A LIBRARY in Paisley has been recognised for its architecture by being shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
The Paisley Central Library has been named as a finalist in the Civic Project category in the AJ Architecture Awards.
More than 120 projects have been shortlisted across 20 categories as part of the annual showcase of the very best construction and architectural projects across the UK.
The four-story library, which is at the heart of the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, blends modern design with community-focused amenities.
Renfrewshire Council invested £7 million into the building as part of its ongoing drive to regenerate Paisley and give people new reasons to visit the town centre.
Run by local culture and leisure trust OneRen, it offers a vibrant children’s library, and a storytelling area, along with a play structure, complete with a climbing wall and slide, which was co-designed by Scottish artist Claire Barclay.
The upper floors of the building house a variety of community spaces, including an outdoor terrace, study areas, and multipurpose rooms for events.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Renfrewshire Council's cultural spokesperson and chair of OneRen, hailed the library's recognition by making the shortlist as she said the building offers people in Paisley the chance to discover or rediscover a love for reading.
She said: “The new Paisley Central Library is part of a sustained investment by the Council in culture as we recognise the benefits that this can bring to people now and in generations to come.
“With Paisley Central Library, we have created a modern, inviting facility that is giving people in Renfrewshire the opportunity to discover, or rediscover, a love for reading and learning – and you can’t underestimate how important that is for people or all ages.
“It’s fantastic that the project has been recognised in such a prestigious set of awards and it is a testament to the work that everyone involved in the project has put in. I just hope we’re successful on the night as the team deserves all the accolades coming their way.”
The library has already been recognised this year winning ESG Refurbishment of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards and the Physical category at the EDGE Awards.
The winners of the 20 categories, plus the three editorial-chosen awards, will be announced on December 3.
Ewan Imrie, architect and director at Collective Architecture, hopes the building's design will spark further regeneration in Paisley.
He said: "Being shortlisted for the AJ Architecture Awards, which celebrates the best Civic Projects across the UK, is a fantastic achievement.
“It reflects the vision of our client and the dedication of our team. We hope this building will not only provide a vibrant public space on Paisley High Street but also spark further regeneration in the area.”
