MOVING ON
PAISLEY’S MAKEOVER BEGINS
The changes happening across the town will raise many questions so here, in a nutshell, is what is actually happening.
What is happening? Renfrewshire Council is investing £100m in Paisley town centre over the next few years as part of a wider plan to use the area’s internationally-significant cultural and heritage story to change its future.
This includes: revamps to Paisley Museum, the town hall and Paisey Arts Centre; a new learning and cultural hub for library services on the High Street; investment in outdoor spaces and transport link and new sporting facilities and major events space at St James’Playing Fields.
Why is it happening? To bring new life to the town centre and create chances for business to thrive.
The revamped venues will host activity which will bring lots of new visitors and footfall to the town, while creating 21st-century facilities which preserve the town’s architectural legacy.
What is closing and when? The Paisley Museum complex has now closed and will reopen in 2022.
Paisley Town Hall shuts at the end of 2018 and reopens in 2021.
The arts centre will be redeveloped at a later date.
What happens to the museum collections? The collections will still be accessible at Paisley: The Secret Collection at 9 High Street. This is the first publicly-accessible museum store on a UK High Street.
Express readers can see them on a guided tour – phone 0141 618 5129 or visit renfrewshireleisure.com for details.
What happens to the library? Paisley Central Library will reopen in a temporary home early next year, next to the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Christie Street, before moving to the new learning and cultural hub at 22 High Street when it opens in 2021.
The heritage library will go to a temporary home in Mile End Mill for the next four years then move back into the museum when it reopens.
How can I access library services? There are 11 other libraries in Renfrewshire and an extensive e-book facility for customers. Bookbug sessions will be relocated to the Lagoon.