Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMIDS)
Quick Facts
Project value: £110-150 million
Investment type: Development finance, operator investment
Location: Renfrewshire
Timescale: Live
Status: Operational site with future development at design stage
Project Overview
AMIDS is Scotland's national hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation - a collaborative district where industry, academia and government work side-by-side to help high-value businesses innovate, scale and commercialise faster.
Backed by a joint venture between Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property, AMIDS provides long-term stability, strategic commitment and a clear development pathway. The district brings together world-leading organisations and specialist capability across advanced engineering, electronics, photonics, precision manufacturing and low-carbon solutions, creating a connected environment where cutting-edge companies can innovate faster and scale with confidence.
AMIDS provides a flexible environment where innovative businesses can scale with the benefit of tailored infrastructure, shared facilities, and direct access to Scotland's talent, research, and industry networks - creating a truly collaborative ecosystem that connects people, ideas and opportunity.
AMIDS is building on the success of existing academic and research partnerships with CPI, University of Strathclyde, and West College Scotland, with a cluster of world-renowned names already on site, including Boeing, Rolls Royce, PEAK Scientific and Thermo Fisher.
AMIDS is already home to two High Value Manufacturing Catapults; the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) operated by University of Strathclyde - including the Advanced Forming Research Centre, Digital Process Manufacturing Centre and Manufacturing Skills Academy — and CPI's Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC), bringing the pharmaceutical industry together in a unique collaboration to find innovative new production processes.
The site has Permission in Principle for further development of up to 75,000 sq m of advanced manufacturing space to create a campus environment with applications across electronics, photonics, net zero and medicines manufacturing/pharma sectors, to be taken forward in a JV between Buccleuch Property and Renfrewshire Council.
Net Zero solutions are at the heart of development. AMIDS is served by an operational 5th generation district heating network offering low carbon heating and cooling to its occupiers.
The proposed speculative first phase is now at pre-planning stage. Tech Terrace will deliver high-specification units from 200 to 1,600 sq m, offering startups and scaleups immediate access to flexible, move-in-ready laboratories, cleanroom facilities, offices and engineering units. Construction is planned to start in the second half of 2026.
Investment Opportunities
The investment opportunity at AMIDS is primarily focused on delivering the commercial aspect of the site. It is estimated that around £150 million is required to deliver the full masterplan.
AMIDS offers investors a clear proposition: a strategically backed, scalable district anchored by national innovation assets and committed public–private governance. The combination of immediately lettable space and long-term development potential supports a phased growth story, while sustainable and future-ready design strengthens ESG alignment.
To realise the ambition of a net zero future, every level of the development from the ground up is being considered:
- Providing appropriate infrastructure, design guides for buildings and transport routes to the site.
- Expansion of the 5th generation heat network to supply low carbon heat to occupiers makes this the first development of its kind in Scotland.
- New high-quality public realm and green space provide opportunities for healthy, sustainable, active lifestyles.
AMIDS has been confirmed as a tax site and from April 2026 businesses who choose AMIDS benefit from a range of tax reliefs designed to bring investment, trade and jobs to the area. Eligible businesses can access relief on Land and Buildings transaction tax (LBTT), Non-Domestic Rates (NDR), enhanced capital allowance, enhanced structures and buildings allowance and employer national insurance contributions, alongside wider support with planning, infrastructure, innovation and skills. In conjunction, the Glasgow City Region will retain any additional non-domestic rates generated within the zone. This means that growth in business rates, which would normally be transferred to the Scottish Government, will be retained and reinvested into further development of the Investment Zone, supporting infrastructure, skills, and innovation across Renfrewshire and the wider city region.
High-value manufacturing is a strategic priority of both the Scottish Government and the UK Government, backed by significant public-sector investment across medicine, clean technology and multiple emerging critical technologies.
Tech Terrace at AMIDS
Status Update
The site is operational with both the University of Strathclyde/National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and CPI/Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre operational at AMIDS. The wider infrastructure, roads, utilities and district heat network are complete.
Detailed plans for Tech Terrace will be submitted for planning approval by the end of March, targeting a start on site by the end of 2026.
There are several active occupier enquiries for design and build facilities.
Site ownership
52 acres of development land is held by AMIDS (Renfrewshire) LLP for the development of an advanced manufacturing campus, adjacent to Glasgow Airport and the M8 motorway.
Return on investment
As a joint venture between Renfrewshire Council and Buccleuch Property, AMIDS offers stability, accountability and long-term stewardship. The JV is structured to ensure appropriate returns to all investing parties, while world-class academic partners such as the University of Strathclyde's Business School are actively contributing to the development.
Planning
Planning Permission in Principle agreed and the masterplan is in the process of being updated. By Spring 2026 it is anticipated that an application for detailed consent will be submitted for Tech Terrace, the first speculative phase of development at AMIDS. With planning consent for up to 75,000 sqm of future development, AMIDS can accommodate occupier needs today, tomorrow and for years to come.
Market ready
Marketing and industry engagement has commenced. Development is also supported by an active Strategic Advisory Group comprising key public and academic stakeholders.
Identifiable demand
The project caters for a market with identifiable demand whether an early-stage company, a growing scaleup or an established player, AMIDS provides the connectivity, space, support and tailored infrastructure needed to accelerate the next stage of growth. Occupiers benefit from market-ready infrastructure and flexible accommodation that shortens lead times, while proximity to technical expertise supports faster development. There are several ongoing discussions to deliver design and build solutions for a range of advanced manufacturing companies. Enquiries for Tech Terrace suggest that the first phase will be oversubscribed, supporting the case for a second Tech Terrace phase and the development.
For more information
Sandy Smith Development Director, Buccleuch Property email: ssmith@buccleuch.com tel: +44 (0)7973 265591
Josh Thomas Development Manager, Buccleuch Property email: jthomas@buccleuch.com tel: +44 (0)7872 785 7565
Mark Jones Director, Tweed Property Consultants email: mark.jones@tweedproperty.co.uk tel: +44 (0)7751 571541
