Former council building ‘surplus to requirements’
The Robertson Centre in Paisley has been declared “surplus to operational requirements” and is expected to be put up for sale by Renfrewshire Council.
The two-storey property, which was first built in 1923 and refurbished in 2010, has been leased out to Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board (RVJB) since 2011.
A report said it is intended for that agreement to “terminate” in March next year and discussions are ongoing to accommodate RVJB in Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, should that suit the board.
The Robertson Centre in Glasgow Road was a home for the council when it was first formed as a shadow authority in 1995 alongside existing outgoing authorities.
That prompted a somewhat nostalgic discussion among elected members at the infrastructure, land and environment policy board on Wednesday.
Councillor Iain McMillan, leader of the Labour group, said: “I understand why this is happening.
“I look forward to the marketing and certainly look forward to seeing what it’s going to be used for in the future.
“I think it’s worth noting, and Councillor [Iain] Nicolson will remember this, the Robertson Centre was the first home of Renfrewshire Council.
“Renfrewshire Council was formed in 1995, Renfrew District [Council] and Strathyclyde [Regional Council] were still in existence, so we were in, what they called at that time, the shadow year.
“I certainly have fond memories of finding my feet in my first year as a councillor in the Robertson Centre.”
Labour councillor Chris Gilmour suggested putting up a plaque at the site and quipped:
“I don’t know whether [it should be] as a warning or maybe a tribute to what it once was.”
SNP council leader Nicolson responded: “It was mentioned the other day about a plaque – a plaque to what I would ask? “Battle scene, site of.”
The veteran politician added it was “eyeball to eyeball” in those days and at times “heated scenes” played out in the committee room.
He said: “Because it was the first council for this council over that transition year, it does hold memories for some people who were there at the time.
“But it’s not something I look back fondly on because I think we were itching to move into a proper environment, because it was a bit elbow to elbow, cheek to cheek.
“It was quite hectic at the time, politically speaking. “
SNP board convener Michelle Campbell said: “I’m always interested when I end up catching up with members informally and they tell me some stories.
“You should all write memoirs. “I’m sure that it’d be a decent page-turner. I’d look forward to reading it anyway.”
A development brief, which identifies factors that need to be considered when preparing proposals for the site, was approved at Tuesday’s planning board.