Paisley playing fields receives approval for regeneration plans

Plans to regenerate St James’ playing fields in Paisley have taken a major step forward after a deal for new changing pavilions was approved.

A contract for the supply and construction of modular buildings at the park, known as the Racecourse, was given the green light by Renfrewshire Council’s finance, resources and customer services policy board on Thursday. The agreement – worth at least £2.7 million – was welcomed by elected members and will now see SKW Construction take on the project at the Shortroods site.

SNP council leader, Iain Nicolson, said: “It’s a near £3m investment in St James’ and all elected members should know the background to the delay in implementing this particular project, due to Covid, Ukraine, cost pricings, ground conditions. The comments I’m seeing now within the Paisley community is that they welcome this and I think it’s testament to the officers and this administration in continuing to keep this project online and on track and deliver.

“I know some people are trying to slightly talk it down in a way by calling it portacabins and stuff, but modular units are what’s being delivered and these are full-scale buildings in the sense for the purpose of what they’re needed for.”

Image credit: Andrew Neil

Councillor Nicolson, who represents Erskine and Inchinnan, expressed his gratitude for the work behind bringing the project to fruition. He added: “I’m pleased to see it here today finally, because of the long time it’s been stuck in the system, so to speak. I’m pretty sure the community around that area in Paisley will be pleased to see St James’ being brought back into use for what it’s always been used for and that’s the provision of sports and football in that area.”

The work, which could begin from late March, forms part of a wider vision to redevelop the once-thriving location and reinstate football pitches. However, the report to the board referred only to construction of the changing facilities and associated civil works. It is understood that following this, four pitches will be brought back into use and operated by OneRen, the trust responsible for leisure, culture and sport in Renfrewshire.