Russell Institute plans set for another step forward

Plans for a £5m refurbishment of one of Paisley’s finest buildings are about to take another step forward, with a team of experts set to be appointed to help lead the project.

The Category-A-listed Russell Institute is due to be brought back into use under plans being taken forward by Renfrewshire Council.

Russell Institute in paisley

The former health centre boasts some of Paisley’s finest architectural features but has been empty since 2011 and needs substantial work.

The NHS is willing to transfer ownership to the council, who are leading a project which aims to turn the building into modern office space by 2016.

Funding has already been offered by the Scottish Government and Historic Scotland towards the cost of the refurbishment.

Now, councillors have approved the award of a contract to a consultant and design team, to provide architectural and conservation expertise during the planned restoration work.

Renfrewshire Council Deputy Leader Michael Holmes, who chairs the council’s Procurement Sub Committee, has welcomed the latest development.

He said: “The project to restore the Russell Institute will be a complex one, which is why we are bringing in the expertise of specialist conservation architects.

“But if these plans – which could bring around 80 new office jobs into the town centre – come off, all the hard work will be worth it.

“Earlier this year we unveiled the Paisley Heritage Regeneration Strategy, which plans to use the town’s outstanding collection of heritage and cultural assets to help drive a transformation of the whole Renfrewshire area.

“The council is delighted to be leading a project to bring one of those assets back into use and preserve it for generations to come.”

The Category A-listed Russell Institute sits on the corner of New Street and Causeyside Street and was opened in 1927.

It was gifted to Paisley Burgh by Miss Agnes Russell, who wanted it to be used as a child welfare clinic as a memorial to her two brothers.

The building is notable for the distinctive bronze and stone sculptures on the exterior walls.

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