Small businesses are being encouraged to cash in on a multi-million pound infrastructure project taking place in Renfrewshire.
Civil engineering specialists GRAHAM are advertising a range of opportunities for sub-contractors and suppliers as part of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project.
It will include a two-lane road bridge across the River Clyde to link Renfrew with Yoker.
The bridge, spanning 184 metres, will open to allow ships to pass through and, when closed, will accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The project also features a 750-metre development road connecting into the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) site next to Glasgow Airport.
In addition, there will be improved routes for walking and cycling to help connect both sides of the Clyde.
Bosses at GRAHAM, which has a waterfront office at Braehead, have set up their site accommodation either side of the river, providing bases for more than 120 staff, as construction work progresses.
Now they are looking for a range of services and suppliers, with all sub-contracts worth more than £10,000 being advertised on the Public Contracts Scotland website.
On a smaller scale, there are immediate opportunities for the likes of catering, vehicle valeting and window cleaning firms to get on board with the project, which is being funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.
Jim Armour, contracts manager at GRAHAM, said: “Now the site accommodation is in place, we’re looking for a range of services and supplies and I would encourage local businesses to visit our project website for more information.
“We’re delighted to be delivering this important construction project and are bringing fantastic supply chain opportunities to Renfrewshire.”
According to Renfrewshire Council, the project will “create an attractive waterfront area and connect communities to work, health, education and leisure.”
It is expected to attract up to £230million in waterfront developments, with the potential to bring more than 2,000 permanent and temporary jobs.
The new bridge and approach roads are scheduled to open to the public in 2025.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Clyde waterfront construction contractor GRAHAM have been carrying out preparatory work and setting up site accommodation on both sides of the river before construction work starts on this exciting project – building the first opening road bridge together with connecting roads and improved routes for walking and cycling.
“It is creating jobs and generating opportunities for local suppliers now and the completed construction will connect communities to work, health, education and leisure, while also attracting new developments and jobs to the riverside. The new routes will reduce congestion and enhance the local environment by improving access along the Clyde footpath and safeguarding the Blythswood.”
For more details on the project and the opportunities for sub-contractors and suppliers, visit www.graham.co.uk/clyde-waterfront.