Work on 'major transformation' of Paisley Museum delayed over unforeseen building issues

A major transformation of Paisley Museum into a “world-class visitor attraction” is set to face further delays, a blow that has been branded “disappointing.”

Construction work is now not expected to finish until July of next year, with a fit-out process and object installation due to follow once this stage is complete.

The latest development is likely to push back OneRen’s previous reopening target of spring 2025, which was stated earlier this year and is already a hold-up in itself.

Councillor Graeme Clark, Labour group economy and regeneration spokesperson, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s disappointing that it’s going to be so long before we’re actually going to get there because people are looking forward to seeing it.”

A report on the cultural infrastructure programme, which was considered at Renfrewshire Council’s economy and regeneration policy board last week, explained a revised programme to completion was received from Kier Construction – forecasting a July end date.

The update paper said “years of neglect and lack of maintenance” had led to the uncovering of unforeseen issues, including rotted roof joists, dry and wet rot, asbestos and extensive plasterwork repairs that have “hampered” progress on site.

It added that project teams are working with Kier on “mitigation measures” to bring in this date.

Earlier this year, OneRen’s chief executive also cited factors such as Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic as reasons for delays to the refurbishment of the museum, which closed in late 2018.

The work is regarded as a flagship project within a wider investment in the town—which has included the town hall, learning and cultural hub, and arts centre—that could provide a notable boost for the economy in Renfrewshire.

It has included repairing and renovating all buildings on the campus and delivering a 20 per cent increase in the overall usable area.

But, according to the report, capital budgets are under “considerable pressure” and challenges are likely in a revenue sense as well, with certain operating costs expected to be above original assumptions.

Councillor Clark, who represents Paisley Northeast and Ralston, added: “Everything’s been reassessed to see what it’s actually going to cost to run.

“The council doesn’t have a lot of resources at the moment.

“We’re looking at a deficit situation, a substantial deficit situation, and to carry additional revenue costs for any venue is challenging.

“I’m positive about the project but the running costs could be challenging.”

A OneRen spokesperson said: “Work is ongoing to transform Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor attraction which has the community at its core.

“Construction works are complex and remain ongoing, with a forecast construction completion date of July 2025 – after which work can begin on fitting out the museum buildings followed by the installation of new exhibition displays, many of which have been co-produced with local communities and partners across the world.

“These later phases are intricate and require specialist work which we expect will take several months to complete.

“Already an international award-winning cultural regeneration project, once complete, Paisley Museum will be a visitor destination that we can all be proud of.

“It showcases our historic place in the world and further unlocks the significant economic potential of our cultural venues following our investment to modernise Paisley Town Hall, Paisley Library, Paisley Arts Centre and the wider town centre buildings.”