£4.5m regeneration boost for Paisley

The regeneration of Paisley town centre has been given a £4.5 million funding boost. Renfrewshire Council is finalising plans for a five year programme of conservation works, building repairs, shopfront improvements, heritage education and community involvement focused on the west side of Paisley High Street, New Street and Shuttle Street.External funding has now been confirmed from the Heritage Lottery Fund (£1,882,000) and Historic Environment Scotland (£998,554). That money will be backed by £1.2m investment by Renfrewshire Council and contributions from property owners to the cost of building repairs.The programme will start in early 2017.The new Townscape Heritage and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme will build on the success of a similar seven year-long conservation scheme centred on Causeyside Street in Paisley.One of the most famous heritage sites in Paisley – the Sma’ Shot Cottages – has already been identified as one of the priorities for the restoration of its architectural detail.Other buildings already identified for restoration work through the scheme are the former Liberal Club at 32 High Street, and buildings at 5 George Street, and at 44-46, 51 and 53 High Street.