Paisley to airport bridge project moves ahead

Work is set to begin on a major infrastructure scheme in Renfrewshire that will connect Paisley town centre to Glasgow Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). The £59 million AMIDS South project, funded by £38.7 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and £18.8 million from Renfrewshire Council, is expected to complete in 2028.

Delivered by Farrans Construction, the scheme includes the construction of a new road bridge across Paisley Harbour, a 1.7 km concrete-based gateway route along the White Cart river, and a network of active travel and public transport links. The project will also create a new road from Renfrew Road to the bridge crossing, linking to the planned Paisley Grammar School Community Campus, alongside dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure.

A key concrete element of the scheme is the riverside route, which is expected to include precast and in-situ concrete elements such as retaining walls, parapets, and kerb lines — along with bridge deck, abutment and support structures. The full design is still being finalised, with further details to follow from the contractor.

A safe pedestrian and cycle access from Gallowhill will also be delivered using £1.5 million provided by Transport Scotland, reusing the underpass of a disused railway line.

Economic and environmental impact

The project is projected to unlock £136 million in private sector investment, while creating job opportunities and enabling growth for existing and new businesses in the district. Carbon modelling indicates the scheme could reduce emissions by 21,700 tonnes through modal shift and improved connectivity.

Council leader Iain Nicolson described AMIDS South as “one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire’s recent history,” adding that it “will not only provide infrastructure to better connect communities to education and employment opportunities, but also significantly improve the offer to organisations looking to locate here.”

The project builds on the recently completed Renfrew Bridge, which links Renfrew with Clydebank and Yoker and was also supported by the UK Government. Both schemes are central to Renfrewshire Council’s wider capital investment strategy, which includes major regeneration work at Paisley Town Hall, Paisley Arts Centre, and the Paisley Museum transformation.

Farrans to lead delivery

Farrans Construction — the firm behind the Govan to Partick Bridge and A737 Dalry Bypass — has been appointed to deliver the scheme and is now in the final stages of planning.

Patrick Murray, regional director for Scotland at Farrans, said: “AMIDS South is a project which will deliver major economic and connectivity benefits for the town of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire. We’re looking forward to getting started on site.”

Farrans’ previous work on concrete infrastructure in Scotland includes Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven (in joint venture) and several trunk road upgrades. Engagement with local stakeholders and final ground preparation is expected in the coming months.