The Townscape Heritage and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, aimed at restoring some of the town centre’s unique architecture, is now approaching completion.

The project – supported by the council, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Historic Environment Scotland – has helped repair historic buildings and improve the area.

These achievements will be celebrated at a public event in Paisley Arts Centre – one of the buildings to benefit – between 11am and 4pm on 27 February.

Attractions include models of local buildings built out of Lego, short films showcasing the history of the town’s built heritage and an exhibition of architectural artwork.

Since the project started in 2009, it has achieved the following:

• public realm work in the Causeyside area, with new paving and landscaping
• extensive repairs to buildings in Causeyside Street and Forbes Place
• work to repair and revamp the B-listed Paisley Arts Centre
• a grant scheme to part-fund shopfront improvements
• traditional building skills activities including a course delivered by West College Scotland

There was also an extensive activity and training plan including training for Yellow Badge tourist guides and conservation workshops for school pupils.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “As we move forward with the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 it is crucial we keep the town’s rich and unique architecture looking at its best. This programme has been years in the making but has ensured a chunk of that built heritage is preserved for future generations to use and enjoy. At the same time it has made the area around Causeyside Street a more attractive place to be for residents, visitors, shoppers and business owners.

“I would encourage anybody who has an interest in this project to pop into the arts centre on Saturday to help mark its completion. Our thanks go to everybody who worked on the scheme and to our friends at HLF and Historic Environment Scotland for their support.”

Lucy Casot, Head of HLF Scotland, said: “Our investment in Paisley was a mark of our faith in the town and its people to turn its fortunes around. Thanks to funding raised through the National Lottery, it has been wonderful to see buildings transformed and an exciting new sense of belief and pride emerge. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The council has now lodged detailed plans for what it hopes will be a Townscape Heritage phase two scheme elsewhere in the town centre. Last year, more than £2m of National Lottery money was earmarked for the project and if final approval is given, work will take place until 2021 to restore buildings in the areas around the High Street and Shuttle Street. Also taking place will be a programme of activity designed to complement the UK City of Culture 2021 bid.

Further information

HLF: Shiona Mackay on tel: 01786 870 638 or tel: 07779 142 890 or via email: shionamackay1@btinternet.com; or Jon Williams on tel: 0207 591 6035 or via email: jonw@hlf.org.uk

Renfrewshire Council/Paisley 2021: Colin Orr on tel: 0141 618 7348