Calls to revamp station
An aspiring politician has demanded action to address Renfrew’s vacant police office and remodel it for community use.
Labour’s Jamie McGuire has urged Renfrewshire Council to transform the deteriorating former Inchinnan Road facility so it becomes a worthwhile location for residents.
Jamie, who is standing as the party’s candidate for the Renfrew North and Braehead ward at the forthcoming local government elections on May 5, said: “The old police station is Renfrew is a listed building, it belongs to the public and the facility could be used a community hub.
“After canvassing in the community when I’ve been on the campaign trail, I’ve spoken to a lot of people, particularly older members of the community, who have said there’s nothing for them, a lot of their clubs and things have shut down.”
He added: “It did its job, it was home to the police for about 100 years until it closed in 2012 and now it’s just lying there.
“I’ve gone round the building and it’s showing signs of vandalism.
“It could be used as a community hub for all sections of the community, elderly people or children’s clubs, instead of just lying there going to ruin. It could be used for good, especially when the community is desperate for a base.
“It is a public building and now that the police’s lease on it is done, it really could be put to good use.”
Graffiti is clearly visible at the Alexander Nisbet Paterson-designed twostorey stone structure, which dates back to 1910.
The site has been included on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland, which notes “stone erosion in a number of areas (most notably the rear parapet) and the windows are in need of maintenance”.
Jamie has also thrown his weight behind a mounting campaign for Renfrew to be added to the rail network.
The candidate added: “The Scottish Government has announced that they are going to be extending the railways since they have been nationalised.
“I would advocate that at the very least, the Clyde Metro link should be extended to Renfrew.”
The local authority couldn’t outline its plans for the former police station, saying: “The former police chambers are part of Renfrewshire Council’s property portfolio and we are considering options for its future use within the wider Renfrew context.”