Spades have hit the ground on a major manufacturing district next to Glasgow Airport which is set to create thousands of new jobs in Renfrewshire.

Renfrewshire Council is leading development of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland – known as AMIDS – in partnership with Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.

The completed district is estimated to create up to 6000 jobs and boost Scotland’s manufacturing sector by £535million in GVA a year.

A 52-hectare campus at the heart of the district will house companies harnessing new technologies and accessing cutting edge research.

It offers 1.6million square feet of available floor space and is confirmed as the location for the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre.

Work has now started on constructing the enabling infrastructure, which includes new roads, bridges, cycling routes and pedestrian walkways, funded through the £1.13 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal, jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments.

Derek Mackay, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work said: “I am delighted to celebrate work starting on the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). Manufacturing is vitally important to the Scottish economy and AMIDS, and the companies it will attract, will help realise our ambitions for Scotland to become a global leader in advanced manufacturing.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Colin Clark said: “I want to see the Glasgow City Region thrive as a powerhouse of economic growth. It’s vital that we invest in the skills, industries and infrastructure that will help businesses create high-paying jobs for the future.”

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland will provide fantastic employment opportunities and support companies of all shapes and sizes to prosper. Its success will be built on close collaboration and cooperation.

“We know that from great connectivity to a highly-skilled workforce, we have the right ingredients in Renfrewshire to deliver on its amazing potential and place Renfrewshire at the beating heart of Scottish manufacturing. I am personally very proud that new products for a new world will be made in Renfrewshire.”

The enabling works are scheduled for completion in early 2021 and will also strengthen connections to nearby Westway and Inchinnan Business Parks.