Herald Scotland Article

£4m plan to breathe new life into the Cinderella town hall
Renfrew Town Hall
Barry McDonald
Published on 21 Sep 2009

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/4m-plan-to-breathe-new-life-into-the-cinderella-town-hall-1.921319



Some say it resembles Cinderella’s Castle, but this Germanic baronial structure badly needs a sprinkling of Disney magic.
The 105ft-high Renfrew Town Hall dominates the skyline, but the building has seen better days. Apart from visitors to the part-time registrar or to the daily lunch club for the elderly, few people cross its threshold.

There is the occasional meeting of a slimming club or ballroom dancing class but the majestic A-listed building is under-used.

But that is about to change with the help of almost £800,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the Victorian municipal building to its former glory.

The plan, says Renfrewshire council leader Derek Mackay, is to put the heart back into the town centre.

“It’s the jewel in the town; everyone knows the town hall and it reminds people of Disneyland,” he said.

"But the wear and tear is showing. The electrics are old, as is the heating system, and the walls are cracked. Structurally, the building is sound but it does look and feel like a 1970s municipal building.”

“We want to give people a reason to come here. It’s very much about putting the heart back into the town.”

The refurbishment, which is due to begin in February 2010 is part of a wider £4m transformation of the town hall, which was opened in 1873. Once complete, the building will boast a tourist information point, new marriage suites, and a community museum.

The museum will display photographs and objects relating to the area’s role in the history of aviation.

Renfrew was the first municipal airport in Scotland, with flights beginning in 1912. The first aircraft to cross the Atlantic both ways was built nearby and Renfrew was the third busiest airport in Britain in 1948. Collections relating to other important local industries such as ship-building and boiler-making will also be displayed.

The revitalised building, which is expected to open in 2011 will also be a hub for council services. Currently locals have to go to Paisley to access information.

The restoration will also see improvements to all the windows and stained glass, mouldings and external stonework. The main hall gallery will be made safe and refurbished.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “Breathing new life into Renfrew Town Hall will not only re-establish it at the centre of community life but will make a marked contribution to the economics of the area.”