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First images released of Paisley Museum’s £42m transformation

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paisley museum

The first concept images of the Paisley Museum’s £42m transformation have been unveiled. The attraction in Scotland is set to open in 2022.

The images show how architects AL_A, led by Amanda Levete, plan to restore and reinvigorate the Paisley Museum.

Plans have been submitted to Renfrewshire Council for approval. They involve building an accessible entrance courtyard and a new red-glazed entrance hall.

The Paisley Museum, which expects to quadruple annual visitor numbers to 125,000, is also adding a new wing to the west of the current building.

Architects AL_A to renovate the Paisley Museum

“The brief for Paisley Museum is one of the most radical I’ve encountered,” Levete said. “Paisley has a proud industrial past and a history of innovation and radical thinking.

“We have embedded this into our design to create an extraordinary place for the community of Paisley.”

An interactive weaving studio will also be added, as well as an outdoor garden, opening up views of the observatory.

Internal renovations will improve accessibility, circulation, and gallery spaces, and will allow the museum to display 1,200 objects – more than double the current amount.

‘An extraordinary place for the community of Paisley’

paisley museum

Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The museum is central to a wider investment in Paisley’s venues and outdoor spaces, embedding culture and events at the heart of how we are transforming our historic town centre and putting it back on the map as a destination.

“The beautiful images revealed today show how this wonderful historic building will at once be preserved and modernised, and ensure this proud symbol of Paisley’s past is at the heart of its future,” she added.

The renovated Paisley Museum is expected to create a boost of £79 million for the local economy over 30 years. It will also create 138 jobs during construction and approximately 48 jobs each year.

Improving accessibility, circulation and gallery space

paisley museum

The Paisley Museum is scheduled to open in 2022, and its collections are still available to the public at Paisley: The Secret Collection.

Meanwhile, Philip Long, Director of V&A Dundee, spoke to Blooloop about the museum’s progress in its whirlwind opening year.

Images: AL_A

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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