Paisley Grammar School site set to be sold to developer

Renfrewshire Council received a number of expressions of interest from developers for the Glasgow Road site, which extends to approximately 1.6 hectares (4 acres) and went up for sale earlier this year.

Members of the Infrastructure Land and Environment Policy Board, however, have approved the sale to NIXON, subject to planning approval being granted.

The developers say that the new proposals being brought forward will retain the historical building and elements of the existing building, while creating a mix of private and social housing on the surrounding site.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have agreed NIXON as the preferred bidders for the Paisley Grammar School site, subject to planning approval being granted.

“The building has been a local landmark for more than 125 years, but the site cannot host the modern facilities, both indoor and outdoor, which the school and wider community will enjoy when the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus opens next year.

“It is important for the area the site remains in use and isn’t left empty, so we are pleased to have secured a preferred bidder who plans to retain the existing historic core of the building and give it a new lease of life for future generations, while bringing new investment and residents into the east end of the town.

“We would encourage the local community to take part in the public events planned by the developer during the pre-application period, and we will consider the full application once submitted.”

The B-listed central building was designed by renowned architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie and opened in 1898.

Paisley Grammar School, which was founded in 1576, is relocating to a new purpose-built community campus off Renfrew Road which is due to open in August 2026.

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was submitted yesterday (September 8) to Renfrewshire Council for the Glasgow Road site.

The proposals will be informed by local residents, the council, and community groups who will be invited to share their ideas to shape the initial designs and see early iterations of the developers’ plans.

A consultation with key stakeholders will be completed before a full planning application is submitted to the local authority in early December. 

NIXON will partner with social housing provider, Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association, to develop its proposals for housing on the site.

The company is the same one behind local developments such as The Millhouse, a residential site on the corner of Bridge Street and Riverside Walk, which is home to 32 contemporary apartments at Old Sneddon Street within the town.

The developers say that the development at Paisley Grammar will also be an opportunity for further investment in the town with the creation of a significant number of jobs.

As the preferred bidder, NIXON has said that it will facilitate local apprenticeships, work placements, and training opportunities by partnering with local job centres and working closely with regeneration agencies to develop tangible work experience opportunities and apprenticeships.

Paisley-born Richard McFadzean, owner and Managing Director of NIXON, added: “This is a landmark site in Paisley.

"We understand that the building adds significant architectural richness to the town, and we are proud to take on the challenge of preserving this building and complementing it with the addition of further high-quality affordable apartments within the site.

"We understand that the community will be eager to hear more about our plans at the public consultation.

"We are look forward to bringing forward our designs, in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association, to begin a new chapter for the Paisley Grammar site.”