Bid to turn flat into arts hub

Hou s i n g chiefs a re transforming an empty flat into a drop-in space for vulnerable tenants.

Williamsburgh Housing Association wants to convert the ground-floor home into an arts and support space.

Families will be able to visit to take part in crafting projects, pick- up recycled furniture and to ask for help with improving their job skills and finances.

The property on Paisley’s Lang Street will be brought back into use after bosses were forced to evict the previous occupant for anti-social behaviour.

AHR Architects has drawn-up plans to convert a lounge and bedroom into a meeting room and office.

The vision for the centre was revealed in a planning application report submitted to Renfrewshire Council.

It stated: “Williamsburgh Housing Association’s proposed use is that the front room would be for community use — arts based re-use and re-cycling project until end March 2018 and also a drop-in point for other wider role activities.

“The reason for proposing this change of use application is to benefit the association’s tenants and east end residents by providing a much- needed local base for community- focused regeneration activities.

“It will benefit more vulnerable tenants in terms of providing an arm’s length facility, to deliver energy advice to tackle fuel bills and fuel debt; information and access to financial services; advice and advocacy on all aspects of welfare rights; support with budgeting and financial literacy; access to recycled furniture and household goods; access to debt advice and advocacy.

“It will also respond to local residents’ fears about a new residential tenancy from this property resulting in further anti-social behaviour.”

Neighbours are being l e t t e red by housing association chiefs to make them aware of the proposals.

Williamsburgh Housing Association insists the new facility would generate “less potential noise nuisance than the current residential flat”.

It says the site would be used mostly during the day.

A decision is due on the planning application by December.