Celebrations planned as Renfrew Town Hall reopens

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Road closures will be in place, with High Street shut from Hairst Street to Queen Street from 9am until after the event. Hairst Street will be shut from Glebe Street to High Street between 4 and 5pm to allow the fireworks display to take place.

Saturday's festivities mark the reopening of the historic town hall following a £5.2million revamp, and the opening of a new adjoining Renfrew Community Museum.

The modernisation programme was led by Renfrewshire Council with support from Renfrew Common Good Fund, Historic Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Braehead Shopping Centre.

The official opening ceremony will feature Renfrewshire's Provost, Celia Lawson, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Local Government Minister Derek Mackay.

"There's a real buzz about Renfrew in advance of the big day," said Councillor Bill Perrie, Convener of Renfrew and Gallowhill Local Area Committee.

"There’s something for everyone with top performers and community involvement throughout the day.

"Renfrew Town Hall is at the heart of the town and its history. The event has been designed with the community at its heart, with a parade featuring local schools and musicians and a performance from the Renfrew Burgh Band.

"Contingency plans have been put in place in case the winter weather affects the event. As much as possible of the programme would be staged inside the town hall on a first come, first served basis."

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I am very excited about this week's opening ceremony – it will be an event to remember. This project has taken a lot of work and dedication and this event is a chance to celebrate that achievement.

"I hope as many people as possible take part in – and enjoy – the fantastic day of celebration that has been planned."

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "This beautiful and much-loved building has been at the heart of Renfrew for generations, a symbol of the town's history and identity.

"We are delighted to see it take its place, once again, at the centre of community life with modern spaces and a museum celebrating the rich heritage of the area.

"Renfrewshire is a development priority area for the Heritage Lottery Fund and we are working hard with lots of local people to make the most of the grants available to them.

"The unique heritage of the area has the potential to unlock funding to record and preserve it, providing opportunities for education, training and volunteering. We want to help to make that happen."

Thomas Knowles, Deputy Head of Investment, Historic Scotland, said: "Renfrew Town Hall is one of a small group of highly regarded town halls in Scotland, their importance reflected in the category A status.

"Historic Scotland gave a grant of £241,400 towards the cost of the repairs to the building as part of the extensive programme to develop the town centre to improve public facilities."

The timetable of events is:

• 2.30pm - Parade from Robertson Park to Renfrew High Street
• 2.45pm - Performance by Renfrew Burgh Band
• 3pm onwards - Clyde 1 Roadshow on the stage in the High Street
• 3.05pm to 3.35pm - The Singing Kettle on stage
• 3.50pm to 4.10pm - Gamu on stage
• 4.10pm - Official opening
• 4.30pm - Fireworks finale

Press release issued: 24 January 2012