Renfrewshire councillors have reaffirmed their commitment to securing a future for the Paisley Centre, regardless of who owns the shopping centre following its upcoming sale.
The pledge was made during a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board on Wednesday, June 17, after councillors agreed to add a new commitment to a community planning report.
Councillor Iain McMillan brought forward the amendment, describing the Paisley Centre as one of the area’s most important regeneration opportunities.
He told the meeting: “I think that the community plan is obviously very important, and a number of issues are raised in it.
“We know that it is up for sale, and as far as I know, it will be auctioned next Tuesday.
“If indeed it goes to a new owner, my suggested addition to the recommendations is to make sure that we are involved with any potential new owners.”
The amendment was accepted by Leadership Board convener Councillor Iain Nicolson.
The wording added to the recommendations states: “Council recognises the strategic and economic importance of the Paisley Centre to Paisley and the wider Renfrewshire area.
“Therefore, council pledges to continue to consider all viable options with the owners to secure a viable future for the site.”
Speaking during the meeting, Councillor McMillan said the amendment was intended to ensure the council remained actively involved regardless of whether the current owners retain the site or a new owner takes control.
He said: “Whoever owns that property, we want to continue to talk to them and seek to develop the site.”
Councillor Nicolson said the amendment did not conflict with the council’s existing position and supported its continued efforts to encourage regeneration.
He said: “I would be happy to take that on board if it underlines the council’s support for the regeneration of the Paisley Centre.”
The discussion comes as uncertainty continues over the future of the shopping centre, which occupies a significant site in Paisley town centre.
Council solicitor Mark Ruskell reminded members that councillors had previously agreed not to proceed with a partnership proposal from Beyond Retail, but had also agreed that officers should continue discussions with the company.
He told the meeting: “The council would not proceed with the proposed offer, as set out by Beyond Retail, and council agreed that officers would engage further with Beyond Retail in respect of the matters set out in the report.”
The amendment was approved without opposition and incorporated into the Leadership Board’s recommendations.
The issue was discussed during a meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board on Wednesday, 17th June.