A SCOTTISH construction company has announced a significant heritage win after being appointed to help to modernise Paisley Town Hall.
Kier Regional Building Scotland was given the pre-construction phase contract by hub West Scotland, delivery partner for Renfrewshire Council.
The £22 million revamp aims to turn the 19th century building into a modern facility which will help safeguard the historic venue’s future.
The redevelopment work will allow the town hall to host a broader range of events as well as improving the performance facilities and visitor experience, including new catering and conference facilities, better physical access, and improved mechanical and electrical systems.
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Kier Regional Building has a wealth of expertise of working with landmark buildings. The construction company is currently working on the refurbishment of the Burrell Museum and has just successfully completed the technically complex redevelopment of Scotland’s oldest concert venue, Aberdeen Music Hall.
Brian McQuade, managing director of Kier Regional Building Scotland, said the firm will transform Paisley Town Hall “into a top-class destination”.
He added: “We are pleased to work with Renfrewshire Council, operators Renfrewshire Leisure and hub West Scotland as we help to protect and transform Paisley Town Hall into a modern, vibrant venue.
“Activity will see a wealth of improvements for performers and visitors alike. Work is due to start on-site in early 2020 and be completed by the end of 2021.
“As well as transforming Paisley Town Hall into a top-class destination, we will be creating local jobs for local people together with valuable learning and training opportunities.”
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, added: “The £22m internal transformation of Paisley Town Hall is one of the key projects within a wider investment by Renfrewshire Council to use Paisley’s internationally-significant cultural and heritage story to drive new footfall to the town.
“It will turn this 19th-century architectural gem into a 21st-century facility and a landmark entertainment venue for the West of Scotland capable of hosting bigger and better events – while keeping a much-loved building at the heart of life in the town for future generations, as it has been for the past 140 years. We look forward to working with Kier on the main construction work starting next year – and all involved will make sure residents, businesses and neighbours are kept closely informed of work while it happens.”
Iain Marley, chief executive of Hub West Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Leisure and lead the restoration of this magnificent building. The project will create a top-class destination and represent a landmark in the rejuvenation of Paisley.
“We will also work tirelessly to ensure that local residents and businesses gain maximum benefit through business opportunities, employment, skills development and training initiatives.”
Advance works are taking place on the site at present and Kier will start work on the main construction phase from January 2020.
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