Scottish Government Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek Mackay yesterday visited the 53 hectare Westway Park in Renfrew, to inspect progress at a £1.3 million dock development project.
The project was one of the first locations in the country to receive funding from the Scottish Government’s National Renewable Infrastructure Fund (N-RIF), managed by Scottish Enterprise.
Derek Mackay said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Westway and to witness first-hand the progress being made to bring the dock facilities back into operational use to support and attract companies involved in the manufacture of heavy components for Scotland’s renewable energy sector.
“Following on from recent job announcements from Doosan, investment in this project has the potential to create further jobs within companies looking to locate or expand at Westway and is a great boost for Renfrewshire and the west of Scotland in general.
Mark Holmes, investment and asset manager of park owner Moorfield Group , added: “Westway is becoming one of the top industrial locations in Scotland – we have concluded more than 300,000 sqft of property deals already this year. Our ongoing investment strategy has been a key factor in our success, along with the u pgrade of the dock area, which will provide a much-needed transport solution for those involved in the transportation of large structures.
“The project has been supported every step of the way by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Renfrewshire Council.”
David Leven, head of energy infrastructure at Scottish Enterprise , said: “This investment at Westway has helped inject fresh industrial life to the upper Clyde to ensure that the site is capable of meeting the needs of manufacturing companies operating in the energy sector.”
“We have been working intensively with port owners across Scotland to look at existing infrastructure and investment required to support Scotland’s growing energy sector.
“Glasgow and the west has much to offer and has already claimed a place on the energy engineering map with Westway continuing to attract companies operating in the sector.”
The development contract is being managed by GRAHAM Construction and has already involved dredging of the dock area, along with work to create a navigable channel along the River Cart.
Jim Armour, GRAHAM Construction contracts manager said: “The redevelopment of Westway Dock is a significant project for GRAHAM Construction. We are working hard to install a new quay wall which will play a pivotal role in bringing the dock facilities back into operation. This in turn will pave the way for the transformation of the site into an important hub for the renewable energy sector in Scotland.
“We will continue to use local subcontractors and labour wherever possible until the conclusion of this important and worthwhile contract.”
Work started earlier this year, with completion anticipated during the last quarter of 2014. The project has already accelerated overall development plans for a further 30 acres of land at Westway, with a masterplan that could see up to £70 million invested in the area over the next decade to create further business infrastructure including a bridge over the River Cart.