National Lottery Heritage Fund confirms £3.8m support for Paisley Museum
Plans to transform Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor destination take a step forward as the National Lottery Heritage Fund announces £3.83million support for the project.
International project team
Four buildings make up Scotland’s first municipal museum, including the country’s first public observatory. They form part of an ambitious re-design and extension by an award-winning international team. The team includes architects AL_A and exhibition designers Opera Amsterdam, creating exciting new experience for visitors.
More room to display the collection
The new contemporary galleries and exhibition spaces have capacity to double the number of objects on display. Additionally the buildings are fully accessible so that visitors can explore the town’s rich heritage and unique stories. Inspiring learning zones, improved social spaces, a new cafe, shop and cloakroom facilities also add to the museum’s appeal. Moreover, there are plans for a new, welcoming entrance surrounded by a courtyard and gardens.
Visitor numbers boost
When the museum reopens in 2022, it is forecast to attract 125,000 visits a year. This is almost four times the current numbers. Moreover, the project expects to create a £79m economic boost over 30 years.
Scheme to regenerate Paisley town centre
Paisley Museum Reimagined is the cornerstone of Renfrewshire Council’s vision. The scheme brings new life to the town through investing in heritage and culture. This includes opening the UK’s first publicly accessible high street museum store, Paisley: The Secret Collection. It also involves conserving and repairing key buildings which make up the town’s historic core. This scheme is funded with £2m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Caroline Clark, Director Scotland of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “This project has been driven by the passion of the Paisley community to put their unique heritage on an international stage.
“With the help of National Lottery funding, new life will be breathed into these heritage buildings giving Paisley’s wonderful textiles and other treasures the prominence they deserve, while also bringing a new confidence to the town.”
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd, said: “We want to thank everyone connected to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their fantastic support.
“It will help us deliver a world-class museum which will take the town’s unique and fascinating stories to new audiences, showcase Paisley’s internationally-significant collections, and bring new life and footfall to the wider area.
“It will create a new accessible hub at the heart of life in the town for the local community. Local groups are already co-producing the incredible stories which will populate the reopened museum. We look forward to continuing to work with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and others over the years ahead to deliver on that.”