New plans have unveiled a potential transformation of a town square near Glasgow. 

Paisley's County Square could be expanded into an outdoor events venue according to new designs revealed by Renfrewshire Council - and they are encouraging the public to have their say.  

As part of a wider scheme to revamp the town centre, the council is already working on the museum and town hall. The possible changes include the square being levelled and flattened, as well as improving accessibility and creating more room for outdoor events, seating and markets.Glasgow Times:

The council are also proposing to remove street furniture and planting to declutter the space, and adding new and improved lighting to improve security.

The front of the taxi rank would stay in the same place near the station door, but the queue of taxis would move to Central Way, expanding the space available in the square by around a quarter.

Changes to the taxi rank are currently depending on a separate statutory taxi licensing process, which would see taxis able to move two ways along Central Way, allowing them to reach the east and south of Paisley without going through the one-way system at Wallneuk.

Existing access to the High Street along County Place/Gilmour Street for deliveries and other vehicles will stay the same.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “The past 18 months has shown the importance of high-quality outdoor space, and with four million people passing through Paisley Gilmour Station each year pre-pandemic, County Square is the town centre’s gateway to the world.

“And with us expecting in excess of 125,000 visitors a year to the transformed museum when it reopens in 2023, the square will be many people’s first impression of the town – so we want it to be a positive one."

The public are also being asked for their views on what should be done with the square. Previous discussions in 2019 led to residents wanting to see more use of the square for events. 

Iain added: “The designs were also planned with local residents and businesses in mind – the aim is to create a space which allows more events and year-round outdoor activity to help drive footfall and life to the heart of the town.

“At the same time, the square needs to continue to work as a transport interchange – and the solution for the taxi rank maintains easy access to taxis for train passengers and helps drivers move through the town, while expanding the space available in the square for other activity.

“The changes were carefully planned on the basis of previous feedback from residents and businesses, and we’d now like to hear their views on the developed designs.”

The team behind the redesign are also exploring how the paving could be used to create an artwork reflecting the town’s heritage.

A development around County Square will complement a project by Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) South to develop new transport and active travel links along the White Cart corridor in the north of Paisley, linking the town centre with the emerging AMIDS beside Glasgow Airport.

The AMIDS South project was recently confirmed as receiving nearly £40million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The public survey for County Square closes on December 2, and you can read more information on the plans and offer your ideas HERE.