A former day centre for the elderly in Paisley’s Ferguslie Park will be declared “surplus to operational requirements” after elected members approved the move.

The permanent closure of Falcon Day Centre, which was used as such until the Covid-19 pandemic, was approved by the integration joint board – responsible for oversight of Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) – earlier this year.

Renfrewshire Council now hopes to sell or lease out the property in Falcon Crescent either by community asset transfer or commercial transaction.

And it was agreed at Wednesday’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board the property should be deemed “surplus” to facilitate this.

Councillor Janis McDonald, a Labour representative for Paisley Northwest, said: “While there’s a disappointment that the facility’s not been used for some time, the community are concerned and don’t want it to lie empty.

“There is certainly considerable support for community use of the facility, so I’m hopeful that maybe something can be brought forward.

“But certainly, on the principle, I would agree with the sale or transfer.”

A report, which was considered at the meeting, explained: “The Falcon Day Centre … was constructed as a day centre for the elderly in circa 1989. It was used as such until it was closed during the Covid pandemic.

“The centre did not reopen following closure at the time of the pandemic.

“As part of the HSCP’s recovery from Covid, a stabilised model for older people’s day Services has been implemented through which Johnstone, Renfrew, and Ralston day services are open serving the various geographical areas of Renfrewshire.

“The proposal to close the building permanently was agreed by the HSCP integrated joint board in March 2024, as part of the HSCPs sustainable futures proposals.”

The local authority confirmed there is interest in the building via the community asset transfer process – where the responsibility for an asset transfers to a community group or voluntary organisation – and it is hoped a formal application will emerge in due course.

A decision would be made on any such request at the relevant sub-committee.