Glasgow Airport area to get 2300 new jobs in £190m investment boost

The site, based at Renfrewshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport, is expected to give a major boost to the regional economy, with the potential to generate £205 million per year.

Launched as part of the £190 million Glasgow City Region Investment Zone, the site will offer up to £25 million in tax reliefs to eligible new businesses.

A new tax site could help unlock millions in private investment and create thousands of skilled jobs. (Image: Supplied)

Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: "The new tax site will make the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) even more attractive to businesses considering locating here as, not only will they be able to collaborate with sector-leading organisations, access a state-of-the-art district heating network, and make use of unrivalled transport links, they will now have significant financial incentives too.

"AMIDS is already home to world-leading organisations in the advanced manufacturing sector and the tax site will only invite more to join them — bringing new jobs, investment and growth to our local economy and unlocking significant opportunities for our communities, businesses and future workforce."

The tax reliefs include exemptions and savings on Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), Non-Domestic Rates (NDR), enhanced capital allowance, enhanced structures and buildings allowance, employer National Insurance contributions, and more.

The Glasgow City Region will also retain any additional non-domestic rates generated within the zone, allowing the reinvestment of this growth into further infrastructure, skills, and innovation.

The tax site spans more than 112 hectares and covers land at AMIDS, Glasgow Airport, Abbotsinch, Airside North, and Campsie Drive.

Iain Nicolson, leader of Renfrewshire Council (Image: Supplied)

Kam Jandu, CEO of AGS Airports, said: "Securing tax site status as part of the Glasgow City Region Investment Zone is a hugely significant moment for Glasgow Airport and the wider region.

"It accelerates our ambition to develop a Glasgow AirportCity – a hub of precision engineering and advanced manufacturing with significant apprenticeship and upskilling programmes forecast to help create 2,300 skilled jobs and £205 million in annual GVA.

"The airport already delivers major value to the Glasgow City Region and the Scottish economies, and this announcement strengthens our role as a driver of jobs, growth and connectivity.

"Combined with AviAlliance’s £350 million investment, including Glasgow’s Terminal Transformation plans, the tax site provides the certainty needed to attract investment and support long-term sustainable growth."

The Glasgow City Region Investment Zone is one of only two in Scotland and is backed by £190 million in funding over 10 years from the UK and Scottish Governments.

It aims to accelerate economic development, attract global investment, and create thousands of skilled jobs.

Susan Aitken, chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet and leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This move is a major milestone, both for the development of our Investment Zone and for the empowerment of Glasgow City Region.

"The ability to retain the business rates raised in the zone means we can reinvest millions into supporting new high-growth sectors, attract more skilled jobs and boost the regional economy so that everyone benefits.

"The Tax Site is exactly the type of financial lever we’ve been calling for to help unlock the opportunities for growth and equity across the City Region.

"I’m delighted that both the Scottish and UK Governments have taken this early step in responding to our ambitions for, and commitment to, Metropolitan Glasgow."

There are now 12 Investment Zones across the UK, including eight in England, two in Scotland, and two in Wales.

The site, based at Renfrewshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport (Image: Supplied)

Each zone supports five priority sectors: advanced manufacturing, green industries, creative industries, digital and technology, and life sciences.

Jonathan Athow, HMRC director general for customer strategy and tax design, said: "Investment Zones across the UK are creating thriving business hubs centred around growth, highly skilled jobs and benefitting the local communities.

"The tax sites can offer real benefits and tax reliefs to eligible businesses – helping them grow and invest in their future."