Project to inject £53.6m into the Glasgow city region economy, the new centre was opened this week by Councillor Mark Macmillan, leader of Renfrewshire Council, and Councillor Frank McAveety, leader of Glasgow City Council.

The Tontine building, once the home of the workshop of legendary Scottish inventor James Watt, will showcase what Renfrewshire and the local authorities in the city region can do to support some of the innovative industries that will bring future economic growth.

It will support and sustain the development of high-growth companies in the enabling technology, advanced design and manufacturing, and creative economy sectors, with between 5 - 10 employees.

The Tontine will host high-quality and flexible workspaces for these companies, with a focus on those sectors which link with the city’s universities - to maximise cross-fertilisation between growing companies in the city and major multi-nationals and research programmes situated close by. These spaces include breakout booths; networking and meeting areas; office and desk spaces; all of which are very attractive to both new and established organisations in these sectors.

The building has been designed by Glasgow City Council’s in-house architect and graphic design teams, with works completed in around five months. Other features include breakout booths and the original cast iron radiators.

Councillor Mark Macmillan said: “The Tontine is a great example of innovation supporting enterprise. This great building with its tremendous architectural legacy has been creatively restored as an inspiring business environment. The project illustrates City Deal’s ambitious aims for our economy by combining a commitment to excellence with entrepreneurial drive and an absolute determination to generate jobs. The Tontine sets high expectations for the city region’s enterprising future.”

Councillor Frank McAveety added: “The opening of The Tontine is a landmark for our economy. What has been created here is a business environment that will bring the type of jobs to deliver a long-term and ongoing economic boost to the Glasgow city region. This City Deal-supported project will provide a perfect space for entrepreneurs working in high-tech industries to grow their business. We will see some of the brightest and most innovative young companies in Scotland based in The Tontine.”

The Glasgow City Region City Deal will deliver 20 infrastructure schemes - bringing a forecast 43,000 jobs during and after construction - but will also, as in projects such as The Tontine, use innovation to deliver economic growth in Glasgow and surrounding areas.