Latest news with #TomArthur
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust acquires historic parish church
It has been taken on from the Church of Scotland with big plans for the future. Villagers in Lochwinnoch have officially taken ownership of their 220-year-old parish church as they progress plans to turn it into a thriving community hub. Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust (LCDT) acquired the Grade A-listed Lochwinnoch Parish Church from the Church of Scotland on May 16. The church, which closed at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, has remained unused ever since. Rather than allowing the building that has been at the heart of village life for centuries to fall into disrepair, villagers mobilised and launched a series of funding bids, consultations and surveys in order to retain the asset for future generations. Diarmid Harris, chair of LCDT, told the Paisley Daily Express: 'We have acquired the parish church, an iconic building, on behalf of the people of the village. 'Community ownership of this cultural heritage, and its restoration, will spur local innovation, creativity and economic growth. LCDT believes this revitalisation will benefit Lochwinnoch for generations.' The purchase of the church and preliminary works to secure the fabric of the building have been made possible thanks to grant funding. The Scottish Land Fund awarded the trust 233,300 for the purchase; the National Lottery Heritage Fund handed over £198,250 for the design phase; Historic Environment Scotland has contributed £500,000 towards restoration and conservation works and £10,000 has come from the Architectural Heritage Fund for consultancy services, including business planning and a fundraising strategy. The project's next phase involves working with architects to find the best way to resurrect the church so it can best serve the community. The local community will need to raise approximately £1 million through other funders and community fundraising options, including community shares in order to create their multi-purpose hub. Consultants will also be hired to look in detail at what needs to be done to help the group achieve the ideas that came from a community consultation held last year. Proposals from those surveyed included possible child care provision, a concert venue for local and touring acts and a space for the community to come together for annual celebrations and special occasions. LCDT aims to have a design team in place by September 2025, with building works expected to take approximately two years to complete. The active community garden in the church grounds will continue to operate throughout this period. Tom Arthur, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South, welcomed the news, and said: 'This is a tremendous achievement by the people of Lochwinnoch and the dedicated team at LCDT. 'The preservation of our cherished historic buildings, combined with their transformation into vibrant community spaces, captures the essence of what community empowerment is all about. 'I've been delighted to support this project and look forward to seeing how this beautiful building will once again serve as a beating heart for Lochwinnoch, bringing people together and creating opportunities for generations to come.'
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Crowds gather to see £117m Renfrew Bridge open over River Clyde
The 184-metre bridge provides a two-lane crossing for vehicles, pedestrians and active travel as it connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew and Dock Street in Yoker. Renfrew Bridge – the first opening road bridge across the River Clyde – has opened to traffic marking the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project. It is expected to open up work, health, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river – with the potential for 1,400 additional jobs, investment and developments to be brought to the riverside. The 184-metre, twin-leaf bridge uses a cable stay system, similar to the Queensferry Crossing, and provides a two-lane crossing for vehicles, pedestrians and active travel as it connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew and Dock Street in Yoker, with the ability to open for passing ships as required. Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson was joined on Thursday by Scottish Government minister for employment and investment Tom Arthur MSP and UK Government parliamentary under-secretary of state for Scotland Kirsty McNeill, as well as partners and the local community, to formally open the bridge. Young people from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew, Our Holy Redeemer's Primary in Clydebank and St Brendan's and Clyde primaries from Yoker were first to officially use the bridge as they met in the middle to signify the connection the bridge has now created between the communities. Councillor Nicolson said: 'I'm delighted to see the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge as we successfully complete this transformational project which will enhance the local economy, attract new investment and developments to the riverside, and create thousands of new job opportunities for local people. 'It is another example of the council's ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects and the benefits will be felt immediately by road users, local residents and businesses, as well as the long-term economic boost to Renfrewshire and the Glasgow City Region. 'With this project enhancing access into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) next to Glasgow Airport, it is an exciting time for Renfrewshire and I look forward to seeing the bridge in use.' In addition to the new bridge, the project has created additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes, supported by £2 million from Transport Scotland, including the extension of Argyll Avenue from Inchinnan Road to Meadowside Street and there will be a direct link to Yoker railway station from Renfrew for the first time. The new bridge and adjoining roads have also improved access for people, businesses and suppliers to the AMIDS, Scotland's home of manufacturing innovation, which is being developed by the Council next to Glasgow Airport in collaboration with Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. The bridge itself cost £117m, with £39m from both the Scottish and UK governments under the Glasgow City Region City Deal, and £1.7m from Transport Scotland. Minister for employment and investment Mr Arthur said: 'Renfrew Bridge's opening is a historic moment, and it will be a welcome addition to the Clyde, creating opportunities for communities and businesses on both sides of the river and supporting 1,400 new jobs. 'This delivers our programme for government commitment to invest £1.9 billion in growth deals, benefiting people across Scotland.' The £1.13bn Glasgow City Region City Deal is a partnership of eight councils working to deliver a programme of work to grow a strong, inclusive and sustainable city region and an economy which delivers for all people and businesses. Ms McNeill commented: 'Completion of Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which has been supported with £39m from the UK Government, is great news for communities who can now enjoy a new bridge over the River Clyde to Yoker, a regenerated riverside and additional roads, cycling and walking routes. 'These enhancements are expected to attract further private sector investment and create more than a thousand jobs on both sides of the Clyde. This is our Plan for Change in action, working with partners to deliver economic growth and a decade of national renewal.' Civil engineers GRAHAM completed the construction project which has supported more than 950 jobs and generated hundreds of subcontract and supplier opportunities – many of which were completed by local businesses. Jim Armour, GRAHAM's project director, said: 'The official opening of Renfrew Bridge represents the culmination of years of innovative engineering, collaborative working and community engagement. This transformational piece of infrastructure will revitalise an area that has endured industrial decline over many years. 'We're immensely proud to have constructed a landmark transport link that celebrates the shipbuilding heritage of the Clyde.' As an opening bridge, river traffic will take priority so there may be occasions when the bridge is unavailable for crossing but information will be posted as early in advance as possible on the council website and on digital traffic signage to support.
STV News
09-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Renfrew and Yoker connected across the Clyde as new bridge opens to traffic
A new bridge across the River Clyde opens to traffic at midday on Friday. The Renfrew Bridge connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew and Dock Street in Yoker, with the ability to open for passing ships as required. It marks the completion of the £117m Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, and authorities believe it will bring huge economic benefits to the area. The 184-metre, twin-leaf bridge uses a cable stay system similar to the Queensferry Crossing and provides a two-lane crossing for vehicles, pedestrians and active travel. Pupils from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew, Our Holy Redeemer's Primary in Clydebank and St Brendan's and Clyde Primaries from Yoker were the first to officially use the bridge on Thursday, meeting in the middle to signify the connection the bridge has created between the communities. Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: 'I'm delighted to see the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge as we successfully complete this transformational project, which will enhance the local economy, attract new investment and developments to the riverside, and create thousands of new job opportunities for local people. 'With this project enhancing access into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) next to Glasgow Airport, it is an exciting time for Renfrewshire.' In addition to the new bridge, the project has created additional connecting roads, cycling and walking routes, supported by £2m from Transport Scotland, including the extension of Argyll Avenue from Inchinnan Road to Meadowside Street. There will also be a direct link to Yoker Railway Station from Renfrew for the first time. Tom Arthur, minister for employment and investment, said: 'Renfrew Bridge's opening is a historic moment, and it will be a welcome addition to the Clyde, creating opportunities for communities and businesses on both sides of the river and supporting 1,400 new jobs. The £1.13bn Glasgow City Region City Deal is a partnership of eight councils working to boost the area's economy. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'Completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which has been supported with £39m from the UK Government, is great news for communities who can now enjoy a new bridge over the River Clyde to Yoker, a regenerated riverside and additional roads, cycling and walking routes. 'These enhancements are expected to attract further private sector investment and create more than a thousand jobs on both sides of the Clyde. This is our Plan for Change in action, working with partners to deliver economic growth and a decade of national renewal.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
08-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Yoker-Renfrew road bridge formally opens across the River Clyde
A new Yoker-Renfrew bridge over the River Clyde in Glasgow has been formally opened ahead of a weekend celebration. Ahead of the public opening at 12pm on May 9, the road bridge was formally opened by Renfrewshire Council, the Scottish Government and as well as partners and the local community on Thursday. Renfrewshire council leader Iain Nicolson, Scottish Government minister for employment and investment Tom Arthur, and UK Government parliamentary under-secretary of state for Scotland Kirsty McNeill were among those present for the bridge opening, built as part of the £1.3bn Glasgow City Region City Deal. Young people from Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew, Our Holy Redeemer's Primary in Clydebank, and St Brendan's and Clyde Primaries from Yoker were first to officially use the bridge as they met in the middle to 'signify the connection' the bridge has created between the communities. The 184-metre, twin-leaf bridge uses a cable stay system and provides a two-lane crossing for vehicles, pedestrians, and active travel as it connects Meadowside Street in Renfrew and Dock Street in Yoker, with the ability to open for passing ships as required. It marks the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project. Councillor Nicolson said: 'I'm delighted to see the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge as we successfully complete this transformational project which will enhance the local economy, attract new investment and developments to the riverside, and create thousands of new job opportunities for local people. 'It is another example of the Council's ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects and the benefits will be felt immediately by road users, local residents and businesses, as well as the long-term economic boost to Renfrewshire and the Glasgow City Region. 'With this project enhancing access into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) next to Glasgow Airport, it is an exciting time for Renfrewshire and I look forward to seeing the bridge in use from tomorrow.' Renfrewshire Council has successfully delivered the £117m project, supported with £39m from both the Scottish and UK governments and £1.7m from Transport Scotland, and expect the bridge to open up work, health, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river – with the potential for 1,400 additional jobs, investment and developments to be brought to the riverside. Minister for employment and investment Tom Arthur said: 'Renfrew Bridge's opening is a historic moment, and it will be a welcome addition to the Clyde, creating opportunities for communities and businesses on both sides of the river and supporting 1,400 new jobs. 'This delivers our Programme for Government commitment to invest £1.9bn in Growth Deals, benefiting people across Scotland. Other measures include delivering 100,000 additional GP appointments by March 2026 and a 'best in the UK' cost-of-living guarantee, including the permanent abolition of peak rail fares.' Minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'Completion of Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which has been supported with £39m from the UK Government, is great news for communities who can now enjoy a new bridge over the River Clyde to Yoker, a regenerated riverside and additional roads, cycling and walking routes. 'These enhancements are expected to attract further private sector investment and create more than a thousand jobs on both sides of the Clyde. This is our Plan for Change in action, working with partners to deliver economic growth and a decade of national renewal.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Multi-million pound dairy innovation centre opens
A multi-million pound facility designed to drive innovation in the dairy industry and make it more environmentally friendly has been officially opened. The research and development laboratories have been built at Scotland's Rural College's (SRUC) Barony campus near Dumfries. The Dairy Nexus project aims to decarbonise the dairy industry and boost sustainability in milk production. It has been funded with £4m each from the UK and Scottish governments and £738,00 from South of Scotland Enterprise. It is expected to be home to about 60 staff - 15 of them new. Those behind the development say its location means it is ideally placed to boost innovation in the major dairy-producing regions of Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria. They hope it will allow researchers, advisors, farmers and businesses to identify and solve real-life problems, and take opportunities to improve sustainability and productivity. The labs were officially opened by UK government minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeil and Tom Arthur, Scotland's employment and investment minister. Russel Griggs, who chairs South of Scotland Enterprise, said Dairy Nexus also aimed to bring further jobs and investment to the area. He added: "It will drive innovation to allow the dairy sector to decarbonise, as well as accelerate its productivity, enhance animal welfare and develop new products from dairy resources." It is the first project to be delivered through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. In 2019 the UK and Scottish governments confirmed funding of up to £350m for the region through the original plans for the Dairy Nexus had to be revised due to financial pressures said to be caused by Brexit, inflation and the Covid pandemic. The original scheme would have seen a two-storey building but that has been replaced by a single-storey structure built by Portakabin
