Renfrewshire Council has revealed plans to carry out tenement housing improvements in Paisley.

Around 50 properties and several commercial premises will undergo the wide-ranging programme of upgrades, if the scheme is approved at a council meeting today, 08 November.

Works at 3, 5, 7 and 9 Orchard Street and 33 Causeyside Street will include renewed back court areas, roof and structural repairs, new electricity supply and gas pipework, renewed windows, kitchens and central heating, and treatment for timber decay discovered in some of the buildings.

If approved, the project would be run by the council and Paisley Housing Association, and supported by Scottish Government funding. In addition, the next stage would see a three-month consultation on the detail of the plans with residents and owners to gather their views before going forward.

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It is expected the Association would acquire the majority of the properties on completion. Any owners who did not want to sell but who did want to be part of the scheme could apply for a council grant to part-fund their share of the work.

Cllr Tommy Williams said: "The regeneration of our town centres is a major priority for the council, and key to that is making sure our buildings are in good condition.

"The council looked into a plan of improvements with the tenements in Orchard Street when the Gordon Street work finished in 2012, and it wasn't possible at the time - but the funding is now available.

"If approved by councillors, this project would allow major improvements to those buildings - and of course we will work closely with residents and owners to make sure they are fully informed every step of the way.

"That area of Paisley has already been transformed in recent years, with the £5m Townscape Heritage Initiative covering the area around Causeyside Street, as well as the £5m project to bring the Russell Institute back into use."

If given the go-ahead, owners and tenants will be invited to a consultation drop-in session to discuss the plans in full in Paisley Town Hall on Tuesday, 15 November.

(LM/MH)