A MULTI-MILLION pound project to transform a Renfrewshire museum is now underway as construction work starts on campus to redevelop the four buildings which make up the site.
Kier Construction Limited is delivering the main works phase on the campus which includes two grade A listed buildings, including Scotland’s first public observatory. Construction is likely to be completed by late 2022, with the museum reopening to the public in 2023.
This latest move marks a significant step forward in the £42m Paisley Museum Reimagined project - the signature project in Paisley’s radical regeneration which also includes the £22m refurbishment of the town’s A-listed Town Hall and a new learning and cultural hub housing library services on the town’s High Street.
The project will see the overall museum campus grow by 20% delivering a 27% increase in public space and 26% increase in gallery space, allowing for Paisley’s internationally-significant collections to be re-interpreted and the number of objects on display to be more than doubled.
The Garden Gallery, which will be located in a new-build extension housing an accessible visitor reception and café, will offer spectacular views and a unique social space connecting the Museum with the outdoor landscape. As part of the redevelopment, there will be two dedicated learning spaces, a makers’ space and a revamped heritage centre.
When Paisley Museum opens its doors, it is expected to attract 128,000 visitors each year from Scotland, the UK and overseas and provide a £79m economic boost to the area over the next 30 years.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The beginning of work on site is a major step forward in our journey to transform Paisley Museum into a world-class destination, bringing in visitors from across Scotland, the UK and abroad.
“The project is part of a wider investment by the council in Paisley’s venues to transform the town centre and take the work already done to make the town a key cultural destination within Scotland to a new level.
“The project team have already worked with hundreds of local people and groups to capture their stories. And we will continue to work with neighbours and surrounding businesses to make sure they are involved throughout the project and are ready to benefit from the massive boost this will bring to the town.”
The museum’s final phase of fundraising is now under way, with the museum website reimagined.paisleymuseum.org showcasing the project’s ambitious vision.
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