Paisley Town Centre
Paisley Town Centre is the central part of local peoples’ lives – to shop, do business, meet others, socialise, and spend leisure time. People need their town centre to be clean, successful and safe. But equally if their town centre is unsafe, vandalised, graffiti ridden, litter strewn or full of derelict buildings then people are disheartened.
Economic and social changes have had a profound impact on Paisley Town Centre in recent years. There has been a severe decline in its retail function in the face of competition from Glasgow city centre and out-of-town centres Brahead and Silverburn. A number of major stores in the town centre have closed, there are many vacant shopping units, too many derelict gap sites and buildings, low demand, and a shift towards cheap-end retailing.
But the town has much strength to build upon. With a population of 75,000 people, Paisley is Scotland’s largest town. Handsome and with some unique and incredibly distinctive historic buildings, the town centre lies at the heart of the Renfrewshire community.
Wendy lobbied hard for Paisley Town Centre to benefit from the Scottish Town Centre Regeneration Fund. She made a Supporting Submission making Paisley’s case supported by many comments for local people. Paisley won 50% of what it asked for in the first round of bidding and nothing in the second round. This means many vital projects are not getting the support they deserved. Wendy is pressing for local support for these projects, including:
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Acquisition and remediation of former Arnotts site
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Conversion of former Littlewoods store
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Conversion of former YMCA building
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Road improvements at Gordon Street
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Environmental improvements and shop-front improvements to vacant units
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Renewal of street furniture and public art
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Events shelter at County Square
In Autumn 09 Wendy has met with the University about the West End, key developers, officials, representatives of the Paisley Vision Board. More details in the Oct 09 update below. No one party or body can cure the ills of the town centre. We all have a part to play. If you want to have your say on the way forward – email Wendy with your views.
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Town Centre Detail
Paisley Loses out on Town Centre Cash
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Detailed Update on Paisley Town Centre by Wendy Alexander
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Wendy’s reaction to Paisley’s £1.8m award in first round
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Supporting Submission from Wendy to Town Centre Regeneration Fund
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