June 2 2025

Renfrewshire Council has unveiled proposals for a public garden on the site of the Brown Institute, a former art nouveau landmark in Renfrew.

The B-listed Canal Street building was knocked down last year on safety grounds after a dangerous building notice was issued. In an attempt to heal the wound left by the demolition, the local authority has appointed Hirst Landscape Architects to plant new trees and shrubs with salvaged masonry repurposed for the figure of eight public space.

Councillor Andy Steel commented: “We recognise the strength of feeling that local people had for the Brown Institute and while it was unable to be retained, we want to ensure it has a legacy within the town.

“The proposals set out a desire to create a public garden with seating, pathways and nature and we’re looking for local people’s views as we develop the final designs."

Dating from 1903 the Institute last served as a museum, before its relocation to the town hall in 2011, since which it had lain vacant. 

1 Comment

#1 Posted by rankbadyin on 4 Jun 2025 at 11:42 AM

Did they re-use Ygdrassil that was growing out the Brown Institute roofline?
One of the more impressive gutter trees.

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