Paisley to design new museum in City of Culture bid

A £56 million plan to create a national museum of textile and design in a town famous for its historic mills has been unveiled.

The restored Grand Fountain in Paisley. (Pic by Lenny Warren/Warren Media)

It is part of Paisley’s bid to be named UK City of Culture 2021 and involves creating a hub to build links with national museums, international institutions and local art groups. The proposals aim to build on the town’s textile and weaving industries, which created the Paisley Shawl and famous Paisley Pattern.

A £500,000 “cultural pot” is to be established to support community projects, while the architecture of the town and buildings such as the 12th-century Paisley Abbey will be promoted.

Renfrewshire Council leaders believe the regeneration of the culture sector could help support 250 new jobs and bring £88m to the local economy.

Paisley’s bid to succeed Hull as City of Culture is to be officially launched in a two-day event today and tomorrow, including a light show projected on to the abbey. Those attending are being encouraged to wear the Paisley Pattern.

Council leader Mark Macmillan said: “Paisley was once at the heart of the global textile industry and by connecting that heritage to the future through a new transformed museum, we aim to bring the world to Paisley.

“The museum will become the cultural, social and economic heart of the town. It will be transformed for tourists and local families alike