A significant milestone in the regeneration of Paisley has been reached as construction work on the landmark Paisley Museum redevelopment is officially complete.

The £68.7 million project, led by Renfrewshire Council, has seen the A-listed museum building and the Coats Observatory—the oldest public observatory in Scotland—extensively restored and modernised. Designed by international architects AL_A, the transformation features a striking new red-glass accessible entrance and a panoramic extension on the High Street, intended to create a world-class cultural destination.

The project has doubled the available exhibition space, allowing more of the museum's internationally significant collections to go on public display. The revitalised campus now includes a new outdoor garden that reveals previously hidden views of the observatory, alongside dedicated learning spaces, a heritage centre, a café-restaurant, and a retail unit.

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Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Renfrewshire Council's spokesperson for culture and Chair of OneRen, said: "I'm delighted we've reached such an important milestone in the transformation of the Museum as the construction works finish and we now move into the fit-out period ahead of reopening.

"As with many projects involving historic buildings and with this being the first major refurbishment in its 150-year history, there have been challenges, but I'm excited for us to now look forward now to the fit-out process as we create the environment that will allow us to tell the stories of Paisley's history and its people."

The construction phase was delivered by Kier, while the upcoming fit-out and exhibition installation will be led by HUB Build. This next stage involves working with the town's 'Secret Collection' to install approximately 100 displays, many of which have been co-produced with local and international community groups.

Phil McDowell, regional director of Kier Construction North & Scotland, commented: "Completing the construction phase of Paisley Museum marks a proud moment for everyone involved. Working on a project of such cultural and architectural importance has been a privilege, and our teams have been committed to ensuring the highest standards throughout."

The redevelopment is a central part of a decade-long, £100 million investment in Paisley's cultural infrastructure, which includes the refurbished Paisley Town Hall, the Learning and Cultural Hub, and the Paisley Arts Centre. Funding for the museum has been provided by Renfrewshire Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, and the Scottish Government, alongside private donors and benefactors.

The fit-out and object installation are expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2026, with the museum planned to reopen to the public later this year.