Work on a £5 million restoration project at the Russell Institute in Paisley is now complete.

The scheme was carried out by contractors CBC Ltd and the facility was officially reopened this week.

The former health centre is now home to a Skills & Employability Hub, featuring Skills Development Scotland and the Council's Invest in Renfrewshire employability team. It houses around 120 employees including careers and employability staff helping unemployed people across Renfrewshire and working closely with local businesses to create further jobs and grow the local economy.

In addition, CBC ensured the Institute's distinctive features were retained, from its ornate sculptures on the outside of the building, to its staircase and balcony inside.

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Speaking during the opening ceremony, Minister for Local Government and Housing Kevin Stewart said: "I'm delighted to have been invited to the official opening of the wonderfully restored Russell Institute in the heart of Paisley.

"Investing in community-led regeneration is a key part of our approach and I'd like to congratulate the Paisley Development Trust, the Council and the project team for securing the funding, including £2m from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, which has enabled the restoration of this iconic building back to its former glory.

"This is a great example of how we can use existing assets to regenerate our town centres and support local communities."

Michael Easson, Grants Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, added: "We're delighted our funding is being used to help transform this prominent Paisley landmark. The project will bring the building back into use and created a first class facility providing a skills and employability hub which will benefit the local community now and in the years to come."

(LM)