Kier has been contracted by Renfrewshire Council and OneRen to redevelop the museum as a world-class visitor destination in the heart of Paisley, bringing the historic building up to modern standards to safeguard its long-term future.

Once reopened, the museum is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Paisley town centre each year, delivering lasting social and economic benefits for local communities and businesses.

However, the project has been complex and challenging, with a number of unforeseen issues only able to be identified when construction was underway, according to the council.

This has meant a revised timetable for the completion of works ahead of fit-out of the building and the opening of the museum will now take place in the second half of next year.

A joint statement from Renfrewshire Council and OneRen said: “The modernisation of Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor destination is the first major refurbishment in the building’s 150-year history. 

“It is an extremely complex refurbishment and the contractors, Kier, have encountered a number of unforeseen issues which have impacted the timeline for completion and by extension, the opening.

“However, the work being undertaken will bring the historic building up to modern standards, protect its long-term future, and attract thousands of visitors to Paisley town centre each year. 

“Construction is expected to be complete by the end of this year, after which the fit-out phase will begin to prepare the museum to exhibit its outstanding collections of art, heritage and artefacts. 

“We are grateful to all our funders for their continued support as we work together to create a destination that celebrates Paisley and Renfrewshire’s unique place in the world.”

Following the completion of construction, the fit-out phase will begin, with the newly extended galleries allowing more of the museum’s remarkable items to be displayed than ever before.

A date for the official reopening will be confirmed by OneRen once construction is complete, with the museum expected to open in the second half of next year.