27/03/2008 05:36:00
Renfrewshire Council are planning a £15 million revamp of Paisley Museum, which could see the Grade A listed building undergo a radical overhaul.
Under the proposals, the council plans to apply for lottery funding to upgrade the 130-year old museum building and move the Central Library in Paisley to the Town Hall. A new 175-seat theatre and a café-bar are also being proposed, the BBC states.
Located nine miles from Glasgow, officials in Paisley hope to improve declining visitor numbers to Paisley Museum and enhance disabled access.
The architects involved in investigating the practicality of the plans are Page/Park, who were also responsible for designing the Lighthouse arts venue and the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow.
According to the BBC, councillors hope that the new Paisley Museum could become the town's answer to Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - the most popular visitor attraction in Scotland.
Councillor Eileen McCartin told the BBC: "We might not take Kelvingrove's crown but we can certainly create a facility that will put Paisley on the map as a cultural centre.
"The Paisley Museum is a wonderful building but it is in desperate need of repairs and improvements... Increasing visitor numbers at the museum and relocating the Central Library will help revitalise the town centre."
It has not yet been announced when the council can expect to hear whether or not its plans for Paisley Museum can go ahead.