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Paisley Museum in bid for multi-million pound revamp
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Paisley Museum could be turned into the town's own version of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum if Renfrewshire Council can secure the multi-million pound funding needed for a massive modernisation and refurbishment programme.
The council has drafted a pre-feasibility study which could see the Central Library move to the Town Hall and the Museum be renovated.
The council has drafted a pre-feasibility study which could see the Central Library move to the Town Hall and the Museum be renovated.
Under the plans, designed to boost declining visitor numbers, a new 175-seat theatre could be built within the revamped museum for performing arts, lectures and films.
A café and bar could also be included along with improved access for people with disabilities, state-of-the-art environmental controls for the galleries and the replacement or upgrading of the modern extensions to the Grade A listed building.
Page/Park, the architects who designed the iconic Lighthouse arts venue and the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow, have been brought in to investigate the feasibility of the proposals.
Councillor Eileen McCartin, convener of Renfrewshire Council's community and family care policy board, said: "Glasgow City Council's investment in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has turned it into Scotland's top visitor attraction. We might not take Kelvingrove's crown but we can certainly create a facility that will put Paisley on the map as a cultural centre."
"Paisley Museum has already been recognised by the Scottish Museums Council (SMC) for the quality of its exhibits. In January, the SMC granted the museum's collection of shawls and weaving equipment 'Significant' status, making it one of only 27 recognised collections of national significance across Scotland."
"The Paisley Museum is a wonderful building but it is in desperate need of repairs and improvements. What we need is the space and the conditions to show the treasures we have to their best advantage and that is what these plans are all about providing."
"Increasing visitor numbers at the museum and relocating the Central Library will help revitalise the town centre. Putting the library beside one of Paisley's busiest shopping centres can only make it more attractive and give people another reason to come into the town centre."
"These plans are at a very early stage and they may change as we see the results of the feasibility study but we are already generating a sense of excitement about the possibilities that Paisley's new cultural centre could offer."
Press release: Thursday 27 March 2008
