This investment will be used to create a major new development in Renfrew, named Tech Terrace, which will be built at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). 

The £4.74 million Scottish Enterprise funding will be matched by AMIDS joint venture partners, Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property, giving the sector opportunities to boost innovation, deliver pioneering breakthroughs and drive Scotland’s economic growth.

The development is set to provide a world-class, high-value manufacturing cluster within a campus environment, allowing organisations to work collaboratively, and hopefully scale in the future. 

Organisations will have access to facilities, with a total 30,000 sq ft available initially. A planning application to support this offering is expected to be submitted later in the year. 

AMIDS also offers bespoke design and build opportunities with planning permission in principle in place for up to 750,000 sq. ft of floorspace for high-value advanced manufacturing.

Commenting on the news, Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Innovation is one of Scotland’s greatest exports. It is important we continue to provide the right support and conditions that help drive the phenomenal developments taking place across the country’s high-growth, high-innovation industries in order to maximise their economic potential”. 

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Scottish Enterprise Managing Director of Innovation and Investment Jane Martin added: “We have a mission to support ambitious Scottish companies to innovate and scale, and part of that is ensuring the delivery of modern infrastructure.

“High Value Manufacturing is a hugely important sector for the future of Scotland’s economy and with this investment in Tech Terrace we are demonstrating that we recognise the importance of innovation districts as places where companies can locate and grow, with the support of a strong cluster network and public, private and academic sectors.”

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This is a fantastic step forward for AMIDS as we create opportunities for advanced manufacturing businesses to locate here and bring with them jobs, high-value skills and investment to Renfrewshire.

“Tech Terrace will be invaluable in supporting businesses to initially locate within the district and receive the benefits of a manufacturing cluster, before taking the opportunity to build larger, bespoke facilities in the district as they scale up their operations.

“The development of AMIDS will not only enhance the advanced manufacturing sector, but provide local people with access to high-quality jobs as we position Renfrewshire as a global leader of advanced manufacturing.”