The Paisley Arts Centre is set to reopen its doors soon after a £3 million refurbishment. 

The work is now complete and includes new back-of-house and performance facilities, improved sound and lighting, upgraded dressing rooms for artists, and enhanced workshop space for rehearsals and other events.

The main auditorium has been refurbished with new retractable seating to improve the audience experience and there is an expanded bar area for pre-and post-show drinks.

The Gazette: main auditoriummain auditorium (Image: Renfrewshire Council)The Gazette: Changing roomChanging room (Image: Ren Council)The Gazette: EntranceEntrance (Image: Ren Council)Meanwhile, the public space at the front of the building has also been redesigned, removing the railings and adding new paving and seating, and a small extension has been added to the entrance of the building on New Street.

The work is part of a wider regeneration plan of Paisley’s cultural venues by Renfrewshire Council.

The Gazette: Dance studioDance studio (Image: Ren Council)The Gazette: The Gazette: The bar areaThe bar area (Image: Supplied)The venue is run by OneRen, the charity that provides leisure, sport and culture opportunities to the people of Renfrewshire so they can have healthy and active lives.

Lisa-Marie Hughes, councillor and chair of OneRen, said: “I am delighted to see the results of the works to Paisley Art Centre as we have created a modern performance venue that can attract a unique type of event to Paisley and a wider range than ever before - reaffirming its place as one of Scotland’s most vibrant small arts venues.”

Planning is underway to deliver a programme of year-round events, including music, comedy and theatre.

Councillor Hughes added: “The Arts Centre is the latest venue to be completed as we strive to regenerate and enhance Paisley for all those who live, work and visit the town – and we want to give people new reasons to return again and again.

“It’s a really exciting time for Paisley and I can’t wait to see the town flourish.”

The Gazette: Cllr Lisa-Marie HughesCllr Lisa-Marie Hughes (Image: RC)The next stage of the Renfrewshire Council’s regeneration plan is the transformation of the Paisley Museum.

This will follow in the footsteps of the modernisation of the Paisley Town Hall and creation of the new learning and cultural hub, which is home to the Paisley Central Library.