The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) is Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation.
Innovation and smart manufacture are at the heart of the joint venture established between Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property.
AMIDS aims to establish a world-class high-value manufacturing cluster within a campus environment, where organisations are developing and making products to create tomorrow’s world and expanding Scotland’s exports on a national and global scale.
Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation
AMIDS is building on the success of existing academic and research partnerships with CPI, University of Strathclyde and West College Scotland through its on-site innovation centres.
World-renowned names are already on site, including Boeing and Thermo Fisher, and the aspiration is to establish knowledge and skill clusters in the region’s strong innovation sectors such as photonics, aerospace and satellite manufacture, pharmaceutical development, and high-value zero-emission technologies.
AMIDS is home to the headquarters facility of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) – a unique collaboration between public, private and academic institutions across the country. The UK’s first Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC), operated by CPI, is established next-door, bringing the pharmaceutical industry together in a unique collaboration to find innovative new production processes. Construction is also underway for the CPI’s Oligonucleotide Manufacturing Innovation Centre of Excellence which will revolutionise the manufacture of oligonucleotides.
Tech Terrace
The establishment of Tech Terrace will see the delivery of units ranging from 200 to 3,200 square metres, providing much-needed speculative space for spin-out organisations and those looking to scale up in a supportive, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.
Design and build solutions can also be delivered to meet specific property requirements within a planning in principle consent for approximately 75,000 square metres.
Investment opportunities at AMIDS
AMIDS (Renfrewshire) LLP is a joint venture partnership between Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property to deliver the vision.
The site is fully-serviced including the installation of a district heating network and benefits from a range of surrounding infrastructure programmes constructed under City Deal funding which improve local connectivity.
The investment opportunity is now primarily focussed on delivering the commercial aspect of the site. It is estimated that around £150-250 million is required to deliver the full masterplan as a mix of speculative and turnkey phases.
AMIDS will be a world-class environment that fosters collaboration between industry and academia to transform manufacturing processes. Substantial levels of interest in the site have already been expressed from several occupiers.
To realise the ambition to a net-zero future, every level of the development from the ground up is being considered.
- Providing appropriate infrastructure, design guides for buildings and transport routes to the site.
- Delivery of a fifth generation heat network to supply low-carbon heat to occupiers makes this the first development of its kind in Scotland.
- New high-quality public realm and green space provides opportunities for healthy, sustainable, active lifestyles and is already being used by those on site and neighbouring districts.
Site ownership
Development of 52 hectares is controlled by the joint venture. The site is located adjacent to the NMIS and MMIC buildings and is available for immediate development.
Proposed use/planning
Planning permission in principle has been granted and the joint venture site master planned for approximately 75,000 square metres of Class 4, 5 and 6 development.
Occupiers are to fall within the category of advanced manufacturing and/or research and development.
Identifiable demand
There is a close working relationship between the joint venture and its surrounding academic and public sector partners. This is primarily driven through a strategic advisory group.
NMIS and MMIC are already anchoring industry-led research projects under their respective grand challenges.
In addition, there are numerous engagements at various stages of progression with named occupiers seeking accommodation across a range of sizes, recognising that the supply and availability of manufacturing space within the locale is restricted. Research commissioned by AMIDS concludes that Glasgow City Region has a shortfall in excess of 220,000 square feet per annum of new manufacturing space to meet current and projected requirements.
Investment return
The joint venture contains structured development returns to ensure that there is an acceptable market return to investors.
Near market and investor-ready
The masterplan is being updated and site investigations have been instructed to prepare for the first speculative phase. Detailed planning applications for Tech Terrace have been submitted in summer 2024.
Applications for turnkey developments will be progressed as pre-commitment agreements are secured. Funding opportunities are therefore imminently available.
Connectivity
Immediately adjacent to Glasgow International Airport, Scotland’s premier long-haul airport, AMIDS opens doors to global opportunities.
Conveniently accessed via Junction 28 of the M8 Motorway, AMIDS is located approximately 7 miles to the west of Glasgow City Centre.
The property is accessed via Abbotsinch Road and Netherton Avenue, connecting to Sanderling Road and the M8 Motorway at Junction 28
Quick facts
Project value
£150 – 250 million
Investment type
Development finance, operator investment
Location
Renfrewshire, Glasgow City Region
Landowner
Renfrewshire Council
Timescale
Live
Status
Operational site with future development at design stage