£100,000 plus investment for Coats Observatory
Renfrewshire Council is investing over £100,000 on a repair and maintenance programme at Coats Observatory in Paisley.
The work is the latest phase of the council’s programme to sustain and develop Renfrewshire’s heritage to support economic regeneration in the area.
The Observatory will close from Monday June 9th to allow for repairs and maintenance work which is set to take up to 12 weeks.
Council chiefs have scheduled the work during the summer months to ensure that the Observatory is fully back up and running for the popular winter programme of events and viewings.
Councillor Jim Harte, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Sport, Leisure and Culture Policy Board, said: “Coats Observatory has a special place in the affections of people in Paisley, and indeed Renfrewshire as a whole.
“For generations of local people and visitors, it has provided a platform to develop an interest in astronomy in an informative and entertaining way.
“We are dealing with a building which opened in 1883 and is the oldest public observatory in Scotland. The council wants to preserve its unique appeal.
“Renfrewshire Council is bringing forward major plans to develop tourism and boost regeneration through capitalising on the area’s unique architectural and cultural heritage.
“The programme is scheduled to cost £112,000 although further repairs may be identified as the work progresses.
“We apologise for any inconvenience but the coming months are the best time to get the work done.”
The maintenance programme will cover repairs to the roof, lead guttering, and the dome and viewing platform of the Observatory.
There will also be some internal works to doors, and minor building and plaster repairs where areas have been affected by water or dampness.
Courtesy of Renfrewshire Council.