March 31 2021

Kier Construction has been asked to deliver a £23m main works contract for the delivery of Paisley Museum following final sign off by councilors.

Renfrewshire Council is backing a £42m overhaul of the A-listed cultural landmark at the hands of AL_A and exhibition designers Opera Amsterdam, increasing the volume of objects on display by 150%.

When complete the expanded museum will stand as a cultural hub for the town, complementing ongoing efforts to revitalise the town centre heading out of lockdown. New additions will include a striking red glazed entrance courtyard, west wing, gardens and an interactive weaving studio.

Professor Frances Fowle, senior curator at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “It is wonderful that the museum will not only be restored to its former glory but will be transformed into a world-class venue. I am excited that Paisley is undergoing this period of cultural Renaissance and am proud to be a Patron of the Paisley Museum Reimagined project.”

Kier's appointment is expected to be formalised next month with the contractor moving on-site over the summer. The revamped museum will not open its doors to the public until 2023. 

7 Comments

#1 Posted by Charles RM on 31 Mar 2021 at 16:42 PM

Let’s hope this ends up better than the Glasgow School of Art project Kier did

#2 Posted by youcantfitquickerthanakwikfitfitter on 31 Mar 2021 at 17:26 PM

Kier really are on fire when it comes to winning cultural landmark projects.

#3 Posted by DG One on 31 Mar 2021 at 18:44 PM

Or the leisure centre

#4 Posted by Nairn's Bairn on 2 Apr 2021 at 11:39 AM

#2 You're being a bit unfair.

This museum has grown from its initial flickering embers to what looks like a red-hot building, likely to be a beacon admired for miles, igniting and illuminating the masses.

#5 Posted by Prometheus on 2 Apr 2021 at 17:29 PM

#4 quite right!
This could spark a revival in fortunes of Paisley, though
it's hardly set this forum alight.

#6 Posted by Keith Flint on 3 Apr 2021 at 19:59 PM

I’m sure the bright sparks that are involved will ensure that this project gets glowing reviews.

#7 Posted by NothingToSeeHere on 3 Apr 2021 at 22:55 PM

A great move getting Kier involved as we move into barbecue season! There’ll be shrimps a plenty in paisley before long!

Looks like John Swinney must have been involved with releasing the information to the investigation into SOA fire?

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