Reopening pushed back
THE expected reopening of Paisley Museum – which is undergoing a £ 45 million transformation – has been pushed back until next year.
Questions also surround its operating hours as thought is given to switching from the proposed seven- day week to a six- day or combined seasonal model to cut costs.
The work is regarded as a flagship project within the wider investment in the town that could provide a notable boost for the economy in Renfrewshire.
But senior officials involved in the museum refurbishment have been urged to set a “final date” for a ribbon- cutting after it was confirmed that, while construction is due to finish in the autumn, reopening is now not expected until spring next year. It had previously been anticipated to reopen this year.
Councillor Eddie Devine said:
“They need to get it moved on. This project has been in the pipeline for a long time.
“It’s been a long struggle but we need to get it right. If it takes a wee bit longer, so be it, but there has to be a date for when it opens.
“They can’t keep putting it
back. There’s got to be a final date when we need to have it open.”
It’s hoped the museum will be a “world- class destination” telling the stories of Paisley’s people and pattern and showcasing its internationally significant collections.
The project has included repairing and renovating all buildings on the campus and delivering a 20% increase in the overall usable area.
It’s believed it has the potential to deliver around 125,000 visitors each year and a £ 79m lift for the economy over three decades.
However, a report to last month’s economy and regeneration policy board disclosed “mitigations” are being considered based on research within the museum and tourism sectors.
It said: “These include moving away from the proposed sevenday week operation to a six- day or combined seasonal model to help reduce costs, with the potential to retain access on weekdays for organised educational visits.
“Further refinement will be considered in year two as the regularity of visits and numbers of visitors becomes clearer and can be reviewed.”
OneRen, the trust responsible for culture and leisure in Renfrewshire, said its teams are “hard at work” on the project.