Future Paisley exhibition showing how town being transformed now open
A new exhibition showcasing the collection of major projects transforming Paisley's future and how the town can reinvent itself through culture has now opened its doors.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
First Published: 15 January 2022 15:04
Updated: 15 January 2022 15:04
The Future Paisley Exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the fascinating past, present and future of the town, based on its forward-thinking approach to culture-led regeneration.
The free-to-enter interactive exhibition – in the Piazza Shopping Centre – makes innovative use of maps, graphics, 3D digital models and augmented reality to bring Paisley’s story to life like never before.
Future Paisley is the wide-ranging programme of events, activity and investment using the town’s unique and internationally-significant cultural stories to transform its future, led by Renfrewshire Council.
The programme continues the momentum generated by Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021, which raised the town’s profile at home and abroad saw it become the first town to ever be shortlisted for the prestigious title, four years ago.
The exhibition will show how the town was shaped by Paisley’s proud textile and industrial past, and how current projects are bringing new life by giving new reasons to come into town.
Featured projects include the ongoing £100m investment in the town centre’s historic venues and outdoor spaces, including the transformations of Paisley’s museum and town hall, and the work to build a new modern home for library services in a formerly-vacant High Street unit.
It will also showcase the emerging Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District Scotland currently being built next to Glasgow Airport, which will become the country’s new home for advanced manufacturing.
Other local landmarks to feature include Paisley Abbey, Thomas Coats Memorial Church, the Russell Institute, the TA Building, and the Grand Fountain, as well as the work to create new community-led place plans for Ferguslie and Foxbar.
The physical exhibition will run until Saturday 19 March in Unit 27-28 of the Piazza shopping centre, open every Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm (check the www.paisley.is website for changes to opening times). It will also include a parallel digital exhibition, allowing anyone anywhere to go online and enjoy it.
Visitors will be asked to consider their hopes for the future of the town, and how it can evolve to meet big global challenges of the future such as recovery from Covid and the climate crisis.
Over the coming weeks, school and community groups will visit the exhibition and express their hopes for the future of the town through creative artist-led workshops, leading to a display of art that will feature in the exhibition space from late February.
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “We are delighted to host this exhibition, which takes place at an exciting time for Paisley and Renfrewshire, as we prepare to complete work on several nationally-significant projects in the next couple of years.
“The exhibition shows how the area has evolved over time, showcases the current once-in-a-generation investment, and invites visitors to consider what they want from its future.
“It will include work created by local schools and community groups and offers something for residents of all ages – I’d encourage people to pop in and see for themselves.”
The exhibition will also include a series of ‘Grand Conversazione’ events, where leading figures from the arts, architecture and academia will discuss how urban design and place-shaping can tackle major world issues such as pandemic recovery and the climate emergency.
The Grand Conversazione events are a nod to the town’s past, so-called after a series by the same name hosted by thread baron Sir Thomas Coats, including one to mark the handover of the Coats Observatory – the oldest public observatory in Scotland – back in 1882.
Speakers include Phil Prentice, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, who added: “It’s hard to imagine a nation that can match Scotland in terms of culture and heritage. Scots invented much of the modern world and Scotland’s towns are a storybook of our journey as a nation
“Paisley is the best example of all of this in Scotland and it’s vital we all support the efforts to reimagine what Paisley can become once again – the work has resonance throughout the country and I’d encourage people to visit the exhibition and see it for themselves.”
The exhibition was created by design collective Lateral North, whose design director, Tom Smith said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the wider Future Paisley team to develop stories of the past, present and future of the town.
“Through a combination of graphic design, filmmaking and augmented reality we have been able to share the stories of architects, designers and communities who are making a positive impact towards the cultural regeneration of Paisley.
“The exhibition also aims to hear from you and your aspirations for a future Paisley, so please head along and let us know your ambitions for the town.”
Latest Renfrewshire News
More than 250 young people spend the festive break with Street Stuff
Street Stuff’s festive programme attracted more than 250 young people over the festive break, with free activities taking place in communities across Renfrewshire.
New gym set for Argryffe Park in Houston thanks to Renfrewshire Council funding
Villagers in Houston will soon be able to get active outside as a new fully inclusive, interactive outdoor gym is added to Argryffe Park.
Enjoy a fun winter day out in Renfrewshire with a Great Days Out offer from VisitScotland
VisitScotland are offering 50% off selected tours and attractions in Renfrewshire until the 18th of February, encouraging you to have more winter days out!
New play based on the life of Lena Zavaroni to premiere at Beacon Arts Centre
Feather Productions in association with the Beacon Arts Centre present the world premiere of a new play with music, LENA!
Casting announcement for The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
National Theatre of Scotland announce casting for The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Live at Leith Theatre and streaming to UK cinemas from February 2022.
BRUber Eats
First-ever IRN-BRU restaurant launches to deliver BRU-nique Burns Supper to your door!
Future Paisley exhibition showing how town being transformed now open
A new exhibition showcasing the collection of major projects transforming Paisley's future and how the town can reinvent itself through culture has now opened its doors.
Reset and Renew this Winter with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
After another challenging year, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is giving people something to smile about with a massive 30% discount on overnight stays!
Loch Lomond New Year Dook becomes Spring Swim
The Spring Swim, formerly The New Year Dook, will now take place on the first day of Spring – the 20th of March at Loch Lomond Shores!
Getting your garden in top shape this winter, with Dobbies
With January now in full swing, the New Year brings a fresh start for all, including in our gardens.
Loch Lomond New Year Dook postponed due to COVID concerns
The New Year Dook set to take place on the 2nd of January at Loch Lomond Shores is to be postponed until later in 2022.
Aldi Scotland is bringing back its New Year Socks Appeal for a second consecutive year
Aldi Scotland has launched its ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign for the second year running, following its widespread success in 2021, which saw more than 2000 pairs of socks donated to good causes.
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!
National Cycle Route network in Renfrewshire to receive six figure investment
Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £143,000 from Sustrans Scotland to upgrade the National Cycle Route network in Renfrewshire.
Christmas gift to charity is a grotto cash!
There was an early Christmas present in Santa's sack for the Ronald McDonald House charity yesterday – a giant cheque for £1000.
Full cast announced for Orphans, a new Scottish musical from National Theatre of Scotland
National Theatre of Scotland is thrilled to be presenting the world premiere of Orphans, based on the much-loved cult film written and directed by Peter Mullan!
Charity Status for Paws on Plastic
It’s paw-fficial! Litterpicking Dog Owners group, Paws on Plastic, is awarded Scottish charity status.
Start the New Year IN Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores, in association with Protay and Inchbaggers, is hosting a New Year Dook on January 2nd and is shouting out to all those brave enough to bring in 2022 with a 'dook' in Loch Lomond!
The story unfolds...
Book festivals, musical journeys, favourite cartoon characters and fresh takes on our culture and heritage, will form part of a dazzling programme of events to celebrate Scotland's Year of Stories!
Bah Humbugs encouraged to take a seat at XSite
Sick of being dragged through the shops this Christmas season? XSite Braehead has created the perfect place to chill...
Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums release charity single
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums have released a stunning rendition of the tune 'The Heroes of St Valery' with proceeds going to charity.
First Jamaica Blue cafe opens in Scotland at Braehead Centre
Popular coffee shop Jamaica Blue has opened its first casual dining concept in Scotland at the Braehead Centre!
Tron Theatre festive pop up at XSite Braehead
The Tron Theatre Company is heading to XSite Braehead this weekend for a pop-up, family friendly, Christmas adventure story that audiences won't forget!
Scottish jazz talent honoured at annual awards
The exceptional talent within Scotland's burgeoning jazz scene was celebrated at the 9th Scottish Jazz Awards.
Kibble joins forces to improve the emotional wellbeing of young people in Renfrewshire
Child and youth care charity, Kibble aims to improve the lives of Renfrewshire’s young people through the Early Action System Change collaborative project.
Annual fundraiser aiming to provide over 100,000 meals to homeless people launches
itison have launched their annual Social Bite fundraiser where you can donate £5 to buy a meal for the homeless this Christmas.
Special Christmas tree in mall gives shoppers the chance to remember departed loved ones
Shoppers at the Braehead Centre are being given the chance to remember in a special way loved ones who have passed on.
Festive Fun comes to Renfrew this Saturday
Renfrew is set to get festive with a cast of Christmassy characters making their way to the town centre this weekend!
Crowd turns out to see Glen Cinema memorial officially opened
A crowd of around 100 people gathered yesterday to commemorate the Glen Cinema disaster of 31 December 1929, which claimed the lives of 71 children and injured more than 30.
White Cart bridge in Paisley reopens after more than 25 years
A key footbridge across the White Cart has reopened to the public after more than 25 years and will soon form part of a new walking and cycle route from Renfrew to Paisley.
Sponsored Links
