project within the council’s wider investment in the town aimed at using Paisley’s internationally-significant cultural and heritage offer to change its future.

“Once reopen the town hall will build on the work already done to make Paisley one of Scotland’s key destinations for heritage, culture and events – driving new footfall and visitors to the town centre, day and night, and helping the local economy build back from the effects of the pandemic.”

The town hall redevelopment will deliver:

– preservation of its unique 19th-century architectural features while adding 21st-century performance facilities, guaranteeing the building’s long-term future;

– the capacity of the main hall expanded to 1,200, allowing the venue to host bigger and better events and help make the town a stop-off on musical tour schedules;

– entirely new rooms created within currently-unused spaces, including a café-bar, dance studio, and screening room, widening the building’s range of uses;

– new performance facilities, a much-improved audience experience, and a complete replacement of the venue’s electrical and mechanical systems;

To be kept up to date on the use of the building when it reopens, register your interest with Renfrewshire Leisure via https://mailchi.mp/renfrewshireleisure/paisleytownhall

The town hall redevelopment is part of a wider investment by the council in Paisley’s venues and outdoor spaces. Projects due to complete over the next couple of years also include:

– the £42m project to transform Paisley Museum, expected to help drive 128,000 visitors a year, to see the town’s internationally-significant collections;

– a new modern home for library services within the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, currently being built in a vacant former retail unit on the town’s High Street;

– a redesign of Abbey Close to create an expanded outdoor events space set against Paisley’s town hall and 12th-centuery Abbey, plus work to turn County Square into an attractive arrival point and public transport hub for the town;

More information is at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/PaisleyTownHall

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Child Protection campaign urges everyone to be alert for signs of abuse or neglect

A new school holiday campaign being launched today is urging everyone in Renfrewshire to be alert for any signs of child abuse or neglect over the summer the months.

As Renfrewshire schools prepare to ring the end of term bell on Friday 25 June, the For Kids’ Sake… campaign urges everyone in Renfrewshire to enjoy plenty of summertime fun time with extended family and friends after months of pandemic restrictions.

But Renfrewshire Child Protection Committee’s Chair John Paterson wants people to remember some children will have had a very difficult time in recent months.

He said: “Most children and young people in Renfrewshire are really looking forward to having sleepovers, day trips, staycations and time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and family friends in the school break.

“Sadly, some of those children will have been through a rough time during the pandemic. It’s only now we are beginning to spend significant time with children we’ve seen very little of during lockdown months, and it’s only now that we might notice or sense that something is wrong.”

In the For Kids’ Sake… campaign, RCPC stresses everyone can play a part to keep children safe. Paying attention and noticing signs a child has been abused or neglected is critical, as is taking action to get some support for that child or children.

And John stresses it’s essential to do something if you’re concerned about a child’s wellbeing over the school holidays.

He said: “We’re simply asking people in Renfrewshire to be alert for clues that harm has happened. Children can take a long time to say anything if they’ve experienced abuse or neglect, but you can listen carefully, look out for signs or pay attention to signals that there’s a problem.

“If your gut tells you something is wrong, it’s important not to ignore it. By raising your concerns you might help something worse from happening to a child you know.”

“It’s always better to say something than do nothing. You shouldn’t ignore signs that something is wrong. Get help and support by contacting Renfrewshire Council’s social work department. Or, if you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police right away.”

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Explore Lochwinnoch’s history and legends through a new digital story collection

A collection of short stories inspired by the Lochwinnoch countryside have launched online this week, thanks to funding received from Renfrewshire Council.

‘Tales from Ochwinnay’, created by local authors Lyn McNicol and Laura Jackson, was designed to provide a free story-telling resource for children across Renfrewshire, helping to nurture reading skills during a time where live story-telling events are unable to take place. The five short videos were filmed on location in Lochwinnoch and feature original illustrations created for each story.

The project has been supported by Renfrewshire’s Artist Development Grant, launched in 2020 as part of Renfrewshire’s Cultural Recovery and Renewal Fund to support Renfrewshire’s cultural sector in adapting to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Artist Development Grants are supporting artists who live or work in Renfrewshire to continue their practice at a time when their livelihoods are threatened.

Author Lyn McNicol said: “This support has been a much-needed boost to our creativity. In pre-pandemic years we have toured over 1,500 schools, libraries and festivals for author events with our existing book series. In March 2020 our live sessions stopped so we were a bit lost. I was hospitalised in February this year with a serious illness and whilst in hospital, also tested positive for Covid-19. This project has helped hugely in my recovery and in reminding us both, as authors, of what we do best. “

Author and illustrator Laura Jackson said: “Renfrewshire’s Artist Development Grant has been invaluable in allowing our creativity to blossom again.  The stories were great fun to write and I was able to utilise my illustration – which was a joy. Creating the videos in Parkhill Woods was a taste once again of our live events, even though our audience this time, was mostly birds!”

Renfrewshire’s Cultural Recovery and Renewal Fund is part of Future Paisley, a radical and wide-ranging cultural regeneration programme, and is administered by Renfrewshire Leisure on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “The Artist Development Grants were designed to allow our local professional artists to continue with their work during this difficult time and it is great to see our cultural sector beginning to thrive once again. ‘Tales from Ochwinnay’ is a fantastic resource that can be used across Renfrewshire and beyond in homes, nurseries, schools and libraries to nurture reading and inspire our young people to try some creative writing and story-telling of their own.”

‘Tales from Ochwinnay’ is available to access online here: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/talesfromochwinnay

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Renfrew and Paisley Common Good Funds agree ethical investment policies

Renfrew and Paisley’s Common Good Funds have set out revised investment policies which will ensure all investments are ethical and environmentally friendly.

There will be no direct investment in fossil fuel stocks, namely oil, gas and coal, as part of the Council’s pledge to consider climate change in all decision making moving forward.

This adds to the already established policy of no direct investment in tobacco stocks, weapons manufacturers or companies generating more than 5% of their income from gambling.

The proposals were agreed by the Council’s Investment Review Board and were taken in line with Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to addressing the climate emergency declared in 2019.

Councillor John Shaw, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board, said: “It’s important that our investments are ethical, environmentally sustainable and support our declaration of a climate emergency.

“As we strive to make Renfrewshire net-zero by 2030, we need to consider how climate change affects all our decisions moving forward and this is a great step in the right direction.

“We’ll continue to support local third-sector organisations and activity within the communities through these funds, while ensuring that our investments do not make a detrimental impact on our environment.”

The Common Good Funds are charities which provide financial support to third party organisations and support activities taking place within the former burgh boundaries.

Assets for the funds can include land, buildings, civic regalia, art, money and other property which is administered by the local authority as part of the Common Good.

Renfrewshire Council’s elected members are ex-officio trustees of the charity and decisions regarding the operation, assets, processes or policies of the charity are delegated to the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board.

The investment performance of the charity is monitored regularly by Council officers and is reported bi-annually to the Investment Review Board, which is comprised of 5 cross party elected members.

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New council support for residents and families financially hit by Covid-19

Residents and families on low-incomes who have been impacted by Covid-19 will be able to access new help and support after councillors approved the next stage of Renfrewshire Council’s plan to support communities affected by the pandemic.

The social renewal plan sets out the work the council will do with partners to tackle inequality and poverty, and support families and communities in the wake of Covid-19.

During the next stage, the council will work with RAMH and Active Communities to support their plans to establish two new Community Pantries at the Restore superstore in Paisley and the former Johnstone police station and will give STAR Project £25,000 funding to support its pantry in Shortroods.

The next stage of the plan also includes £25,000 to establish a Renfrewshire Community Food Fund, £50,000 to provide advice and support to people struggling with fuel costs and £50,000 to help people access benefits and affordable credit.

The funding will ensure the council is able to tackle child poverty and provide financial support and advice to residents and families affected by the end of the furlough scheme and the lifting of the ban on evictions.

Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “The pandemic has been particularly tough for people who are on low-incomes, face job uncertainty or have caring responsibilities and the funding for the next stage of our Social Renewal Plan will help provide additional support for people who are facing difficulties during these difficult times.

“Our Social Renewal Plan puts people at the heart of our Covid-19 recovery and will allow us to strengthen our ability to not only meet the impact of Covid but ensure we are ready and have the support in place to help our communities and residents as we navigate our way through this pandemic.”

Councillors approved £665,000 of funding to support the next stage of the plan, which will focus on tackling poverty and digital exclusion, providing people with income and financial security and helping build resilient communities, at a meeting today.

The next stage also includes £100,000 funding for the delivery of the Digital Citizens Programme and £200,000 to establish a community hub model for Renfrewshire which will provide a one-stop local service to support those in need.

Temporary hubs were set up by the council and its local partners at the start of the pandemic to provide communities with access to vital support services and have helped over 1,000 households since the beginning of lockdown.

The Council Leader added: “Covid-19 has had a major impact on our communities. Our Community Hubs have been there to support people through the pandemic, providing advice, support and access to services when they needed it most. I am delighted we will be able to continue this work with our partners to support local people.”

The Social Renewal Plan will inform the next stage of the council’s successful Tackling Poverty programme, which generated almost £800,000 of additional income for households in 2020/21.

It also supports the council’s Economic Recovery Plan, which will help support Renfrewshire’s businesses and support people into employment and training in the wake of Covid-19.

 

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Work underway to connect Howwood to Paisley via new cycle route

Work is now underway on a new cycle route from Howwood to Paisley as part of drive to enhance active travel opportunities in Renfrewshire.

The new 35-minute, 10km cycle will connect the village of Howwood and Paisley town centre, via Spateston, Johnstone and Elderslie, and will provide a safe route for cyclists travelling between the communities.

Using feedback from initial engagement with residents, businesses, community groups and elected members, the final route will maintain both existing westbound lanes on Main Road, Elderslie (left and straight on) at Glenpatrick Road and there will be no change to Main Road, near Elderslie Post Office, to ensure that parking is maintained.

Starting on Midton Road, Howwood, close to the junction with Bowfield Road, cyclists travel along a scenic stretch with painted bicycle markings on the road, passing Howwood Park and St Anthony’s Primary School and connecting onto Beith Road via Linnet Avenue, Martlet Drive and Hallhill Road.

On Beith Road, the route is initially a shared path signposted for cyclists and pedestrians before becoming a two-way cycle track near Cochrane Castle Primary School, the route segregated from road traffic with bollards.

Cyclists travelling toward Paisley will use Overton Road and then a crossing on Thornhill before continuing on Main Road. Cyclists travelling in the opposite direction toward Howwood will use a shared path and then onto Broom Terrace for a length before moving back to Beith Road via a path link.

The cycle route continues past Johnstone Train Station and onto Main Road, Elderslie, becoming segregated cycle lanes on both sides of the road between Beith Road and Glenpatrick Road. It then connects onto National Cycle Route 7 via a new zebra crossing just before Elderslie Golf Club, the route continuing to Paisley Canal train station on the existing traffic free route.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted to see work begin on the new cycle route from Howwood to Paisley.

“We’re committed to supporting local people to walk and cycle wherever possible and this new safe cycle route will connect a number of our communities and also link with the National Cycle Route 7.

“We’ve listened to feedback on the initial designs and made changes to ensure they work for everyone and I’d encourage you to continue to feed back your thoughts to us as the route is implemented.”

Work began on Monday 14 June 2021 and is expected to last around ten weeks.

The route is funded through the Scottish Government Spaces for People Fund, supported by Sustrans Scotland, which aims to create temporary cycle routes as part of the area’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

For more information on the route and to provide feedback, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SpacesForPeopleCycleRoutes.

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Renfrewshire volunteers help reach a million miles of litter picking across the UK

Local volunteers from Renfrewshire’s Team Up to Clean Up campaign have helped Keep Scotland Beautiful reach their #MillionMileMission.

Volunteers have been taking part in the Summer Clean 2021 which aims to contribute to the goal of litter picking a million miles across the UK this year – and Renfrewshire volunteers have helped them surpass this target already.

More than 250 litter picks have taken place in Renfrewshire since the campaign started on 28 May and this has been converted to more than 4,000 miles – contributing to the more than 1.1million miles which have been litter picked across the UK.

The #MillionMileMission is a partnership campaign between Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Britain Tidy and Keep Wales Tidy.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted but not surprised at the enthusiasm of our volunteers and I’m glad to have been out there litter picking alongside them.

“Team Up to Clean Up has become a way of life for many people now and it’s so heartening to see the difference we are making to Renfrewshire’s environment.

“We’re working together as a council and a community, the way it should be, and I am so proud that we’ve been able to help Keep Scotland Beautiful reach their #MillionMileMission.”

As well as litter picks taking place across Renfrewshire, more than 20 workshops were carried out at local primary schools to educate the next generation on littering and how they can become involved in the Team Up to Clean Up campaign.

Michael Matheson, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, said: “Taking part in this year’s Summer Clean is a great way to help keep your local parks, beaches and neighbourhoods free of litter.

“The pandemic has shown how important our outdoor spaces are to people’s health and wellbeing. To make sure everyone can enjoy them, please get involved if you can, and put any rubbish you see in the bin, recycling it where possible.”

Team Up to Clean Up is a joint campaign which sees the Council support the community with litter pickers, bags and collection of the rubbish from litter picks, as well as an increased road sweeping and gully clearing programme and support to tackle fly tipping and dog fouling in the area.

For more information on the campaign and how to take part, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup.

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Clyde waterfront contractor unveils sub-contract opportunities

Civil engineering specialist GRAHAM has unveiled the many sub-contract opportunities for local suppliers to help deliver the first opening road bridge over the River Clyde and transform the waterfront.

GRAHAM secured the construction contract for the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project which is being delivered by Renfrewshire Council, jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Construction comprises a twin-leaf swing bridge for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, riverside walking and cycling routes and a new road connecting from the bridge into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) being developed next to Glasgow Airport.

Preparatory work on site starts this summer and all sub-contract and supplier work over £10,000 to complete the project will be publically advertised.

Now, the GRAHAM procurement team has set out the different services and supplies they will be looking for over the coming months.

Fencing, scaffolding, temporary electrics and site accommodation, as well as cleaning and catering services will enable the site to get up and running.

There will also be contracts for a range of equipment as work gets underway, including pumps, barges and generators and orders for aggregate, concrete and piling to complete construction of the new bridge connecting Renfrew with Clydebank and Yoker.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “The new infrastructure will connect communities to amenities on both sides of the Clyde and help to transform the waterfront, the improved access appealing to developers over the coming years. It’s an exciting project and represents an excellent boost as we look to create jobs and opportunities for work to recover from the economic impact of Covid-19.

“I would urge local suppliers and companies to contact the construction company and register their interest in becoming a supplier.”

Economic estimates found around 700 jobs will be supported during the three-year construction period.

As part of the £79.5million contract, GRAHAM, who have a waterfront office in Renfrewshire at Braehead, have also committed to deliver more than 100 community benefits including jobs, apprenticeships, qualifications and community volunteering activities.

This includes career talks and promotion of careers in engineering to school pupils and college students as well as jobs targeted at people currently unemployed, working in partnership with employability teams in Renfrewshire and neighbouring Glasgow City Region areas.

Finance and Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “It’s great to see another positive development in the delivery of this project, with details of the many supply chain contracts available to local businesses being published. I would strongly encourage local firms that think they could benefit from these great opportunities to apply.

“The Scottish Government is contributing £500 million over 20 years to the Glasgow City Region City Deal. The investment in this project through the Deal will contribute to the region’s economic recovery by creating jobs, and providing the commercial infrastructure to support and attract businesses to Glasgow and the surrounding areas. It also encourages active travel supporting walking and cycling infrastructure in the area.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “I encourage businesses to get involved with the supply chain opportunities for this ambitious project. The transformation of the waterfront will create jobs and attract further investment to the area, making it an even better place to work and live. The UK Government is investing more than £1.5 billion into City Region and Growth Deals across Scotland, helping communities to build back better from the pandemic.”

Anyone interested in supplying services or securing a contract should register with Public Contracts Scotland where the different tenders will be advertised and email civils.supplychaineoi@graham.co.uk expressing an interest to work with GRAHAM.

Jim Armour, GRAHAM Contracts Manager, said: “We are delighted to be delivering the Clyde Waterfront project and bringing some fantastic supply chain opportunities to the Renfrewshire area.

“The scale of this scheme means the range of roles and materials, plant and equipment required are vast and we urge local organisations to register their interest as soon as possible to be part of this transformational engineering project for Scotland.

“On all of the projects that we deliver across the UK and Ireland, we continually look for ways to add value and deliver benefits for the communities that our work brings us into contact with.

“Our aim on this project is to make a positive economic impact through employment, training and work experience opportunities for local people and organisations. Living and buying locally during the works, alongside supporting community initiatives, also plays an important part in maximising the social value that we can bring.”

The news comes as the Glasgow City Region recently launched its latest contract pipeline, detailing more than £150million worth of contracts going to open tender in the coming years.

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