Funding boost confirmed for PACE new theatre
The ongoing project to build a new community theatre space in Paisley town centre has taken a huge step forward after an £800,000 funding boost was confirmed!
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 21 December 2021 9:40
PACE Theatre Company are currently developing a new theatre in Paisley for children, young people and families – called Exchange – in a long-time vacant former nightclub opposite Paisley Gilmour Street Station.
And the project has now received the sum from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grand Fund (RCGF), after a successful bid from Renfrewshire Council on PACE’s behalf.
The £2.6m project – which will include a 300-seat main theatre plus other community and creative spaces - received planning permission in February 2020, and work has been under way since November of that year.
When open in March 2023, it will host near-200 PACE performances each year, plus professional touring shows, and creative learning opportunities, as well as offering an alternative venue to Renfrewshire’s thriving cultural community.
This round of the Scottish Government’s Capital Grant Regeneration Fund will see more than £25 million of funding shared between 22 locally-developed projects across Scotland that tackle inequalities and promote sustainable and inclusive economic recovery from the pandemic.
PACE chief executive Grant Mason said: “We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund for their investment in this project, which we believe will be transformative for young people, the local community, and for the regeneration of Paisley.
“The award will allow major works to begin early next year and takes us significantly closer to the completion of Exchange.
“The support of Renfrewshire Council throughout this process has been invaluable, with their vision for Exchange's potential to create a vibrant cultural landmark and community hub for Paisley mirroring our own.”
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson added: “Our officers have been working with PACE since 2019 to assist with their funding applications, and we are thrilled for them the Scottish Government have recognised the quality of the project by making this significant award.
“PACE have been at the heart of the area’s creative community for decades, and when it opens Exchange will allow them to harness the power of culture to change the lives of future generations of Renfrewshire’s young people.
“This development complements our wider vision to bring new life to the town centre by finding new cultural uses for vacant buildings, as well as our £100m investment in our own heritage venues and outdoor spaces, including the ongoing transformations of the museum and town hall.
“The news also arrives as we prepare to open our Future Paisley exhibition in the new year, which will tell the story of how Paisley’s approach to culture-led regeneration can make it a leader for towns everywhere.”
PACE had already received £420,000 from Renfrewshire’s share of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund to fund initial work to the building, and to produce developed designs to allow their application to the RCGF to be made.
The project is bringing back into use a long-time vacant historic building in a prime location, which will allow it to come off the Buildings at Risk register.
As well as the main theatre, Exchange will also host a small-scale 80-100-seat flexible studio theatre and creative learning space, plus a community creative play and workshop space.
There will also be a family-friendly café/bar with informal performance area, dressing rooms, reading snug, and exhibition space for young visual artists.
The space will be fully-accessible, autism-friendly, and co-designed and developed at every stage with a group of ‘young architects’.
Sustainability is a key priority for the project, designed with the aim of creating a green, carbon neutral, theatre for the future that's financially and environmentally sustainable with 100% LED theatre fixtures.
It is expected Phase II will be complete by December 2022, but PACE are calling on businesses and individuals to support the project by donating to their Million Pound Wall campaign, to reach the fundraising total required to complete the third and final phase of work.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Stellar year of successful events in Renfrewshire
It's been another successful year of events in Renfrewshire which attracted more than 120,000 attendees and generated more than £4.4million for the local economy.
READ MORE
First music, fitness and wellness festival in Scotland unveils all star programme for 2026 debut
Paisley Alive, Scotland's first festival to unite music, fitness and wellness, has confirmed the full programme for its inaugural event in Barshaw Park on 4 July 2026.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Lights on in Linwood
Crowds turned out in Linwood to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire
Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.
READ MORE
Unique approach of Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of young people in Paisley
The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Winter Connections programme returns to support communities across Renfrewshire
A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
New civic plaza and events space to be created in Erskine
A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre announces partnership to support local community
The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.
READ MORE
Erskine lights up for Christmas
Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!
READ MORE
Johnstone shines bright this festive season
Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
A celebration of Art Deco to open at The Art Department Paisley
Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links