War of words over ‘missing’ buildings
Anger as key sites omitted from council report
A Paisley MP has blasted a council team after it was revealed a report into the condition of listed building fails to mention three key sites.
Mhairi Black has questioned the work of Renfrewshire Council’s Building Repair Task Group after a report failed to mention the Royal Alexandra Building (RAI), the TA Halls and the former Fire Station.
She said: “I would have thought the council would made moves to tackle the issue of buildings such as the former TA Hall and the former Fire Station – both are in the town centre and attract a lot of comment from locals and visitors alike.
“If Paisley is serious about being the City of Culture then the council must do more to preserve and enhance these iconic buildings rather than letting them fall into further disrepair resulting in possible demolition.”
The report to the council’s Planning and Property Board says the remit of the Building Repair Task Group is to encourage better maintenance of many run down and privately owned buildings.
It lists work carried out at various sites but does not include these problems at the iconic building highlighted by Ms Black.
Councillor Kenny MacLaren, member for Paisley North West added: “This flimsy report fails to address the public’s concern over deterioration of listed buildings in Paisley.
“You have to wonder what the so- called Buildings Repair Task Group has been doing when the key iconic buildings in Paisley aren’t even listed in this report.”
We reported in November last year that Renfrewshire Council had taken legal steps to force the owner of the RAI to secure the building after vandals regular broke into the site.
A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said: “The protection and enhancement of Renfrewshire’s built environment is a priority for the Council and a significant amount of positive work has been undertaken to improve the condition of listed buildings.
“We have committed to utilising a vacant unit at 22 High Street as a cultural and learning hub, protecting the historic facade and returning the building to popular use.
“The restoration of the Russell Institute and the redevelopment of the Hawkhead Hospital site are ongoing.
“We are in active discussions with a number of owners of key buildings in Paisley which require investment.
“These include the RAI, the TA Building and a number of other properties on Paisley High Street, as well as Network Rail for buildings around Gilmour Street Station.
“We have used Regulatory Powers under the relevant acts to protect the safety of nearby residents and the integrity of the vacant buildings at the site of the former RAI.
“The council will continue to address the issue of poorly maintained buildings using the resources available, as well as encouraging and supporting private owners to do the same.”
You have to wonder what the Building Repair Task Group has been doing