CONSTRUCTION work to transform Paisley Town Hall is set to resume in August after coming to a halt at the start of lockdown.

The project is set to bring the A-listed Victorian building into the 21st century by modernising and improving the facilities inside it as part of a wider investment in Paisley’s historic venues by Renfrewshire Council.

The current construction works are expected to last until December. However, the main construction works are expected to take place at the start of next year and are expected to be finished by the end of 2022.

It is hoped the improvements will bring in more footfall to the area and boost the local economy.

Other planned investments by the council include the transformation of Paisley Museum and the construction of a site for the new Learning and Cultural Hub.

Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd, which operates the town hall, said: “We are pleased work is able to resume on Paisley Town Hall, which is another positive sign as the area’s economy starts to re-emerge from lockdown.

“Although the council faces a very challenging financial outlook, the town hall, museum and learning and cultural hub projects are all well under way – with years of work having already taken place on each – and we intend to see those projects through.

“In the town hall’s case, the work being planned includes investment in 21st-century facilities which will help drive new footfall to the area in the years ahead, as well as essential replacement of outdated infrastructure without which the building would not have a long-term future. 

“The completed buildings will be crucial to Renfrewshire’s long-term economic prospects – our vision for Paisley town centre remains one in which we promote its unique cultural and heritage offer to bring people here.

“And while coronavirus has disrupted that work we hope our continued investment in the town hall and other venues will help the area’s economic recovery from lockdown and give confidence to our local businesses.”

The investment in the town hall is aimed at bringing new activity and vibrancy to the town while ensuring the building has a long-term future. It is planned to include:

- A complete and essential replacement of the old and outdated electrical and mechanical systems

- The preservation of the unique architectural features within the building

- Expanded capacity in the main hall allowing bigger and better events

- Unused spaces brought back into use and entirely new rooms and facilities created including a new café-bar with views over the river, increasing the range of events the building can host

- An improved audience experience including better staging, lighting, seating and views with improved access to make it easier for people to move around the building.