Cradle of the Royal House of Stewart
Future Plans
This is how Paisley Abbey will look in two years’ time when £2million is spent on giving it a brand new look.
These architect’s impressions show how the fourth cloister will be restored, adding to the existing three stone passageways and completing the traditional four-sided courtyard.
The Paisley Daily Express has pledged £5,000 to a £2m fundraising drive that was launched recently for the Abbey, and Edinburgh firm Simpson & Brown Architects will transform some aspects of the 12th century building.
Plans include:
- Rebuilding the Abbey’s fourth cloister to complete the original four-sided courtyard.
- Creating a new indoor space between the Abbey and the adjoining Place of Paisley, which is a former manse on the site.
- Refurbishing the Place of Paisley so it can stage more concerts and conferences and
- Introducing better facilities - possibly including toilets, shops and a public hall for visitors.
Jenny Humphreys, a partner in Simpson & Brown Architects, said: “The form of the building itself is at the core of the plans. We are keen that the Abbey entrance is kept low to give some glimpse into the courtyard and to give it a bit of respect.
“It is interesting when you look back at the history of how the town developed round the medieval Abbey, and adding buildings surrounding it helps connect it to the rest of the town.”
The aim of the revamp is to bring the landmark building more into the heart of the community and by 2013 it is hoped that the town’s biggest attraction will be an even bigger source of pride for people across Renfrewshire.
The Church of Scotland Abbey and the Place of Paisley — where the shop and cafe are based - are the town’s oldest remaining buildings and are of huge historical importance. Over the coming months a special fundraising committee will drum up interesting ways to hit the £2m target. One method is to sponsor a slate for the Fourth Cloister Project.
Anyone who sponsors a slate will receive a certificate to acknowledge their donation, and you can also buy one on behalf of a friend or loved one.
How to donate:
You can do this by picking up a Fourth Cloister Project application form at the Abbey shop, filling it in and sending it with a cheque, payable to Paisley Abbey to:
Paisley Abbey Slate Appeal
Paisley Abbey
Abbey Close
Paisley
PA1 1JG
You can also call the Abbey office on 0141 889 7654 and pay using your credit or debit card details.
Forms are now also available at the Paisley Daily Express office in New Street.
Article from The Paisley Daily Express, May 16th, 2011
