The former New Life Church building, which once housed the job centre, sits in virtual ruin just yards from where the new £14.5million building is under construction.

The new state-of-the-art public building is expected to become a huge source of pride to the people of Johnstone when it opens its doors in spring next year.

But there are fears the opening ceremony could be tarnished unless action is taken to improve the area surrounding the new town hall.

And today The Gazette is backing calls to have the derelict structure to the rear of Houston Square demolished or renovated before the town hall welcomes its first visitors in 2015.

This week Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan urged the owners to take advantage of the economic boost the town hall will inevitably bring by investing in the property.

He said: “The town hall is going to be fantastic. It’s already up for a design award and the £14.5 million of council money that’s gone into the building will make a huge difference to the town centre.

“The old Johnstone Town Hall was okay but it was a bit tired and the investment was long overdue. Sadly, you can’t do these things overnight and the building work has created issues but I’m sure by the spring of next year the people of Johnstone will probably be even more proud of this building than what they had before. It’s going to be an iconic, signature building and the delivery of services will be much improved.

“I have no doubt that private investment will follow when they see what the council has done to provide a public building for the community. I certainly hope that’s the case and I’ll be lobbying the owners of the buildings around the town hall to put their hands in their pockets in order to ensure they help to provide a better shopping experience.” The building, which is managed by Rosemount Properties on behalf of the London-based Alwyd Limited, has lain empty for more than eight years and many fear it is nothing more than magnet for rats and other vermin.

Local SNP Councillor Andy Doig, one of the elected members who represents the area, said: “The sooner the building is torn down the better.

“What we do want in Johnstone is a perfect town here and we want to make sure that the arcade looks as good as it can as well. A big part of that would be perfecting the arcade as we have two retailers interested in the site which will also increase footfall for local traders.

“With the demolition of the New Life Church we would get to bring some light to the town and create a more inviting arcade.” The forlorn structure’s murky brown colour and crumbling brick facade are in stark contrast to the modern town hall, which will look stunning with its striking glass-fronted exterior. Alwyd Limited who are listed on Companies House files as a firm responsible for buying and selling of own real estate.

We contacted the firm and spokeswoman said they would respond, however they failed to do so as The Gazette was going to print.

The town hall is also on a four-building shortlist to be named Public Building of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards, further evidence of the dramatic difference between the two structures.

Phase one of construction was completed in the summer when the town hall was made fully wind and watertight, and work has been continuing ever since to fit out the inside and landscape the public spaces outside.

But locals feel the former church which sits beside it is spoiling the image of the arcade and also attracting rats to the town.

Cllr Doig continued: “The church has been lying derelict for the best part of eight years and, because of the decay and decline of it, the building is attracting vermin. This is something that the people of Johnstone notice and this must be taken down as part of the revitalisation of the town centre.” Once open, the new town hall will house modern facilities including a library, theatre and conference space, marriage suite, cafe and meeting rooms.

The building will also be home to council housing and social work staff, as well as offices for Police Scotland and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nominated in the Town Centre Regeneration Project of the Year category is the work to transform Linwood town centre by Manson Architects on behalf of Tesco, which includes the new Tweedie Hall, opened by the council this summer.

Councillor James Harte, convener of the council’s Sport, Leisure and Culture Policy Board, said: “Over the past year, Johnstone residents have watched the new building rise from the ground and change the face of the town.

“We have made a significant investment in this project, which is one of the biggest public-sector building projects anywhere in Scotland at the moment.

“So we are delighted this distinctive and striking building has been recognised by a panel of independent judges as one of the best in the country.

“Once open next summer it will be a modern hub for life in Johnstone and the surrounding villages for generations to come.” John Hamilton, chairman of the Scottish Property Federation, which supports the programme, said: “The judging session was a very positive and enjoyable experience which allowed us to assess some very striking, complex projects across Scotland.

“The Scottish Property Awards have a very important role to play in helping to restore confidence in the building industry and I’m really pleased to support this much valued celebration.”