Work starts to bring landmark Paisley High Street building back into use
A landmark historic building on Paisley High Street is being restored and brought back into use, thanks to a council programme to preserve the town centre's unique historic architecture.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 6 February 2023 14:15
The Liberal Club, sitting in a prominent spot at 32 High Street, has been a feature of life in the town since 1886 but has been vacant since 2016 and has fallen into disrepair.
Now, the council and the building’s owners are working together to restore the outside and inside of the C-listed building to its former glory, with a new use to be found for the once-grandiose entertainment venue.
The work is being assisted through the Townscape Heritage/Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme 2 (TH.CARS2), a £4.1m programme funded by the council, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland, with additional funding from the Scottish Government’s Place-based Investment Programme.
TH.CARS2 is funding a full repair of the outside of the building’s upper floors, while the building’s owners are funding repairs to the inside of the building. While they have planning permission to turn the upper floors into flats, other uses are being explored.
Grant-supported works include roof work, stonework, window repairs and new downpipes, with the external work expected to be complete by August.
Work is also now getting under way to transform the frontage of two vacant shop units at 18 High Street, through a TH.CARS2 shopfront grant, with owners picking up the rest of the cost.
The building is owned by Jazz Chowdhary and Dr Jasmeet Singh of SC Investments Scotland Ltd.
Jazz said: “We are both extremely excited to restore this landmark listed building on Paisley’s High Street to its former glory and we look forward to bringing it back into use for the local community.
“Since we acquired the building, we’ve heard many positive stories from locals who used to visit the Liberal Club. We’ve become quite attached to the building and made it our goal to bring it back to life.
“We are incredibly thankful for the help of the TH.CARS2 team at Renfrewshire Council, Graham Stuart of Wellwood Leslie Architects, and the various funding bodies, who have all played a key part in helping us move towards our end goal.
“We are in discussions with potential future occupants of the building, but at this time we are not at liberty to advise on the use. What I can say for certain is that in 2023, the Liberal Club will create more happy memories for the people of Paisley.”
Cllr Andy Steel, convener of the council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “The Liberal Club is a beautiful building which has been a feature of local life for almost a century and a half, but sadly in recent years has been empty.
“Bringing a historic building like this back into use is extremely complex – particularly where there are multiple owners in one location – and it has taken a huge amount of work from our officers to get the project to this point.
“This is a great example of how public money can unlock private-sector investment that may not otherwise have happened – the money we have brought in through our various external funders has helped get the owners into a position where they can do the rest.
“Paisley’s historic architecture is one of the town’s greatest features and over the past few years the TH.CARS project has helped preserve large parts of it for future generations.
“That complements our wider investment in the town’s historic cultural venues, with Paisley Town Hall set to reopen later this year, Paisley Museum being transformed into a world-class visitor destination, and a new home for library services being built a few doors further down the High Street in a formerly-vacant retail unit.”
Since 2016, the TH.CARS programme has completed numerous projects to help restore historic buildings and outdoor spaces within Paisley town centre. That has included:
• Grant support for extensive building repair projects at 5 George Place. 20 New Street (Vienna’s nightclub), the upper floors of 2-3 County Place, 41 High St (Right-way credit union), 9 Gilmour Street, 10 Shuttle Street, and the Sma’ Shot Cottages
• Six projects to help owners restore historic shopfronts completed, with two more currently on site – in the vacant unit at 18 High Street and at 63a (Nomads café) – with a final two due to start this year, including one at 67 High Street (Houston’s Kiltmakers)
• Work to upgrade historic streetscapes, with improvements completed at George Place, and works currently on site at Weighhouse Close and on the stretch of the High Street opposite the museum
• An extensive programme of heritage education, training and events aimed at bringing the town’s heritage to life, covering 42 community projects, with more than 2,600 people actively engaged in more than 630 workshops
For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/THCARS
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
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
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
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 MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Renfrew lights up for Christmas
Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
New active play facility to be created in Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley
Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire tourist spot set to benefit from investment
A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links