This is the next step in delivering the Johnstone Town Centre Vision, an ambitious long-term plan developed with the local community to redevelop Houstoun Square, Houston Court precinct and Ludovic Square as the social and cultural heart of the town. 

Improvements are already underway: the vacant buildings at 38 and 56 Houston Court are being refurbished and the vacant supermarket at Houston Court will be demolished this summer.  

The Scottish Government funding will be used to build 2 new commercial buildings on part of the former supermarket site, reconfigure parking and public spaces, and carry out landscaping to support a new green link between Houstoun Square and Ludovic Square.

Councillor Andy Steel, convener of the Economy and Regeneration Board, said: “I am pleased we’ve secured £850,000 Scottish Government funding to make improvements to the Houston Court precinct, in line with plans developed in consultation with the local community last summer.   

“These improvements are part of the Johnstone Town Centre Vision, the long-term plan we’ve developed with local residents to transform and grow Johnstone’s town centre.   

“We’re working to revitalise the Houston Court precinct, alongside Johnstone’s historic Houstoun Square and Ludovic Square, to create more welcoming, inclusive and flexible spaces for all to enjoy, to support local businesses, and to celebrate the town’s heritage.”  

Lochwinnoch heritage project

The local authority has also secured £45,000 from Historic Environment Scotland and £45,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a project proposal to regenerate the historic centre of Lochwinnoch.  

The Cornerstones project aims to empower people in Lochwinnoch to shape the place where they live and work by supporting investment in historic buildings in the village’s centre and by promoting the village’s history.

Councillor Steel added: “This funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund is a powerful acknowledgement of Lochwinnoch’s heritage and its importance to local communities.  

“We’re looking forward to working with residents and local organisations to support the development of the full project proposal. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to try and secure investment in Lochwinnoch’s heritage buildings and celebrate its unique architecture and history.”