Ambitious plans revealed to transform former Paisley hospital

The proposals could see the historic B-listed former Royal Alexandra Infirmary (RAI) brought back to life in the form of 81 “high-quality” flats.

The historic building between Calside and Neilston Road was damaged by a fire last year and has been a long-running source of anguish for neighbours and councillors, who claim it’s become a target for vandals and ghost hunters.

But the red sandstone property could land a potential lifeline if the applicant and their agent Wellwood Leslie Architects’ vision for the site is given the green light by Renfrewshire Council.

They have released a blueprint, which outlines a £15 million project to transform the original infirmary into 45 flats and build two additional blocks of flats with a combined 36 units on the land.

Graham Stuart, partner at Wellwood Leslie, said: “The submission of the recent planning application for the proposed redevelopment of the former Royal Alexandra Infirmary is the culmination of months of work by the architects, Wellwood Leslie, following engagement events with the local community, discussions with Renfrewshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland and offers the last opportunity to save this historic building from continual decline.

“A building which is perilously close to being in a ruinous state following years of vandalism, fires and the ravages of the Scottish weather.

“However, now under new ownership, and with a multi-million-pound investment, this important historic former hospital will be saved for future generations.

“The external fabric will be fully restored with the interior converted to a mix of 45 one-bedroom and two-bedroom residential apartments.

“Adjacent to the existing building will be two new separate contemporary residential apartment blocks providing a further 36 apartments.”

The aim of the proposal is to create a “high-quality” residential development to the south of Paisley town centre, the design statement said.

It is also hoped it can secure the long-term future of the building by giving it a viable use, reverse its ongoing decline and create flats which are “contemporary in design” but respectful of the late 19th century architecture.

According to the statement, the RAI was built between 1897 and 1900 to the design of architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie.

The site originally consisted of four buildings, which included the main infirmary, a nurses’ home, dispensary and lodge.

The main infirmary remained in use as a hospital until 1986 when the Royal Alexandra Hospital opened in Corsebar Road.

Around that time, the easternmost wing of the infirmary was converted to flats and renamed Alexandra Gate. The remaining part of the building became a care home which would close in 2008.

The nurses’ home was converted to flats between 2005 and 2006 and renamed the Peter Coats Building, while the former dispensary and lodge is now a children’s nursery.

In March of last year, a blaze took hold of the derelict infirmary building but most of the heritage treasure survived the incident.

Councillor Eddie Devine, who represents Paisley Southeast, said: “In principle, I would be delighted if someone redevelops the former infirmary.

“Any proposals would need to fit in with the area and there obviously needs to be consideration of the neighbours, but if it’s a high quality development I would welcome it.

“The site has been a problem spot, which has been targeted by vandals and ghost hunters, and that has been a bit of a nuisance for the people who live nearby.”

A decision will be made on the application for planning permission and other consents at a later date.