A NEW multi-million pound business centre in East Renfrewshire has been officially opened.

The Greenlaw Works was created in response to local demand for high-quality, flexible office accommodation.

Based in Newton Mearns and built at a cost of £5million, it has been developed by East Renfrewshire Council as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Three-quarters of the floorspace is already occupied, with the hub now home to 26 businesses from a range of sectors, including finance, law, architecture, marketing and logistics.

Council leader Owen O’Donnell was joined at the official opening by Lord Offord of Garvel, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, and Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth.

“It’s been fantastic to meet some of the business owners based at The Greenlaw Works and hear about how this flexible, contemporary workspace is helping to support their companies to develop and grow,” said Councillor O’Donnell.

“This Glasgow City Region City Deal project was made possible thanks to the support of both the UK and Scottish governments and I thank them for joining us in marking the official opening of the building.”

The Greenlaw Works measures 20,000 square feet and features a central atrium, 35 office suites and meeting rooms.

It had been due to open in spring 2020 but remained temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the car park serving as a Covid testing centre until last year.

Lord Offord said the hub is having a “positive impact” on the local area.

He added: “The 26 businesses who have already moved in will contribute greatly towards growing the economy in East Renfrewshire, creating all-important employment opportunities.”

Mr Arthur said: “This new office space will help support local companies as they scale up and develop while creating valuable new jobs.

“We want to see more businesses coming to East Renfrewshire as we build a more prosperous economy as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal.”
Anthony Wallace, owner of The Building Law Practice, based at The Greenlaw Works, said the new hub is fulfilling “a real unmet business need.”

“Most landlords aren’t interested in letting Grade A office space in smaller units to suit businesses like our own,” he added. “This is a real triumph for the council, who are to be congratulated for their vision, foresight and sophisticated understanding of the aspirations and needs of small businesses.

“It gives us a great platform to grow in East Renfrewshire.”

Businesses interested in office space at the new hub should send an email to thegreenlawworks@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk for more information or visit www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/the-greenlaw-works.