Johnstone Town Centre Vision – Update - AM reviewed 26 05 26
Renfrewshire Council · 26 May 2026
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 26 May 2026 and its agenda
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Board On: 26 May 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Johnstone Town Centre Vision – Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform the Economy and Regeneration Board of progress in delivery of the Johnstone Town Centre Vision framework. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board:- (i) Notes strong progress in actions supporting delivery of the Johnstone Town Centre Vision, as set out in section 4 of the report; (ii) Approves acceptance by Renfrewshire Council of grant funding totalling £850,000 from the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, enabling delivery of enhancements at the Houston Court precinct; (iii) Notes that the Head of Economy and Development will continue to undertake appropriate consultation and publicity with the local community to support delivery of the Vision; (iv) Notes that further progress on delivery of the plan will be reported to the Board as appropriate.
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PUBLIC _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Johnstone Town Centre Vision sets out an ambitious, long term framework for the future transformation and growth of Johnstone town centre. Developed with the local community, the plan sets out a range of actions to introduce new uses, encourage town centre living, enhance public spaces, support community activities and improve pedestrian and traffic movement. 3.2 The Vision was approved by the Economy and Regeneration Board in May 2024, with three projects identified as ‘early win’ actions to support meaningful impact and act as a catalyst for wider delivery. These focus on enhancements to the town’s civic squares, Johnstone Town Hall as well as celebrating local heritage. ___________________________________________________________________ 4 Vision Progress 4.1 The Board of 18 March 2025 noted initial steps in taking forward these actions, with strong progress now made to support delivery. (i) Civic Squares 4.2 This project has a focus on Houston Square, Houston Court precinct and Ludovic Square, as the social and cultural heart of the town. Improvements seek to enhance the role and function of the squares, provide spaces which encourage people to visit, gather and spend time, as well as supporting an enhanced sense of place for the town centre. 4.3 Initial designs were progressed as a basis for consultation with local members, key stakeholders and the local community, with this taking place in late spring 2025. Outcomes from the consultation, which included a staffed exhibition supported by online material, informed finalised proposals and include:- • Demolition of the long term vacant former supermarket at Houston Court and creation of a new ‘green’ link between the two squares, with reconfigured parking and public spaces, planting and drainage; • Construction of two new flexible business units on part of the former supermarket site, alongside refurbishment of the existing vacant units at 38 and 56 Houston Court; • Planting, seating and lighting improvements at Houston and Ludovic Squares, including new power infrastructure at Houston Square to support additional events and activities. Funding 4.4 The project will be delivered through multiple funding streams, including the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). The Board meeting of 26 August 2025 approved allocation of funds to support demolition of the foodstore and
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PUBLIC refurbish the retail units, along with the submission of a Stage 2 application to the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) in support of the new ‘green link’. 4.5 Following submission of the RCGF application in late 2025, the Scottish Government confirmed in March 2026 that the application had been successful and issued a grant offer of £850,000. Formal acceptance of the grant offer will enable delivery of the new business units, reconfigured car park and associated public realm following demolition of the vacant foodstore. 4.6 Officers are exploring additional external funding sources to supplement the RCGF grant. These include the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund, which is administered by the Glasgow City Region. Discussions are ongoing to determine whether the project meets the eligibility criteria for funding as enabling commercial space. Timescales 4.7 Works to refurbish the existing retail units are underway and anticipated to complete in early summer 2026. Progress is also well advanced in respect of demolition of the former foodstore, with statutory approvals in place and a procurement process underway. It is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed in early summer, with works commencing thereafter. 4.8 A finalised design package for delivery of new retail units and public realm is being developed for tender in the second half of 2026. It is anticipated that following the statutory approvals process and appointment of a contractor, works will commence in early 2027. (ii) Johnstone Town Hall 4.9 Johnstone Town Hall is an important asset at the heart of the community, but with a focus and uses which have altered post-Covid. In this context specialist consultants were appointed in spring 2025 to consider how the building could be repositioned to support new uses and activities, to play an enhanced role as the civic and cultural heart of the town. A copy of the commission’s report is available to members on request. 4.10 Key findings from the commission include:- • The Town Hall is a modern building in good physical condition, although there are opportunities to enhance this further through ‘light touch’ enhancements which improve entrances and visibility, connections to Ludovic Square and (internally) the potential for a more visitor friendly ‘street’ and displays; • The primary market for Town Hall uses and activities is within a local catchment, with potential demand for cultural activity (theatre, music, galleries), a heritage offer and wellbeing provision; • There are opportunities to strengthen the civic role of the Town Hall, while animating the building through expanding commercial activities (office space, leisure and hires) and exploring potential opportunities for resident creative and community organisations.
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PUBLIC 4.11 Outcomes from the commission reflect the strategic work undertaken by OneRen, who operate the Town Hall, over the past two years to increase footfall and engagement in the venue, including the reopening of the café, operated on a commercial basis by a local Renfrewshire supplier, and a targeted increase in the public performance programme. The high-level opportunities identified within the report will be used to inform and support discussions with OneRen, helping to drive continued growth at Johnstone Town Hall over the next five years, strengthen the brand identity and further animate both the interior and exterior of the venue. (iii) Heritage 4.12 Two projects have been progressed to support delivery of heritage actions within the Vision framework. These focus on repairs to Johnstone Bandstand and the creation of a new heritage trail. Johnstone Bandstand 4.13 A condition survey and repair plan for the Bandstand and civic square fountains was commissioned in spring 2024 to inform development of restoration proposals. The study found that while the Bandstand is in good general condition overall, a number of elements are reaching the end of their service life. Recommended repairs focus on rainwater goods, ironwork and resetting of slabs and sets, as well sympathetic redecoration of the structure. 4.14 Officers are progressing a detailed scope and tender package for restoration works in line with the study recommendations. To support this, an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) was submitted in early 2026 to explore the potential for match funding in delivery of works. While NLHF have recently indicated the application was not successful on this occasion, officers will continue to explore match funding opportunities. 4.15 Funding remains available from internal Council budgets to deliver key elements of the Bandstand project. The Council meeting of 3 March 2022 agreed a package of investment for centres across Renfrewshire, including £0.5M for Johnstone. It is anticipated that a proportion of this allocation will be used to support delivery. Following the completion of designs, statutory approval process and procurement of a contractor, it is anticipated that works will commence in early 2027. Heritage Trail 4.16 A digital heritage trail exploring Johnstone town centre has been developed by officers working in partnership with local community groups including Johnstone Community Council, Johnstone Business Consortium and Johnstone Heritage Museum. The trail offers a self-led walking tour through the rich heritage of the town, highlighting key buildings, geographical features and reflecting on Johnstone’s industrial past, using local archives and collections.
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PUBLIC 4.17 A key innovative feature of the digital app is the use of augmented reality, to help show Johnstone’s historic built environment where this has been lost. The trail will be primarily available as a free digital app, with a physical leaflet also being developed. The app is currently in testing stages with local community groups, with publication anticipated in summer 2026. Examples of the user interface for the digital trail are shown at Appendix 1 to this report. ___________________________________________________________________ 5 Progress and Reporting 5.1 Progress on delivery of the framework and the projects outlined in section 4 above will be reported to the Board on a rolling basis, with future projects brought forward for the Board’s consideration. ________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – Additional funding is being sought to enable delivery of further elements of the Houston Court. Clarification is currently being sought from the Glasgow City Region regarding the project’s eligibility to receive funding from the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy – The plan supports the empowerment of local communities to become more involved in shaping their places. 4. Legal – None 5. Property/Assets – None 6. Information Technology – None 7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None 9. Procurement – None 10. Risk – None 11. Privacy Impact – None
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PUBLIC 12. Climate Risk – The framework will encourage sustainable neighbourhoods, sustainable links and enhancements to green space. 13. Children’s Rights – None 14. COSLA Policy Position – None _______________________________________________________ List of Background Papers (a) Johnstone Town Centre Vision Framework. Economy and Regeneration Board, 28 May 2024. (b) Town Centre Regeneration Update. Economy and Regeneration Board, 18 March 2025. (c) Regeneration Funding Bids Update 2025. Economy and Regeneration Board, 26 August 2025. __________________________________________________________________ Author: Euan Shearer, Regeneration and Place Manager Email: euan.shearer@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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PUBLIC Appendix 1 – Johnstone Heritage Trail screenshots