Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.

The work will include repairs to the building’s external and internal fabric, focusing on refurbishment of the roof, leadwork and gutters, as well as critical upgrade of internal services.

The contract follows ongoing work by Renfrewshire Council officers with heritage specialists from Glasgow Building Preservation Trust to develop proposals for the 250-year-old building, with the aim of identifying a sustainable future use.

A recent options appraisal carried out with the public and local stakeholders produced a consensus on a preferred use, which included a potential hospitality offer on the ground floor with a community hall and retention of Kilbarchan General Society’s meeting space on the first floor.

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “The Steeple Buildings are a landmark within Kilbarchan and it’s important that we carry out these essential works to maintain their viability for potential future uses, such as the café or restaurant identified during the options appraisal.

“The local community have rightly been heavily involved in the restoration process and we will continue to liaise closely with everyone who has an interest in these historic buildings as we look to secure a new future for them.

“These repair works are the first step, and I look forward to seeing them get underway.”

The works are due to begin at the end of July and are expected to last up to 22 weeks.