First look – Construction completed on major transformation of Paisley Museum

A major milestone has been reached as the construction of Paisley Museum has been completed, with an extensive fit-out period set to get underway. 

The £68.7million redevelopment by Renfrewshire Council has transformed the Museum by bringing to life an ambitious, striking design by international architects AL_A to create a visitor attraction that will place Paisley firmly among the Europe’s leading museum destinations. 

A dramatic red-glass accessible entrance and panoramic extension fronts the Museum transformation providing a dynamic, inviting presence on the High Street as people continue to be provided with new, enticing reasons to visit the town centre. 

The A-listed main building and Coats Observatory – the oldest public observatory in Scotland – have been brought up to and past modern standards, undergoing significant external and internal repairs to deliver refreshed, modern galleries on every floor and double the amount of space available to showcase the Museum’s unique and internationally significant collections. 

A new outdoor garden and public space has been created, which opens up previously hidden views of the observatory as a cohesive museum campus is created between the buildings. Dedicated learning spaces and a heritage centre will enhance the visitor experience further, as will a new café-restaurant and shop. 

It is expected that the reopened Museum, which will be operated by Renfrewshire’s leisure and cultural charity OneRen, will attract thousands of visitors to Paisley town centre each year – delivering lasting social and economic benefits for local communities and businesses. 

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 now 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.”  

The renovated Museum’s design was produced by international architects AL_A led by Stirling Prize winner Amanda Levete and Matt Wilkinson.

Principal of AL_A 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 project now moves to the fit-out period led by HUB Build with a team of expert content producers and collections specialists taking a radical and dynamic approach to Renfrewshire’s core collections.  

Working from the town’s Secret Collection, the Museum team have worked on around 100 displays – many of which have been co-produced with local people and groups from across the world. 

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 museum project has been funded by Renfrewshire Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, as well as fundraising from donors and 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 Museum is culmination of a decade of investment in Paisley, including the £22million transformation of Paisley Town Hall, a £7million development of Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub housing Paisley Central Library on the High Street, and a £3million refurbishment of Paisley Arts Centre. 

In addition, the new £85.5 million state-of-the-art Paisley Grammar School Community Campus will open its doors to pupils and staff this year, a multi-phase regeneration masterplan is underway in Paisley’s West End to delivering new social and private housing, and the community-led ‘Making of Ferguslie’ plan is delivering tangible regeneration to Ferguslie Park. 

The construction phase of the project was completed by Kier and 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 extensive fit-out period and object install programme is now underway and is expected to be completed over the remainder of 2026 ahead of a planned public reopening.