The £4m project to regenerate Renfrew Town Centre has gained a top national award.

The Renfrew initiative, which was funded by Renfrewshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund, won the 'Development on the Ground' category in the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.

Councillor Iain Nicolson, convenor of Renfrewshire Council's Planning and Economic Development Policy Board, said: "It's very encouraging that our project to regenerate Renfrew Town Centre has been recognised in Scotland's top planning awards.


"Now that all the environmental, road and traffic changes are in place, people are seeing a real difference in the town. I would like thank everyone involved in developing and putting into practice what has been an innovative and challenging project.

"There were times when residents, shoppers and businesses had to be patient as the work progressed but everyone's commitment has paid off."

The investment in Renfrew has created new civic spaces, wider pavements, new lighting, and environmental improvements and was praised by the award judges for its use of high quality materials.

The project also improved links between Renfrew town centre and Renfrew Riverside.

"This major investment has revitalised Renfrew town centre," said Renfrewshire Council Leader Derek Mackay.

"The regeneration work in Renfrew has already won the 'Walking and the Public Realm' category in the Scottish Transport Awards. We're also embarking on the major renovation of Renfrew Town Hall. These are positive times for Renfrew."

(GK)