The ambitious multi-million-pound refurbishment of Paisley Museum, aimed at transforming it into a world-class cultural hub, has faced a series of delays. While delays are not uncommon in projects of this scale, a source close to the site has revealed that one significant issue stemmed from the new entrance being built below the water table, resulting in flooding within the building.
Fortunately, the flooding issue has reportedly been resolved, but at what cost? And perhaps more concerning is how such a critical design oversight occurred in the first place. Who is responsible for ensuring the quality and feasibility of this work if problems like these can happen?
Lack of Transparency
Efforts to gain clarity from OneRen, the organization overseeing the refurbishment, have been met with silence. Paisley Photographs reached out nearly four weeks ago, yet no response has been received. The lack of communication raises further questions about the project’s management and the impact on both timelines and budgets.
Street improvements pictured above which started Tuesday 7th January 2025 should take to April / May to complete
The Coats Mill Fire Engine: Collateral Damage
Another troubling aspect of the refurbishment involves the Coats Mill fire engine, a cherished historical artifact. Sources indicate that the engine, which was moved into the building during the demolition stage, has suffered significant damage. Reports suggest that budget constraints and decisions during the construction phase—possibly including the removal of the roof—contributed to the damage.
Preserving artifacts like the Coats Mill fire engine is central to the museum’s mission, making this situation particularly concerning. If budgetary constraints are already an issue, what does this mean for the long-term preservation of other artifacts and the museum’s overall vision?
Moving Forward
While the refurbishment promises to bring significant cultural and economic benefits to Paisley, these issues highlight the importance of accountability and transparency in such a high-profile project. With public funds and community pride at stake, the people of Paisley deserve answers about the challenges faced during this refurbishment, as well as assurance that the project will deliver on its ambitious promises.
Paisley Photographs 