Communities benefit from City Deal business centre

Four jobs, two apprenticeships, work experience placements and learning opportunities for schools are just some of the community benefits secured by the council from contractor Morrison Construction.

The council is working in partnership with Morrison Construction and Clyde College to support two fully funded construction pre-apprenticeship courses.

Students recently visited the Greenlaw Business Centre site and learned about the range of careers available in the construction industry.

Former Williamwood High pupil Sam Paterson, 16, is attending the Clyde College course.

He said: “The fact that it gives you new opportunities and there is a chance to get an apprenticeship or a job at the end of it – that’s the main thing I’m looking forward to.

“I’d like to get a job in the construction industry.”

Council Leader Tony Buchanan said: “I’m delighted with the jobs, apprenticeships and skills development activities we have secured for our local community with contractor Morrison Construction.

“Through supporting this Clyde College course and getting our young people out on site to see the build in action, we hope to help and inspire them to consider the different career opportunities in construction.

“Greenlaw Business Centre forms part of a range of ambitious projects for East Renfrewshire made possible thanks to our £44 million Glasgow City Region City Deal investment.

“The facility will enable the Council to increase its support for small businesses by meeting a growing demand for quality office space in the area.”

Greenlaw Business Centre is being built adjacent to the existing Greenlaw retail and commercial centre.

Expected to be completed by Spring next year, the facility will provide modern office accommodation in up to 36 small suites over two storeys. Caitlin Quinn, assistant community skills manager, Morrison Construction, said: “It is wonderful to know this partnership has directly benefited the community by supporting jobs, apprenticeships, work experience placements and building relationships with local schools. ‘At Morrison Construction we have a progressive community benefits programme as we believe it is important to give back to the communities we work in.

“We will continue to engage with the community, creating further opportunities in education and employment.”

As part of the £44 million Glasgow City Region City Deal investment in East Renfrewshire, plans are under way to improve the road network between Barrhead, Newton Mearns and the M77, create a new train station in Barrhead and transform Dams to Darnley Country Park into a must-visit leisure destination.