Thread ties museum refurbishment with industrial glory days
An industry leader from Paisley’s past is helping to see the town’s future economic success become a reality by pumping thousands of pounds into the refurbishment of a historic landmark.
Coats Group plc, the world’s leading manufacturer in thread and structural components for apparel and footwear, will be supporting the transformation of Paisley Museum into an internationalclass visitor destination by becoming a corporate partner.
It will contribute £30,000 to the project. The museum building, designed by renowned Glasgow architect Sir John Honeyman, was originally gifted to the people of Paisley more than 150 years ago by Sir Peter Coats, who founded Coats.
The museum, founded in 1871, is being redesigned by international architects AL_A, and construction work is well underway to create a new wing for the A-listed Victorian building, new entrance hall, terraced outdoor garden, and refurbishment of all four museum buildings, including the Coats Observatory.
The project is expected to cost £45million and work is expected to be complete in 2024.
It is Renfrewshire Council’s flagship regeneration project that will see various venues in the town, including the Town Hall, given a new lease of life.
Around half of the project cost is coming from Renfrewshire Council.
The project is also being supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Scottish Government and its Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, as well as a number of other trusts, foundations and private donors.
The work will double the number of items which can go on display from the museum’s internationally significant collections, with the community having co-produced displays which bring to life the stories of Paisley’s people, the Paisley pattern and global influence.
It’s expected to draw in around 125,000 visitors a year and give a £79m boost for the local economy over 30 years.
Christopher Dearing, Coats Group sustainability director, said: “Having
Scottish heritage and worked for Coats for the past 25 years, it is great to have Coats honouring its heritage in Paisley and providing financial support to what will be a world-class facility and welcome visitor attraction for the town.”
The redevelopment has supported 138 jobs during construction, and is expected to supply 48.5 jobs per year through revenue and visitor spending.
It is great to have Coats honouring its heritage in Paisley and providing financial support