Green light for £42m Paisley Museum project as planning permission granted

Plans to turn Paisley Museum into a world-class destination take a step forward as planning permission is granted. As a result, the project expects to bring huge volumes of new life and footfall to the town centre.

The Category A-listed Victorian building will transform into a leading European museum. Moreover, it will tell the unique stories of a town known around the world for the Pattern which carries its name.

Members of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Board today gave the green light to planning permission for an extension and external alterations plus listed building consent. As a result, work can start next year.

Thereafter, the reimagined museum is expected to draw audiences of 125,000 people a year from Scotland, the UK and abroad when it reopens in 2022. This is almost four times current numbers.

Cllr Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Board, said: “The Paisley Museum Reimagined project is at the heart of our bold plans to transform Paisley town centre in the years ahead. We are delighted it was able to pass this important milestone today.

“The designs which have been produced blend the old and the new. They will create a 21st-century visitor experience while preserving a key part of our fantastic architectural legacy, and ensure this much-loved building can stay at the heart of life in the area for generations to come.

“Paisley’s name is already known around the world – and when the museum reopens in 2022 it will allow us to invite the world to come back to Paisley, providing new opportunities, life and footfall for the town centre and wider Renfrewshire area.”

The Paisley Museum Reimagined scheme is the flagship project within Renfrewshire Council’s £100m investment in cultural venues and outdoor spaces. Additionally the scheme is designed to use the town’s internationally-significant cultural and heritage story to change its future.

The project is expected to create a £79m boost for the local economy over 30 years, with 138 jobs supported during construction. Moreover it will create 48.5 jobs per year through revenue and visitor spending.

The project has attracted funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional funding confirmed from the Scottish Government, and their Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. Paisley Museum Reimagined Ltd is the new fundraising company set up to oversee the project’s fundraising strategy and capital appeal.