Photo special: Construction completed on £68.7million transformation of Paisley Museum

Construction work on the £68.7million transformation of Paisley Museum has now been completed, with the project moving into an extensive fit-out phase ahead of its planned reopening later this year.

The major redevelopment by Renfrewshire Council has reshaped the museum with a bold new design by international architects AL_A, led by Stirling Prize winner Amanda Levete and Matt Wilkinson.

A dramatic red-glass accessible entrance and panoramic extension now fronts the museum on Paisley High Street, creating a striking new presence in the town centre.

The A-listed main building and the neighbouring Coats Observatory – the oldest public observatory in Scotland – have undergone significant external and internal repairs. The refurbishment has brought both buildings up to modern standards and created refreshed galleries on every floor. The amount of space available to display the museum’s collections has been doubled.

A new outdoor garden and public space has also been created, opening up previously hidden views of the observatory and linking the buildings into a single museum campus. Dedicated learning spaces, a heritage centre, a café-restaurant and a shop are all included in the redevelopment.

The museum will be operated by Renfrewshire’s leisure and cultural charity OneRen. It is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Paisley town centre each year, delivering social and economic benefits for the area.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Renfrewshire Council’s spokesperson for culture and Chair of OneRen, said: “I’m delighted we’ve reached such an important milestone in the transformation of the Museum as the construction works finish and we now move into the fit-out period ahead of reopening.

“As with many projects involving historic buildings and with this being the first major refurbishment in its 150-year history, there have been challenges, but I’m excited for us to now look forward to the fit-out process as we create the environment that will allow us to tell the stories of Paisley’s history and its people.

“The building looks incredible and once the fit-out and installation of the objects and exhibitions is complete, we will have a visitor attraction that local people and communities will be proud of and one that will attract thousands of visitors to the town each year who will boost the local economy.

“The Museum is the culmination of a decade of investment in Paisley’s cultural buildings, and in the town itself, which has changed perceptions of the area, given people new reasons to visit, and contributed to it being named Scotland’s Town of the Year. It’s an exciting time to live, work and be a part of Paisley.”

Amanda Levete said: “Paisley Museum has developed a completely new way of looking at the responsibilities of a museum and the architecture gives this expression and confidence; radical alterations inspired by Paisley’s resilience and capacity for reinvention, light filled spaces for the community in the new wing and a dramatic red entrance that expresses the town’s radical spirit.

“Renfrewshire Council have been a remarkable client and they always had an extraordinary ambition for this project. This is now clear for all to see.”

The fit-out phase is being led by HUB Build, with exhibition installation now under way. Around 100 displays have been developed, many co-produced with local people and groups from across the world, using items from the town’s Secret Collection.

Harry Coughlin, Managing Director | Museums at HUB Build, said: “The start of the on site installation of the exhibition fit-out at Paisley Museum marks an important step for the project. With the building restored, our focus now turns to integrating the interpretation, showcases and exhibition elements within these revitalised spaces.

“Our team has been carefully preparing and manufacturing the exhibition components in readiness for installation, and we’re now mobilising on site to bring them together with the wider project team and supply chain. This next phase will see the galleries take shape, creating spaces that celebrate Paisley’s rich history and serve the community for generations to come.”

The project has been funded by Renfrewshire Council alongside support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, as well as donations from benefactors.

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund has supported the redevelopment of Paisley Museum from the early design stage.

“We have watched it grow into what will be a truly world-class museum telling the story of Paisley and its people and sharing Renfrewshire’s incredible museum collections. We are excited to see the project pass this important milestone.”

The construction phase was completed by Kier Group.

Phil McDowell, regional director of Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “Completing the construction phase of Paisley Museum marks a proud moment for everyone involved. Working on a project of such cultural and architectural importance has been a privilege, and our teams have been committed to ensuring the highest standards throughout.

“As the fit-out begins, we’re excited to see the building move into its next chapter and to know that our work will help create a landmark destination for the people of Paisley and visitors from further afield.”

The fit-out and object installation programme is expected to continue for the remainder of 2026 ahead of a planned public reopening.