Councillors have approved a contract worth £350,000 to repair the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
The repairs will address both the outside and inside of the building. This includes restoring the roof, repairing the lead work and gutters, and upgrading essential internal services.
This contract comes after ongoing work by council officers and heritage experts from the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, to develop proposals for the 250-year-old building, with the aim of identifying a sustainable future use.
A recent options appraisal carried out with the public and local stakeholders produced a consensus on a preferred use, which included a potential hospitality offer on the ground floor with a community hall and retention of Kilbarchan General Society’s meeting space on the first floor.
Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “The Steeple Buildings are a landmark within Kilbarchan and it’s important that we carry out these essential works to maintain their viability for potential future uses, such as the café or restaurant identified during the options appraisal.
“The local community have rightly been heavily involved in the restoration process and we will continue to liaise closely with everyone who has an interest in these historic buildings as we look to secure a new future for them.
“These repair works are the first step, and I look forward to seeing them get underway.”
The works are due to begin at the end of July and are expected to last up to 22 weeks.