Scotland

Gordon Street receives a makeover

Gordon Street

A £4 million refurbishment scheme has been completed in Paisley.

Completed in March 2012, the 4-16 Gordon Street project comprised the refurbishment of fifty-three residential units in a prominent location within the town centre. Of these flats, forty-seven units are affordable accommodation for the rental market, whilst six are privately-owned flats. The project has also included the refurbishment of six commercial premises.

The scheme was implemented by Paisley South Housing Association after Renfrewshire Council flagged the site as a high priority project within its overall regeneration strategy. Renfrewshire Council provided grant assistance for both the privately-owned flats and the commercial premises. Paisley South Housing Association were supported by subsidy from the Scottish Government.

Lovell was the main contractor, whilst ASSIST Architects Ltd was the architect. Glasgow based Allied Stewart & Williamson was the quantity surveyor and the structural consultant was Structural Partnership.

Work began in November 2009 and included the complete strip-out of the units, new finishes to roofing and the grouting of foundations. Extensive repairs were also made to stonework and new windows were installed across the units.

Original common toilets were removed to the rear of the buildings, whilst further landscaping also took place to the backcourt areas behind the properties. The landscaping works included the installation of boundary walls, fences and paths, along with improvements to grass-covered areas and the provision of refuse storage facilities.

The project encountered a number of challenges, including delays in funding approval. Access to Gordon Street was also problematic at times due to the location of the site within Paisley town centre.

All of the work has been designed to bring the area back to its former glory, whilst at the same time ensuring that each unit meets the current standards of living.

Now that the work is complete, all of the owners of the privately-owned flats have returned to their homes, whilst new tenants have taken up residence in the rented accommodation.

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