16 Aug 1999
A £3.7 million Paisley Town Centre Regeneration Project was today given the seal of approval by First Minister Donald Dewar and Scottish Secretary John Reid. To mark the successful completion of Phase 2 of the pedestrianisation scheme Mr Dewar and Mr Reid jointly laid a commemorative plaque in Gilmour Street.
Speaking during the visit Mr Dewar said:
"I am delighted to be in Paisley today to celebrate the successful completion of Paisley's £3.7 million pedestrianisation scheme. The renewal of County Square and Gilmour Street has transformed the heart of the town. Paisley should rightly be proud of the efforts to make its centre more accessible, improve the environment and stimulate new development.
"Partnership projects can make a real difference. The commitment and dedication of the key sponsors involved in the Paisley Regeneration Project have helped the town become a revitalised place in which to live, work, visit and invest. The Government will continue to do everything it can to assist."
During the visit Mr Reid was briefed by Renfrewshire Council on Paisley's bid to receive Millennium City Status. Speaking at the City Day celebrations, Mr Reid said:
"The pedestrianisation project has greatly improved Paisley's shopping and business environment. It has not only heightened civic pride and given a real boost to the town's image, it has also provided a base for new development and investment.
"Paisley is a fine example of the partnership work and common goals which are essential to any town, city or community to thrive into the new millennium. That's why I am delighted that Paisley, along with several other Scottish towns, is putting itself forward for the Millennium City Status competition. Whatever the outcome, I am confident Paisley will reap the on-going benefits of this continued regeneration."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. Paisley, the traditional and commercial centre for Renfrewshire, is Scotland's largest town with a population exceeding 70,000.
2. The Paisley Town Centre Strategy Group was formed in 1991, with the purpose of regenerating the town and developing the economy. It is a joint initiative involving Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Enterprise, Scottish Homes and the Paisley Town Centre Management Trust. In March 1994 a strategy for the 'physical renewal and economic regeneration' of the town was launched with the publication of Paisley Town Centre looking Forward.
3. The amount invested in/committed to such projects by the partners of the Strategy Group totals approximately £15m, of which £4m has been obtained from the European Regional Development Fund. The pedestrianisation scheme was implemented in September 1997.