Johnstone library hosts exhibition on £40million town centre plan

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Johnstone library is hosting an exhibition until the end of March displaying plans for a £40 million redevelopment of Johnstone Town Centre.

Planning permission was recently granted for a programme which will transform the town centre through a major programme of retail, environmental, housing, road and parking improvements.

Councillor John Hood, Vice Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Development Policy Board, said: “The exciting thing about this programme is the integrated nature of the development. It addresses retail and housing needs, replaces buildings derelict for decades with a new gateway to the town centre, improves the environment through landscaping and new walkways, provides new parking opportunities, and creates 300 jobs at the supermarket.

Added Councillor Hood: “This is a development which will transform the look and prospects of Johnstone town centre and enhance the town’s appeal as a place in which to live and work”.

The key developments include the demolition of the derelict Barbush Mills on the south side of the Black Cart Water. On the north bank of the river, a new Morrisons supermarket and filling station. A new footbridge will link to a refurbished car park at Collier Street. The layout of Barrochan Road will also be changed.

The derelict mill buildings on the south side of the river will be redeveloped to provide 88 flats constructed in seven blocks.

The development will also finance a refurbishment of the woodland area between the river and Collier Street car park. Almost 200 trees will be planted.

The developer is also looking at the possibility of relocating Riverview Health Centre to near the proposed pedestrian footbridge leading to the supermarket. If agreement is reached with the practice doctors, work could start on that in a year’s time.

Press Release: Tuesday 21 March 2006