THE site of the vacant former Co-op supermarket in Paisley’s Wellmeadow Street could be set to be brought back to life as housing.

Renfrewshire Council’s planning and property policy board has agreed to dispose of the ground lease held by the council for the property, paving the way for the Co-op to sell it to Sanctuary Housing Association.

Sanctuary – which already manages housing development at others sites in Paisley and Renfrew – is looking to use the site for social housing.

The Co-op had operated a supermarket there for 30 years until the store closed in 2009, since when it has mostly been vacant.

The council currently leases the ground on which the supermarket and car park are built to the Co-op. But because the prospective owners don’t plan to use it as a supermarket, the council has to sell on the ground lease to allow the deal to happen. Deputy convener of the planning and Property board Councillor Bill Brown said: “We are pleased to see another vacant site in Paisley potentially coming back into use.

“If this proposed development was to be completed it would make a massive contribution to the regeneration of the west end of Paisley."

“While I am sure many people will have fond memories of the old supermarket, this site has been on the market for several years now.

“If the site was to be filled with housing it would bring new residents into the area, with all the benefits that will bring for traders in the west end and town centre.

“This – and the ongoing redevelopment of key town centre sites such as the former Arnotts store and the Russell Institute – are all signs of progress for Paisley.”