New housing plans could spell end of Leisureland
Developers want to transform arcade site into 150 student flats
A well-known cafe and amusement arcade in Paisley town centre could be flattened and turned into student flats if plans are given the go ahead.
Renfrewshire Council planning department is currently considering an application for 55-57 High Street – the site of Leisureland.
Applicant T100 Ltd has asked for permission to demolish the current building and construct a 150 studio flat development.
Currently, the site houses Leisureland, an empty four-storey office block and a sub station with a private car park.
Proposed plans drawn up by architect Tinto include a social space on the ground floor and five storeys of studio accommodation above.
The design application reads: “The aim is to create a space that fosters a community and is a place where the residents want to spend their time.
“This social space will feature a ‘shopfront’ with large glazing to the high street and corner which is in keeping with the retail aesthetic and feel of the Paisley centre.
“Next to the social space we have also incorporated a modest gym which will have modern compact gym equipment and will also have full height glazing to maximise the available light, for physical exercise and mental well-being of the residents.
“There are a mixture of shopfront types currently situated opposite the building in question on the High Street, ranging from modern aluminium framed glass frontages, to more sympathetic timber and glass responses, which we would seek to replicate here whilst maintaining a contemporary approach.
“Any new fascia signage and lettering should respect and complement that of the historic shop frontages on the High Street.”
The location is close to many University West of Scotland buildings, including the Student Union on Storie Street.
The application adds: “The development currently comprises of 150 studios ranging between 17-22m² all with en-suite shower rooms, private kitchens,dining areas, wardrobes and study areas.
“The arrangement of the various different sized studio floor plans on the proposed scheme is designed to maximise the number of apartments that can be fit on site under the constraints of site size and satisfy the demand from potential students.
“With a focus on stepped massing and sympathetic material choices, the proposal continues a style that is seen throughout Paisley town centre.
“We believe that this development would be well integrated with its surroundings, a welcomed addition to the housing provision in the city centre, and an interesting addition to the varied and exciting city skyline.”
Leisureland declined to comment when contacted by the Paisley Daily Express.
We believe that this development would be well integrated with its surroundings