The building — due to open this April — was announced as one of the winners of the annual Scottish Property Awards celebrated at a packed out event in Edinburgh last Thursday.

Prime Four Business Park in Aberdeen, Johnstone Town Hall and the Maggie’s Centre in Airdrie were among winners of the awards programme which recognises new developments and regeneration projects in commercial property.

The striking glass-fronted building is being taken forward by Renfrewshire Council as part of its ongoing plans to regenerate the centre of Johnstone.

John Hamilton, chairman of the Scottish Property Federation and member of the judging panel, commented: “The Scottish Property Awards give us time to reflect on great achievements in the sector and with a strong and impressive list of finalists we can be confident that the industry is in good health.

“The vast array of projects and teams considered prove a large volume of emerging and established talent in the design, development and management of commercial property. “Congratulations to all the winners and we hope that this provides a positive incentive to organisations, teams and people as they continue in their hard work developing property investment in Scotland.” The second annual event, a sell-out success when it was first staged in February 2014, was celebrated at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in front of 525 guests.

The event was sponsored by Ryden, BRE, Bank of Scotland, Santander, the Royal Bank of Scotland the Scottish Cities Alliance and Weightmans and partnered with The Scotsman, Scottish Property Federation, G&V, Wolffe, Vision Events and CallPrint.

DJ and Panto star Grant Stott hosted alongside BBC Scotland anchor Catriona Shearer. Late night entertainment was also enjoyed as Paul Tonkinson, an award winning comedian and this year’s support act for Michael McIntyre’s arena tour, performed for guests.

Council leader Mark Macmillan said the award represents ‘a massive vote of confidence in the town’s future.’ The state-of-the-art development will include a library, theatre and conference space, dance studio, cafe and meeting rooms. The building will also offer a range of council services under one roof. Police Scotland and Macmillan Cancer Support will also be located within the building.

Cllr Macmillan: “This award recognises the role of the new town hall as a hub for the community of Johnstone and a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre.

“Consultation and community involvement have been at the heart of the council’s approach – from discussions on the facilities and services to be provided within the town hall to the public artworks which will feature in the building.

“Another key feature of the project has been the community benefits in jobs and investment. Fourteen people received employment opportunities and £1.6m of contracts for work on the building were awarded to Renfrewshire businesses.

“Overall, this award is a tremendous boost as we near the opening of the town hall later this month. The community has really got behind the project and we are all looking forward to it becoming a focus for life in Johnstone.” The new building is set to open to the public later this month. Services including the new Johnstone Library, customer services centre, housing office and Advice Works will be available from Monday, March 23.

Other services will transfer in the following weeks with the town hall fully operational later this year.

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.

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.” In a joint statement, Cllrs Derek Bibby and Chris Gilmour, said: “We are sure that the people of Johnstone will be excited and justly proud of this magnificent building. The town hall facilities were shaped by consultation with Johnstone residents, businesses and various community and youth groups to ensure it meets the needs of the people of Johnstone now and for future generations.”