Paisley Central Library shortlisted for prestigious AJ Architecture Award
Paisley Central Library has received industry recognition as the finalists are announced for the AJ Architecture Awards 2024.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 25 September 2024 15:08
Edging out fierce competition, the library has been named as a finalist in the Civic Project category alongside the Shipman Youth Zone by Rivington Street Studio, Sidcup Storyteller by DRDH Architects and Tower Hamlets Town Hall by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.
In total, more than 120 projects have been shortlisted across 20 categories as part of the annual showcase of the very best built projects in the UK.
Transforming an empty High Street retail space, the four-story library blends modern design with community-focused amenities and forms the heart of the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub – a £7million investment by Renfrewshire Council which is part of an ongoing drive to regenerate Paisley and give people new reasons to visit the town centre.
Operated by local culture and leisure trust OneRen, the facility features a welcoming reception, a vibrant children’s library, and a storytelling area, as well as a unique play structure, complete with a climbing wall and slide, co-designed by renowned Scottish artist Claire Barclay.
The upper floors house a variety of community spaces, including an outdoor terrace, study areas for young adults, and multipurpose rooms for events, such as the Paisley Book Festival, author talks, Bookbug sessions for families, and storytelling workshops.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Renfrewshire Council's cultural spokesperson and chair of OneRen, said: “The new Paisley Central Library is part of a sustained investment by the Council in culture as we recognise the benefits that this can bring to people now and in generations to come.
“With Paisley Central Library, we have created a modern, inviting facility that is giving people in Renfrewshire the opportunity to discover, or rediscover, a love for reading and learning – and you can’t underestimate how important that is for people or all ages.
“It’s fantastic that the project has been recognised in such a prestigious set of awards and it is testament to the work that everyone involved in the project has put in. I just hope we’re successful on the night as the team deserve all the accolades coming their way.”
The library has already been recognised this year winning ESG Refurbishment of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards and the Physical category at the EDGE Awards, as well as taking home silver in the Regeneration Category at the Scottish Design Awards.
Ewan Imrie, Architect & Director at Collective Architecture, said: “Being shortlisted for the AJ Architecture Awards, which celebrates the best Civic Projects across the UK, is a fantastic achievement.
“It reflects the vision of our client and the dedication of our team. We hope this building will not only provide a vibrant public space on Paisley High Street but also spark further regeneration in the area.”
The building was delivered in partnership with hub West Scotland and Iain Marley, hub West’s CEO said: “We are thrilled to see Paisley Central Library recognised for its contribution to the town's regeneration. This success stems from the client’s ambition and fantastic collaboration between our team, Renfrewshire Council, and our partners, all of whom worked tirelessly to bring this project to life. The redevelopment presented challenges but the positive feedback from both library staff and the local community has made it more than worthwhile.”
The winners of the 20 categories, plus the three editorial-chosen awards, will be announced on 3 December 2024.
For more information on the library and the ongoing regeneration of Paisley and Renfrewshire, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/paisley
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