Arts and culture complex wins national design award
A design for a cultural and arts complex in Paisley has been voted the winner in a national competition.
Plans for the Paisley Baker Street scheme were launched by Paisley Community Trust in September.
The proposals near to Gilmour Street Station include a three to five screen cinema and a 500 seat theatre.
The scheme, which hopes to attract funding, won the FutureTown Design Competition run by Scotland's Towns Partnership.
Gary Kerr, the trust's chairman, said: "We're totally thrilled for Paisley to win this competition.
"It's terrific to see Baker Street Paisley gain widespread recognition and endorsement through a national competition.
"A massive thank you to everyone in Paisley, Scotland and further afield who voted for Paisley to win."
He added: "What we are creating is everyone's. A facility, venue, space and hub for the community to use."
The charity developed the initial designs with Glasgow architects Stallan-Brand and it now hopes to raise funding for the project.
If the funding effort is successful, the complex would be due for completion in 2021.
More than 3,000 votes were cast by members of the public, with Paisley's entry receiving 43% of these.
There were 12 entries in total with entries from places including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dunoon and Falkirk.
Scotland's Towns Partnership involves multiple organisations promoting future development of Scotland's urban spaces.
Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland's Towns Partnership, said: "The FutureTown Design Competition, now in it's third year, is all about stimulating conversations and provoking ideas to highlight what a possible future town could look like.
"As our communities strive to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, the competition asks: how can town centres stimulate low carbon and sustainable living; encourage digitally-driven tourism; promote culture, health and well-being; deliver connectivity and economic growth, and become places of opportunity and choice for all?"
Paisley will find out this week if it has been successful in its bid for UK City of Culture 2021.