Join us on our Baker Street project journey
Buddies urged to have a say on cinema and theatre
20.01.2018 Buddies can have their say on a multi-million pound leisure development earmarked for Paisley as planning gets under way.
The Baker Street Paisley Project hopes to create a new theatre, cinema and performance space in one of the town centre’s most derelict area.
Revealed at the beginning of the 2021 City of Culture bid, momentum is still strong for the development with planners inviting local residents to the first public meeting of the year.
Gary Kerr, Paisley Community Trust’s chairman and trustee, is urging as many Buddies as possible to come along.
“When the Baker Street Paisley Project was first announced the support was overwhelming,” Gary said.
“Despite losing out on the 2021 bid we’re determined to keep pushing this as it would really make a difference to the town centre.
“This is a community project so we want local residents involved and providing their opinions every step of the way.
“Our public meeting aims to really kick-start discussions and get the ball rolling.”
Looking at the past year, creating goals for 2018, gaining feedback and setting up group projects will take place at the meeting on February 12.
While opinions from all members of the public are required and valued, Gary is particularly interested in hearing from young people in the area.
“Youth groups, whether that’s scouts and guides, music clubs, sports teams, are high on the agenda,” he said.
“With this being the year of the young person it is particularly important for us to hear what they have to say.
“Over the years we hear more of teens venturing into areas such as Glasgow for entertainment.
“This development means they can have all that without having to leave Renfrewshire. “It’s a win-win situation.” The build, costing £24.7 million, will include a flexible 500-seat theatre space, restaurant and cafe and five cinema screens with one 170-seat, a 120-seat and three 70seat cinemas that will show both blockbusters and arthouse and niche films.
Gary, alongside computer games entrepreneur Andy Campbell, is in the process of putting together business plans.
“It’s a very exciting time and we need as many people as possible on this journey with us,” he said.
The public meeting takes place on February 12 at The Wynd Centre in Paisley. Doors open at 5pm for a 5.30pm start, lasting until 7.30pm.
To keep updated visit www. facebook.com/paisleytrust