1. Update on AMIDS and AMIDS South Projects - Report
Renfrewshire Council · 27 August 2024
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 27 August 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 27 August 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive and City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Director ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Update on AMIDS and AMIDS South Projects ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 In May 2023 the Council approved the appointment of the Development Partner, Tarras Park Properties Limited (TPPL) to form a joint venture partnership with Renfrewshire Council and to progress the Council’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) to the next stage. 1.2 Progress is being made by TPPL to attract interest from suitable advanced manufacturing facilities and occupiers, supporting the Council’s ambitious vision to deliver long term economic growth and high quality jobs. 1.3 The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland South (AMIDS South) project comprises a new transport link from Paisley town centre to AMIDS and Glasgow Airport, together with a new link from Shortroods to Renfrew Road, crossing the White Cart via a new bridge. The Project includes cycling, walking and vehicle infrastructure as well as sustainable drainage and landscape works. The Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland South (AMIDS South) was approved on 16th June 2021. 1.4 Design activities are completed and the procurement exercise to appoint a contractor is underway. 1.5 This report provides an update on progress made to date with AMIDS and AMIDS South Projects ___________________________________________________________________
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2. Recommendations 2.1 To note the progress of AMIDS towards establishing a world class advanced manufacturing cluster delivering long term economic benefits to Renfrewshire. 2.2 To note the progress with AMIDS South Project. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The foundations of the AMIDS vision commenced back in 2014 when the Glasgow City Region City Deal Infrastructure Fund enabled the Council to progress the Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project which provided the enabling infrastructure for the AMIDS Netherton Campus. 3.2 The GAIA Business Case noted the City Deal benefits anticipated. AMIDS will capitalise on the advanced engineering and manufacturing expertise that exists across multiple technologies in both industry and academia in Renfrewshire and Scotland and will further strengthen that capability to create competitive advantage for existing and new companies to remain globally competitive, and drive inclusive, sustainable growth in the Scottish economy. The development of AMIDS has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in Renfrewshire, if managed well and with active support and cooperation of all partners. 3.3 Throughout the development and delivery of the AMIDS the Council has had advice and support from our partners on the AMIDS Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) which includes senior representatives from the Council, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, SDS, NMIS, MMIC, Strathclyde University and West College Scotland. These representatives have collaborated to determine the potential target innovation sectors and organisations to locate at AMIDS and ensure Renfrewshire residents and businesses are given maximum opportunity for skills development and long-term high quality, sustainable employment. 3.4 The limited liability partnership agreement between TTPL and Renfrewshire Council was formally concluded in August 2023 under the name AMIDS (Renfrewshire) LLP. The partnership with TTPL has brought specialist expertise in property marketing and development to deliver the AMIDS project objectives with the 50:50 constitution of the LLP board allowing the Council to appropriately and directly influence the project outcomes. 3.5 The AMIDS South project will provide a 1.7km ‘gateway route’ along the White Cart River with a network of road, cycling and walking links from the town centre train station and bus interchange to Glasgow Airport, AMIDS and onto Inchinnan. The project includes landscaping as well as a new bridge crossing around Paisley Harbour for pedestrians, cyclists and road traffic. AMIDS South is a high- impact local transport scheme which will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, cut congestion, support economic growth and improve the experience of transport users.
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3.6 Economic analysis demonstrates the project could bolster the local economy by an additional £136 million, cut carbon emissions by 21,700 tonnes and help existing and new companies to grow creating new job opportunities for years to come. 3.7 A new east-west road linking Renfrew Road to the new Gateway route is also included and will increase connectivity to and from the new manufacturing district and improve accessibility to the proposed new Paisley Grammar community campus, West College Scotland and the Gallowhill area. An extension to the new Renfrew – Paisley active travel route into the Gallowhill catchment area will provide a new safe active travel route to the education facilities. The funding also enables improved walking and cycling on Greenock Road between Inchinnan Business Park and AMIDS, which has already been delivered. 4. Update on Progress at AMIDS 4.1 The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland’s flagship facility opened at AMIDS in June 2023, and acts as a magnet to support advanced manufacturing, engineering and associated technology businesses of all sizes. Innovative R&D will help them to become more productive, tap into emerging markets, embrace new technologies and achieve net-zero targets. The NMIS building accommodates the NMIS Manufacturing Skills Academy, Digital Factory, and publicly accessible collaboration hub. 4.2 Adjacent to NMIS the Medicine Manufacturing Innovation Centre is bringing world leading science and technology expertise to help accelerate state of the art solutions to challenges in medicines development and manufacturing. An extension to the facility will create the Oligonucleotides Manufacturing Innovation Centre of Excellence (OMICE). Construction works are programmed to commence on site in October 2024. 4.3 The joint venture between TPPL and Renfrewshire Council has now completed is first year of partnership. Good progress is being made with strong interest from potential suitable occupiers to locate at AMIDS. There are twelve ongoing enquiries at different stages of development with significant work being undertaken to engage with potential occupiers and develop projects. Most enquiries are subject to non-disclosure agreements but from organisations in sectors fitting the AMIDS criteria, including life sciences, green energy, space and aviation. A team of design consultants have been appointed with four interested organisations progressing preliminary design works to inform their decisions on location and costs with encouraging progress towards the release of the first site. 4.4 TPPL as Development Partner are also progressing the development of Tech Terrace with the design team. Tech Terrace will comprise of units ranging from 200 – 3,200 sqm providing much needed speculative space for spin out organisations and those looking to scale up in a supportive, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. Designs are being finalised to allow a submission for planning permission in September 2024.
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4.5 In the promotion of AMIDS, TPPL have attended conferences and events in the Glasgow area, wider in Scotland and the UK. Marketing strategies have included a successful agents event held at NMIS in June 2024 for Glasgow and Edinburgh property agents. Marketing brochures have now been produced and are in circulation with a Linkedin strategy is being developed. The AMIDS website is operational at www.amids.co.uk . 4.6 The Team are hopeful that AMIDS will benefit from the GCR Investment Zone though announcements on this are now not expected until the UKG Autumn Statement in October. 4.7 Other progress incudes work by Skills Development Scotland who are undertaking qualitative research into skills shortages. Survey work includes carrying out interviews with businesses in the wider AMIDS area with a report of findings to be completed by October 2024. 5. Update on Progress at AMIDS South 5.1 A Planning Application was submitted to Renfrewshire Council in May 2022 and consent was granted at the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board meeting on 24th January 2023. 5.2 The alignment for the Project runs north from Weir Street along Abercorn St, Harbour Road, across the White Cart Water (just south of Paisley Harbour), linking to Inchinnan Road at the northern end of the Project. A new bridge will be constructed across the White Cart Water (the White Cart Crossing). 5.3 The alignment of the Project and location of the bridge was driven by a detailed multistage options appraisal. This process considered options for delivering the targeted outcomes, potential corridors and then specific alignments to ensure the Project specific objectives were delivered. This appraisal process was further assessed during the stakeholder and public consultation process. 5.4 The planned Project alignment performed best in terms of being considered most suitable for delivery of the targeted benefits, promoting potential for growth of existing businesses, development potential, accommodating the revised traffic flows in the area and minimising impact on existing residential areas. 5.5 A detailed transport modelling exercise has been undertaken to assess and report on the predicted impact of the Project on future traffic flows and was included in the planning application. 5.6 The detailed design has been finished and the procurement exercise to appoint a contractor is underway, which will enable the completion and submission of the Full Business Case (FBC) in early 2025. 5.7 A Compulsory Purchase Order has been applied for and one objection was received.
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A Public Local Inquiry will take place at the end of August and the Reporter will thereafter make a decision on whether the Council can proceed with the Order or otherwise. Successful completion of the Project is dependent on the Order being confirmed. 5.8 A two-stage procurement process in underway. Stage 1 has been completed and Stage 2 will commence in August 2024 with the completion date expected to be March 2025. 5.9 Construction work is scheduled to start during the summer 2025 with an expected construction period of 30 months. __________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial - The Council’s financial contribution to the AMIDS (Renfrewshire) LLP for Phase 1 is zero (£0) in monetary terms. The Council’s investment in the LLP is by way of non-cash capital investment of the AMID Land subject to business case agreement by the LLP Board. Financial outlay to progress future development will be returned out of future profits generated through the LLP. Subject to the Council not defaulting on any contractual obligations through the LLP, financial risk rests with the Development Partner 2. HR & Organisational Development -Two officers of Renfrewshire Council are continuing to serve the LLP board 3. Community/Council Planning – Our Renfrewshire is thriving – This project will provide properties for advanced manufacturing employers to locate. This will facilitate business growth and improve skills development for people within the local communities. The projects align with and aid the outcomes of the Renfrewshire Economic Strategy 2020 -2030 and the Renfrewshire Economic Recovery Plan Our Renfrewshire is well - Increased employment opportunities will aid health and social outcomes within Renfrewshire. Reshaping our place, our economy and our future - The progression of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District directly aligns with the council’s policies and ambitions. During the project construction period jobs will be created and existing jobs supported. The new occupiers of buildings created will result in additional employment within Renfrewshire, which will be accessible by people in our communities
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Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all - The location of AMIDS, adjacent to residential communities and the infrastructure and active travel links to education and skills development centres will ensure our less advantaged communities are able to access the opportunities provided Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy - The design ethos adopted at AMIDS is one which relies on sustainable transport, active travel, includes a District Heating Network and all property designs will align with the Councils net Zero Carbon target Working together to improve outcomes - Officers are working closely with local communities, neighbouring councils, private sector organisations, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and other partners to ensure the maximisation of positive outcomes from the AMIDS and AMIDS south projects 4. Legal – No legal implications as report is for noting only. 5. Property/Assets - The land area included in the LLP Agreement will be drawn down in parcels. Once the land is made available to the LLP, the Council will retain some control over the land through a 150 year ground lease. Renfrewshire Council will only make available to the LLP land parcels upon agreement by the LLP of a business plan for each development. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights (a) The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because for example it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety - Tarras Park Properties Limited health and safety credentials were evaluated by Corporate Health and Safety and met the Council’s minimum requirements regarding health and safety. 9. Procurement – Ongoing procurement process will continue to ensure that the Council meets its statutory requirements in respect of procurement procedures, efficiency and modern Government. 10. Risk - Project and Programme level risk registers have been established for the project. These are kept under regular review and reported to the Council’s internal City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Board.
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The Council is not contractually obliged to provide any capital to funding the LLP other than the land injection in parcels as outlined in this report. In the event of a default or winding up situation affecting the LLP situation the Council would have the option to purchase the interests of the LLP, independently valued at Fair Value. 11. Privacy Impact - No Privacy Impact implications have been identified or are anticipated. 12. Climate Risk - The level of impact associated with the AMIDS Development has been assessed using the Scottish Government Sustainability Test and is considered High Risk. The Development Partner is required to develop a Carbon Reduction Plan under the PDSC and confirmed that all Contractors, Designers etc appointed by the LLP will have suitable ISO 14001 or equivalent Environment Management System accreditations. 13. COSLA Policy Position – None. 14. Children’s Rights – Not applicable. _______________________________________________________ List of Background Papers (a) Appointment of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland Development – Full Council, 4 May 2023 (b) City Deal and AMIDS Projects Update report, Leadership Board, November 2022 (c) Renfrewshire’s City Deal Projects – Final Delivery Phase report, Leadership Board, February 2021 ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Barbara Walker, City Deal and Infrastructure Programme Director; Email Barbara.walker@renfrewshire.gov.uk