Call to back Baker Street

United bid to see Paisley town centre reinvented as cultural hub

Paisley town centre’s transformation into a hub for arts and culture has been backed by local authority bosses.

Renfrewshire Council united behind support for the ambitious £25 million Baker Street project.

Paisley Community Trust wants to create a theatre and cinema on derelict land.

Councillor Eddie Devine urged the public and elected members to rally behind the proposals at a summit.

He said: “We have seen the positive outlook we have gotten from Paisley 2021 City of Culture bid.

“It galvanised young people across Renfrewshire.

“We should support Baker Street as a positive contribution to Paisley and Renfrewshire.”

Baker Street will be a communityfocussed arts space near Gilmour Street Station.

Developers want to create a 500seat theatre, restaurant and cafe.

A 170-seat, a 120-seat and three 70-seat cinemas showing blockbuster and arthouse films are also planned between Smithhills Street and Incle Street.

Judges for the prestigious Scotland’s Towns FutureTown Design competition hailed the scheme last year.

Councillors signalled cross-party support at a meeting last week and insisted town centre regeneration can be driven by the project.

Gary Kerr, of Paisley Community Trust, is a driving force behind Baker Street.

He said: “Being a community project, the biggest stakeholder in everything we are doing is the council.

“Baker Street will have a transformational impact.

“Renfrewshire Council own the land and it’s really important they feel it’s a good idea for it.

“We’ve got that level of political support and we now need to turn it into action.

“We want to change people’s lives through the arts.

“It can bring people together from all communities, including older and young people, and give them a focus, training and job opportunities.”

Gary says Baker Street will help draw in visitors and encourage those studying at West College Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland to spend more time in the town.

He insists the project can act as an “anchor” to stop families heading to nearby Glasgow.

He added: “My dad is 77 and I can just see him meeting his pals for a roll and sausage then heading to see a movie before having a natter.

“Students come in and walk to classes, before heading straight for the train again.

“We want to excite them and give them a reason to stay in town.”

Baker Street bosses are holding meetings with community groups and council chiefs to develop the scheme.

Councillor Jennifer AdamMcGregor says the public want to see the development take off.

She said: “The project is one that’s been met with enthusiasm by Buddies.

“They want to have their own cultural quarter.

“I look forward to seeing the Paisley skyline change for good.”