Start of Arnotts work hailed as major boost for town.

Renfrewshire’s council leader has hailed the start of work on new flats on the former Arnotts site as the ‘latest bit of good news’ in Paisley’s ongoing regeneration.

Work to prepare the ground for construction of Link Group’s development of 31 flats for shared equity or rent on Lawn Street and Gauze Street is now under way.

The new flats mark the first phase of plans led by Renfrewshire Council aimed at bringing new life to the historic site.

Further development taking in housing and retail space is also planned for the listed facade of the former department store on Gauze Street.

And Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan was on site to see progress for himself.

Arnotts new flats work starts

Councillor Macmillan said: “The Arnotts site has great historical significance to Paisley, which is why we are delighted to see work under way on a new future for it.

“This landmark development will bring people back into the town centre to live, which will create knock-on benefits for businesses in the surrounding area.

“With work also under way on the third block of flats in Westpoint Homes’ The Cloisters development across the road, the council’s vision of an Abbey Quarter is fast becoming reality.

“This development ties into our wider town centre regeneration work and is just the latest bit of good news regarding investment in Paisley’s assets.

“SPT have this week confirmed a £1.9m investment in improved bus infrastructure in the street surrounding the Piazza, while the council last year successfully secured £2m to restore the Russell Institute, which could bring in up to 80 office jobs.

“And most significantly of all, the council is now taking forward its ambitious masterplan for a multi-million pound investment which will use Paisley’s heritage to transform the area’s tourist potential.”

Craig Sanderson, Link Group Chief Executive, said: “Link is delighted to be able to continue its commitment to the regeneration of Paisley town centre.

“We recognise the historical and architectural importance of the Arnotts site and worked with the developers and Renfrewshire Council to achieve an appropriate design which embodies the positive benefits created by the ’spirit of place’, delivering a more sustainable environment for our customers and the homes in which they live.”

The new flats being built by Link Group will sit on Lawn Street and wrap round the corner with Gauze Street. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2015.

The development will contain private car parking and gardens – but the existing public car parking at the back of the Arnotts site will be unaffected.

The Arnotts site is owned by a limited liability partnership made up of Renfrewshire Council and Park Lane Developments.

Arnotts new flats work starts

Courtesy of Renfrewshire Council.

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X