Renfrewshire Council

Paisley Arts Centre recently reopened its doors to the public following a £3 million transformation which has reinvigorated its status as one of Scotland's foremost unique and intimate performance venues and creative hubs.

Inside the transformation

The renovation project, part of the council's broader regeneration drive, has modernised the performance facilities, audience experience, and venue space.

Key upgrades include:

• new state-of-the-art back-of-house and performance facilities
• improved sound and lighting systems
• upgraded dressing rooms for artists and performers
• enhanced workshop space for rehearsals and events
• refurbished main auditorium with new retractable seating
• expanded bar area for pre-and post-show drinks
• redesigned public space at the front of the building
• a small extension to the entrance on New Street

A closer look with assistant project manager, Mhairi Henderson

Mhairi Henderson, who played a key role in the project, provides an insight into the challenges and triumphs of the renovation process.

Q: How has the project gone?
Mhairi: We're delighted with the results of the Arts Centre's transformation, and believe it will be a fantastic addition to the local and national arts scene now it has reopened. There have been several challenges along the way, but it has been incredibly rewarding to give renewed life to this Grade B listed cultural hub for Paisley.

Q: What difference will the improvements make to the venue?
Mhairi: The venue has been brought into the 21^st century, and now offers more opportunity to host different performers, acts and events. With a modern theatrical audio and visual system and a revamped café and bar space, we expect to attract both new performers and patrons alike to this much-loved venue in the heart of Paisley.

Q: Why is this project significant for the local arts community?
Mhairi: The investment secures the future of this historically significant building for the people of Renfrewshire. The multifunctional nature of the new venue will accommodate a wide range of arts and cultural events, from intimate gatherings to larger theatrical performances. The programme arranged by OneRen has already attracted some fantastic names that we may not have seen here before. I'm looking forward to seeing that continue in the future.

Q: What were some of the challenges?
Mhairi: As a Grade B listed building, we were sympathetic to its historic character while introducing new modern elements. We had to comply with current regulations without compromising the building's integrity and work within tricky spatial constraints.

It was crucial we were sensitive to the graves within the grounds of the Arts Centre, so we employed an archaeologist during the ground works to be sure we didn't disturb anything. Thankfully, we didn't encounter anything unexpected!

Q: What are your hopes for Paisley Arts Centre now it has been refurbished?
Mhairi: I hope it will be consistently utilised for the good of everyone who lives, works and visits Renfrewshire.

As a smaller, sister location to Paisley Town Hall, the Arts Centre offers diverse performance opportunities, enhancing the town's cultural landscape and hopefully attracting more people to the area. I'm looking forward to seeing cutting-edge cultural events and performances to, and maybe even some famous names looking for a more intimate venue.

Q: Why is the wider regeneration of Paisley town centre important?
Mhairi: The exciting regeneration currently ongoing in Paisley is a reflection of Renfrewshire's contribution to Scottish arts and culture and ensures the area's continued involvement for years to come. It's great to see the Arts Centre given the prominence it deserves as part of that.

There is also the transformation of the town's museum into a world-class visitor attraction, the modernisation of Paisley Town Hall into one of Scotland's premier entertainment venues, and the creation of the award-winning learning and cultural hub on Paisley High Street, so it's a really exciting time for Paisley and Renfrewshire and I'm glad to have played my part in it.

Thank you to Mhairi for taking the time to share her unique insights following the completion of this exciting project.

For more information on upcoming events at the Arts Centre, visit OneRen's What's On.

For more about the ongoing regeneration of Paisley, visit our webpage on Paisley's regeneration.

Published Wednesday 17 July 2024