THE town of Paisley is to use its rich industrial and textiles history to bid for UNESCO World Heritage Status.
New plans could also see the Renfrewshire town, whose Persian-style designs made it known throughout the world in the 19th Century, bid for the 2021 UK City of Culture.
A blueprint for the town's future, approved by the local authority yesterday, include a multi-million-pound revamp of Paisley Museum, as well as a fashion and design centre and other improvements to the look of the commercial centre.
A study will be carried out for a new theatre space, and further development at Paisley Town Hall and the Coats Observatory.
But the cash-strapped authority needs to secure around £90 million. Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "We are already carrying out a lot of good work in the area, improvements to Paisley Town Hall, funding secured to preserve the Russell Institute, development under way on the former Arnotts site.
"But the plans agreed today would see us take that work to the next level."
Council officers will now prepare plans for how the strategy can be made to happen.
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