Renfrewshire Council to buy bulk of Chivas Brothers site

Renfrewshire Council has agreed a deal to take over the majority of a whisky company’s land in Paisley.

The local authority will purchase the bulk of the 24-acre site at Renfrew Road from Pernod Ricard’s Chivas Brothers.

Ownership of the site should transfer to the council later this year, with the land considered a possible location for a new Paisley Grammar School.

The site is situated to the north of the town centre, between West College Scotland’s Paisley campus and Abbotsinch Retail Park.

The rest of the land will be bought by Scottish Leather Group, which is converting the North Hall into a car seat upholstery facility – a move which is expected to create 100 jobs.

Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “I am pleased that, following detailed negotiations with Chivas Brothers over the last two years, we have been able to conclude a contract for the future purchase of this site.

“Securing its public ownership will enable us to consider a range of development opportunities which support long-term growth of the local economy and bring benefits to the surrounding communities.

“The Chivas Brothers site provided many local jobs over the years and I am pleased that while one chapter is closing, this purchase will ensure the site continues to play a vital role in the region’s future for many years to come.”

Jean-Christophe Coutures, chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, added: “We are delighted to have confirmed the sale of our Paisley site to Renfrewshire Council and Scottish Leather Group.

“Together they bring significant opportunity to the local area, with the latter creating 100 new high-skilled jobs.

“The site has played an important role in the local community for many years, so we’re pleased this sale will allow it to continue to leave a positive economic and cultural legacy in Paisley.”