We’re winding our way down on Baker Street

Arts project is ticking all the right boxes

Experts helping Paisley Community Trust bring a state- of-the-art cinema, theatre and performing arts space to the town are impressed by the support it has.

Community Enterprise, a social enterprise that helps other organisations achieve their goals, set up a consultation in the Piazza Shopping Centre last week.

And they were impressed with the amount of positive feedback on the plan – called Baker Street – from the people of Paisley.

Alison Wright, a development officer with Community Enterprise, said: “One thing that is worth noting is the obvious enthusiasm from everyone we spoke to about the difference this project could make to Paisley as a community as well as bringing people into Paisley to visit and spend time here.

“We were also impressed by the number of people we spoke to who expressed an interest in being involved, lending their expertise, talents and skills to the process of developing this project through this important research and scoping phase.”

Baker Street is a £24.7 million plan to create a community space on derelict land between Incle Street and Smithhills Street in the town.

It will include a flexible 500-seat theatre space, restaurant and cafe as well as one 170-seat, a 120-seat and three 70-seat cinema screens that will show both blockbusters and arthouse and niche films.

Gary Kerr, chair of Paisley Community Trust, also spoke to Renfrewshire Community Council Forum about their plans.

Mary McElhinney, from Linwood Community Council, who is the forum chair, said: “I really enjoyed the exciting presentation and have had some feedback from others who also enjoyed it.

“I hope every community council asks their councillors to get behind the project and that the councillors ensure that Renfrewshire Council also support the project 100 per cent.

“I really believe that this project will bring people back into Paisley.

“I have spoken to some young people who are of the opinion that Paisley should be a town for arts, gigs, theatre as they believe the high street is no longer relevant in terms of shopping and that the big malls and shopping centres have cornered that market. Niche shops, dining and entertainment are the way forward.

“This will be a very exciting time for Paisley and I’m sure I can speak for the Renfrewshire Community Council Forum in stating that we fully support the project.”

Gary Kerr added: “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to present to the public.

“We’re excited by the response we got. Renfrewshire Community Council forum represent the public in their communities and they gave us an overwhelming endorsement. “That means we’re getting it right.” Gary and the team are in the process of putting together a detailed business plan which they’ll present to Renfrewshire Council and potential funders later this year.

For more information on the project, visit www.facebook.com/ paisleytrust