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Renfrewshire Council Plan 2008 - 2012 Thousands turn out as town hall reopens
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Thousands of people turned out in Renfrew for a 'day of celebration' to mark the reopening of Renfrew Town hall after a £5.2 million revamp.
A two-hour spectacular began with a parade of local schoolchildren from Robertson Park to Renfrew town centre.
The Renfrew Burgh Band started off a trio of top class performances followed by singing sensation Gamu and The Singing Kettle.
The Clyde 1 Roadshow was also on stage throughout the afternoon with music and audience competitions.
A two-hour spectacular began with a parade of local schoolchildren from Robertson Park to Renfrew town centre.
The Renfrew Burgh Band started off a trio of top class performances followed by singing sensation Gamu and The Singing Kettle.
The Clyde 1 Roadshow was also on stage throughout the afternoon with music and audience competitions.
The official opening was performed by Renfrewshire's Provost Celia Lawson, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Derek Mackay, Local Government Minister.
Then the day was rounded off with a fireworks finale from the roof of the town hall.
Renfrewshire's Provost Celia Lawson said: "Everyone involved with the £5.2m modernisation aimed to reflect how much the town hall means to the people of Renfrew.
"That was clearly demonstrated at the opening event where the community got behind the event and we had a big turnout of people enjoying a landmark occasion.
"I'd like to thank everyone who supported the project and everyone whose involvement made the day so memorable."
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The opening ceremony was fantastic, I really enjoyed the firework display and it was great to see Gamu in action - I am a big fan of the X Factor!
“Renfrewshire Council has done a magnificent job in both delivering this project and in providing a sustainable future for such an iconic local building, while also making sure local people still get to use and enjoy it.
“I am positive this project will prove a further catalyst for the ongoing regeneration of the local area and one which will leave a lasting legacy in which the community can be immensely proud.”
After the event, there was the first chance for members of the public to see inside the building. Over 150 people took the opportunity to see the restored town hall and newly-created Renfrew Community Museum.
Councillor Eileen McCartin, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Community and Family Care Policy Board, said: "The modernisation of the town hall has preserved its heritage and also given Renfrew a top quality facility.
"As more people get the chance to come and visit, I'm sure we'll get as positive a reaction as people expressed on the day.
"It's like having a new building inside the traditional exterior. The new museum is also an exceptional feature which does full justice to Renfrew's proud past.
"Overall, the modernisation programme is another boost for the regeneration of Renfrew town centre."
The £5.2million investment in Renfrew was led by Renfrewshire Council with support from Renfrew Common Good Fund, Historic Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Braehead Shopping Centre.
Press release issued: 30 January 2012
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