Procurement of AMIDS Private Sector Partner

Description

The establishment of the Advanced Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) is being delivered as a consequence of the catalyst provided by the City Deal Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project. GAIA provides the enabling infrastructure for the development of AMIDS as a significant employment district in Renfrewshire. GAIA comprises: the realignment of Abbotsinch Road between Arran Avenue and Greenock Road / Inchinnan Road and a new road bridge across the White Cart, complete with new service media for the proposed development. The infrastructure also improves facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as improving connections between the Westway, Inchinnan and Airport Business Parks. The council appointed a contractor, in June 2019 to undertake these enabling works which are now well progressed, and due to be completed in early 2022. The delivery of AMIDS is now at a critical stage, between infrastructure delivery and securing the investment which will bring the employment, skills development and economic growth which are the primary aims of Renfrewshire Council. The importance of AMIDS is recognised within the Renfrewshire Economic Strategy 2020-2030 where AMIDS is noted as a key component. The Renfrewshire Economic Recovery Plan, compiled with the Renfrewshire Economic Leadership Panel, and endorsed by Council in December 2020, has AMIDS, and the skills and employers who will locate there, at its core. With the challenges that Covid_19 has created within our communities and businesses, AMIDS provides a unique opportunity to aid Renfrewshire’s swift and inclusive recovery. Significant work has been undertaken to realise the ambition of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). This has involved working closely with, local and national stakeholders and partners including Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. This collaboration has resulted in both the new National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (UK) (MMIC) being located at AMIDS. Construction of both NMIS and MMIC commenced on site in 2020, with both facilities aiming to be operational during 2022. Renfrewshire Council have also developed a high-quality public realm design for AMIDS including an important central square, Netherton Square, which will be the arrival and focal point of the AMIDS site. A procurement process is now underway with plans that a contractor be appointed in early 2022 to deliver the Netherton Square project, which focusses on the area immediately adjacent to both the NMIS and MMIC facilities. Construction is also underway for an innovative fifth generation district heating network for the AMIDS site, the first of its kind in Scotland. This will enhance the sustainable credentials of AMIDS in line with the Council’s ambition for carbon reduction and long-term sustainability and provide an additional attraction for employers we would wish to locate at AMIDS. The innovation eco-system that is being created at AMIDS has also resulted in the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre (LMC) and a research and development initiative by Boeing, locating at Westway. It is estimated that circa 185m GBP of investment has already been made so far at AMIDS, with more to come. To ensure the progressive and effective delivery of AMIDS, Renfrewshire Council are now working with specialist commercial property and legal advisers to scope and attract a development partner, who will continue to drive the investment and delivery of the AMIDS site for future occupiers. Lot 1: The Council intends to use the competitive dialogue procedure to procure a private sector partner to be invited to form a joint venture with the Council for delivery of the AMIDS Project. Planning in Principle has been obtained for AMIDS based on a flexible masterplan covering the 52 Ha site and indicates the creation of up to150,000sqm of new employment space. The consent envisages development including: advanced manufacturing; research & development and aviation services, and comprising: primarily Class 4 business, Class 5 general industrial, and Class 6 storage or distribution uses; ancillary service, education, and training provision; plus associated car parking, access, landscaping, infrastructure works, public realm and open space. Development within the 52 Ha site has commenced (Infrastructure, NMIS, MMIC) and dialogue is on-going with major stakeholders relating to uses in specific areas. The JV Partnership will aim to progress the effective development and occupation of the remaining available land. The partner will provide: access to financing arrangements to progress development; specialist project development and construction knowledge and project management; expertise in marketing real estate projects and identifying and agreeing terms with occupiers; estate management for the AMIDS project; and a detailed reporting and advisory function to their JV Partner throughout the development process. The vision for AMIDS have been defined as: - An attractive, campus style business park setting for ambitious, manufacturing focused companies who will use best practice to ensure Scotland’s manufacturing sector can be competitive on an international stage. AMIDS will help make Renfrewshire an economic powerhouse within Scotland’s industrial heartland and will create wealth and opportunities for Renfrewshire, Glasgow City region and beyond. - A location which encourages companies to collaborate with each other, tap into the expertise and knowledge base at some of Scotland’s leading education providers and create competitive advantage. The mission for AMIDS have been defined as: To drive inclusive, sustainable growth in Scotland’s High Value Manufacturing (HVM) and advanced engineering sectors by creating an exemplar Innovation District whereby ambitious manufacturing companies can prosper and thrive. Attracting advanced manufacturing activity will ensure that AMIDS can help lead the revival of Scotland’s manufacturing sector as the country strives to build competitive advantage for itself in an increasingly competitive, international business environment. Additional information: Further information on AMIDS can be found on the Renfrewshire Council website: https://paisley.is/invest/amids/