400 jobs for new town

Eitan Grant - Eitan Grant • Published 17 Dec 2008 12:30

The biggest development in Linwood for more than forty years is set to bring 400 new jobs to the town.

Renfrewshire Council gave the go-ahead for a multi-million pound investment which will create a brand new town centre on the site of the present decaying shopping centre.

Tesco welcomed the Council"s Planning and Economic Development Board"s decision to approve plans.

The redevelopment of the town centre will create over 400 new jobs for Linwood.

Campaigning councillor Audrey Doig, has welcomed the decision.

She said: 'I am totally cock-a-hoop that this crucial application for the people of Linwood has been approved.

'I grew up in East Fulton in the early 70"s and went to Linwood High, and this is a bigger day for Linwood than when the Rootes car factory came in the 1960"s, it was a really emotional moment for me .

'Immediately after the vote went through I had a further meeting with TESCO representatives and they were keen to stress, as with other developments such as the St Rollox TESCO in Springburn, that they will be looking to prioritise the several hundred or so jobs available for local people.

'This will be a great jobs boost to my constituents across the Linwood, Houston, and Crosslee ward as the credit crunch bites ever harder.

'This application means that Linwood will get a new community hall, new library, new police station, new health centre, and new office space which will also help to bring new small businesses to Linwood.'

Renfrewshire Council leader, Derek Mackay, added:' I welcome this truly historic decision today for Linwood and its residents.

'This is a community which has suffered neglect for a great many years and I am delighted for Councillor Doig as well, as she has worked extremely hard to make this happen'.

Tesco corporate affairs manager, Jennifer Duncan, said: 'The support we have had for this project locally has been well documented and we are absolutely delighted with today"s decision, which brings us another step closer to making this redevelopment a reality.

'I would like to thank all the individuals and community groups that took the time to engage with us during the consultation process.

'The redevelopment of the town centre will provide much needed community services as well as improved retail offer for Linwood. Our plans will deliver replacement retail units and a new library, new Tweedie Hall, new police station and community health centre.'

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This article appeared in The Gazette 17 Dec 08

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