The Renfrew Development Trust is a community based organisation which is looking to find ways to increase footfall, building and development work and help establish new businesses and enterprises in the town.

A number of passionate, local people started the group and the entire board is made up of residents who have the key aim of developing projects that make Renfrew a better place to live work and visit.

The site opened by Mr Mackay at Anderson Business Centre in Renfrew, which will be the home of the Trust.

Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay said of the opening: “It was an honour to open the Renfrew Development Trust’s new facility here in the town — this is a real example of community empowerment in action.

“The group will harness the potential of the town, with exciting plans for the future. They have successfully run local competitions, exhibitions and consultations. I am sure their new offices will be an excellent base to take the next stage as they look at improving the town. I was glad to be of assistance, and also see my early work on community empowerment and town centre support take root.

“The Trust has come a long way in a very short space of time and that is testament of the hard work and enthusiasm of everyone involved.

“I want to congratulate the Trust on the work they have done so far, and wish them every success for the future.” Members formed the steering group in 2014 with the aim of putting together a ten-year plan to provide a wide range of community services in Renfrew — from managing a housing development to providing help for neighbours.

The treasurer, Gordon Burgess, believes that it’s time for Renfrew to benefit from these opportunities too and all the more so following the good news that the trust now has charitable status.

Last year, the RDT decided that any project ideas they had would need to be driven by the people of Renfrew which resulted in them commissioning a community plan which involved many Renfrew people as possible.

A total of 599 people contributed on Facebook and 1,424 residents responded to a local survey. Over 200 attended open meetings and focus groups and there were one-to-one discussions and two successful photo competitions showing what people valued about the town.