New designs revealed for transformation of County Square

New designs showing how Paisley’s County Square could be transformed into an expanded outdoor events venue and attractive arrival point for the town have been revealed.

Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 12 November 2021 16:46

The public are now being asked to have their say on the proposals, which aim to encourage more use of the square all year round.

The proposed changes are part of a wider council investment in Paisley town centre’s historic venues and outdoor spaces, including the ongoing transformations of the museum and town hall.

The designs show:
• the square levelled and flattened with high-quality paving and materials, improving accessibility and creating more room for it to host outdoor events, seating and markets;
• much of the street furniture and planting removed to declutter the space;
new and improved lighting added to improve security;
• The front of the taxi rank would remain in roughly the same place near the station door, but the queue of taxis would move to Central Way, expanding the space available in the square by around 25%.

New designs revealed for transformation of County Square

The proposed changes to the taxi rank are subject to a separate statutory taxi licensing process, which would see taxis able to move two ways along Central Way, allowing them to reach the east and south of the town without going through the one-way system at Wallneuk.

Existing access to the High Street along County Place/Gilmour Street for deliveries and other vehicles will be retained.

The public are now being asked for their views on the designs, which are based on previous consultation with the public back in 2019, where residents and businesses wanted to see more use of the square for events, and changes made that would encourage people to dwell.

The designs can be seen – and you can register your comments – at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/countysq-redesign

The team behind the redesign are also looking into how the paving could be used to create an artwork reflecting the town’s heritage.

The development around County Square will complement the AMIDS South project to develop new transport and active travel links along the White Cart corridor in the north of Paisley, linking the town centre with the emerging Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) beside Glasgow Airport.

The AMIDS South project was last month confirmed as receiving nearly £40m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “The past 18 months has shown the importance of high-quality outdoor space, and with four million people passing through Paisley Gilmour Station each year pre-pandemic, County Square is the town centre’s gateway to the world.

“And with us expecting in excess of 125,000 visitors a year to the transformed museum when it reopens in 2023, the square will be many people’s first impression of the town – so we want it to be a positive one.

“But the designs were also planned with local residents and businesses in mind – the aim is to create a space which allows more events and year-round outdoor activity to help drive footfall and life to the heart of the town.

“At the same time, the square needs to continue to work as a transport interchange – and the solution for the taxi rank maintains easy access to taxis for train passengers and helps drivers move through the town, while expanding the space available in the square for other activity.

“The changes were carefully planned on the basis of previous feedback from residents and businesses, and we’d now like to hear their views on the developed designs.”

Plans are also moving forward for a redesign of Abbey Close to expand the space in front of the town hall for events and outdoor activity, and to improve the town’s gateway road junctions, to make the town centre more accessible to pedestrians and for active travel.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month

The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!

Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!

Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Renfrew set to welcome top Scottish pipers and drummers

Renfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 19th July.

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Winter Connections programme boasts success for third year

Thousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

Major donation of Scottish artworks boosts Renfrewshire civic collection

A magnificent collection of artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in memory of her late husband, John Shaw.

Renfrewshire launches Summer of Fun free activity programme

The new free summer activities programme for Renfrewshire children, young people and families is now available.

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

Thousands turn out to celebrate Sma Shot Day 2025

Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of fantastic live entertainment at Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations on Saturday!

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!

Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Grab your free reusable cup!

Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?

Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!