Report by Chief Executive.
2
There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the progress of the Council’s Cultural Infrastructure Programme, being delivered on behalf of the Council by the City Deal & Infrastructure Team, with project management expertise from the Council’s Property Services team, and in the case of the Paisley Museum Project, by OneRen.
The report indicated that the Programme investment in Paisley Town Centre would use the area’s internationally significant cultural and heritage story to transform our future for visitors and events in Scotland. In addition, it was anticipated that the programme of works would result in increased footfall to the town centre, create new homes for top class cultural events, while preserving the heritage of the town. the Renfrewshire economy and Paisley Town Centre.
The report provided updates in terms of the progress of specific projects contained within the Cultural Infrastructure Programme. As indicated in previous reports, the Programme had experienced significant impact from global events, including the pandemic and war in Ukraine, resulting in economic challenges, particularly noticed in the construction industry. The report intimated that completion of projects within the Programme was central to the recovery and inclusive growth of the Renfrewshire economy and Paisley Town Centre. The significant scale of the construction phase, coupled with the unprecedented challenges faced across the wider construction sector over the last few years had meant there had been an inevitable shift in the construction completion dates for each venue in contrast to that planned at the outset of the programme. In this connection, a significant milestone had been achieved with the completion of the main works construction at Paisley Town Hall. This project was the first to progress to a carefully planned fit-out period with the remainder of the projects following in a phased approach to ensure that resources internally at both the Council and OneRen, as well as specialist contractors, could deliver a high quality and efficient opening programme. This approach allowed each venue to be launched in its own right and to contribute both individually and collectively to maximise the impact on Renfrewshire’s cultural, events and heritage opportunities. The other projects in the Programme continued to move at pace and it was highlighted that it was anticipated that Paisley Learning & Cultural Hub would open later in 2023 with the Arts Centre following thereafter.
It was proposed and agreed that arrangements be made to provide clarification to members of this Policy Board in respect of the current status of the project at County Square, Paisley, previously included within the Programme.
DECIDED:
(a) That the progress and current stage of construction of the projects, together with the financial implications, outlined in the report, be noted; and
(b) That arrangements be made to provide clarification to members of this Policy Board in respect of the current status of the project at County Square, Paisley, previously included within the Programme.