January 24 2020

Paisley has become the focal point for a town centre revival plan which is being heralded as a blueprint for other secondary urban centres wishing to arrest their long-term decline.
 
Vision for Paisley Town Centre 2030 was launched today by Renfrewshire Council, together with Scotland’s Town Partnership, to make Paisley a proving ground for a revitalised centre through the adaptive re-use of surplus retail space and the capitalization of heritage and cultural assets.
 
Developed by Threesixty Architecture the action plan seeks to enhance the existing paisley Centre by repurposing vacant upper units as flats, complemented by a range of new attractions including a High Street cinema and food hall.
 
The town centre first approach will consolidate remaining street-front retail on High Street while establishing new public spaces, lanes and streets to improve accessibility. Ideas will also be explored to re-use historic buildings such as the Liberal Club, YMCA building and TA Building.

Report author Alan Anthony, managing director of Threesixty Architecture, said: “This study shows a people-first approach that reconnects the whole community to their town centre.

“We have an unprecedented opportunity to rebalance our High Street back to a place with a rich mix of uses. As a lifelong Paisley Buddy, it’s exciting to think Paisley could lead the way on town centre regeneration in Scotland.”

While it is stressed that many of the ideas are not concrete plans at this stage work is already underway on a raft of initiatives including a transformation of Paisley Museum and creation of a learning and cultural hub.
 
The Paisley Vision is currently on display at POP in the Piazza shopping centre until 16:30, opening again on Saturday between 0930 and 1630 and finally on Monday between the hours of 0930 and 1500.

5 Comments

#1 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 24 Jan 2020 at 15:06 PM

some good ideas here. two points come to mind: given Paisley's rich architectural heritage can the new buikdings also have some architectural quality which lifts the spirit? secondly can the proposals take account of the fact that its often wet in Paisley and provide some shelter like open arcades?

#2 Posted by ian foulds on 24 Jan 2020 at 16:46 PM

I like Mr. McCormick’s comment and, as a Buddy, I very much hope the town experiences its much needed revival - as do many places in Scotland. If you succeed with any of these plans, please pass them to my adopted town of Falkirk, which sadly lacks a vibrant centre albeit there many very success peripheral experiences - two battles, Kelpies, The Wheel, great road and rail connections and hundreds of miles of running, walking and cycling areas

#3 Posted by Weiird on 27 Jan 2020 at 10:27 AM

Getting rid of the nasty ring road would be a good start. More (big) trees and affordable properties would also be decent.

#4 Posted by Damien on 27 Jan 2020 at 22:14 PM

Great stuff. Heartening to see local guys involved who can bring knowledge and passion. Will be challenging to keep pace with the ever changing nature as shops come and go requiring flexible size spaces. Best wishes you continue to develop the solution.

#5 Posted by T. Toucan on 4 Jun 2021 at 02:06 AM

I'll believe it when I see it..talk is cheap.

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