my little town of renfrew

Thousands see opening of revamped Renfrew Town Hall THOUSANDS gathered in Renfrew on Saturday to enjoy the reopening of the town hall. An afternoon of entertainment was laid on to celebrate the completion of a £5.2million revamp of Renfrew Town Hall, which dates back 140 years. A parade from the town’s Robertson Park started the celebrations, followed by a performance from Renfrew Burgh Band. Former X Factor star Gamu took to the stage alongside children’s entertainers, The Singing Kettle. A Clyde One roadshow and funfair rides kept the crowds entertained before the A-listed town hall was officially declared open by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Provost Celia Lawson and Derek Mackay MSP. A spectacular fireworks display after the official opening was the highlight of the day and attracted a huge crowd to the High Street. Over 150 people took the opportunity to see inside the restored town hall and newly-created Renfrew Community Museum. Provost Celia Lawson, said: “Everyone involved with the £5.2m modernisation aimed to reflect how much the town hall means to the people of Renfrew. “That was clearly demonstrated at the opening ceremony where the community got behind the event and we had a big turnout of people enjoying a landmark occasion. “I’d like to thank everyone who supported the project.” Councillor Eileen McCartin, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Community and Family Care Policy Board, said: “The modernisation of the town hall has preserved its heritage and also given Renfrew a top-quality facility. “It’s like having a new building inside the traditional exterior. The new museum is also an exceptional feature which does full justice to Renfrew’s proud past.” Designed in 1872 by Paisley architect John Lamb, the building at the end of Renfrew’s High Street has been completely reworked with ornamental devices like cornices, plasterwork and decorative urns around the rooftop parapet repaired or replaced to their original standard. External landscaping was complemented with the use of Caithness flagstones, granite ramps and steps. The building was given a new steel frame structure and the flat roof was replaced. The new community museum was built alongside the hall to display the town’s history, and takes visitors through the history of Renfrew from medieval times to the present day using objects, pictures, film and people’s own words.