PXLS

Our flagship project, PXLS aims to bring cinema back to Paisley High Street. The name is inspired by the chosen site on Paisley Cross, once the location of the well known La Scala Cinema: Paisley Cross La Scala – PXLS

Context

In 2020, Renfrewshire Council in Partnership with The Scottish Government and Scotland’s Towns Partnership, published: ‘Paisley is open; A Vision for Paisley Town Centre 2030’. The publication, produced by Threesixty Architecture, sought to investigate and present a vision of how Paisley could transform over the next decade to inject vitality and vibrancy back into the town centre. It concluded the need for Community driven projects that would deliver future leisure destinations in the town that would act as key attractors. These would be vital at re-energising the High Street by maximising footfall and dwell time.

PCT are ready to deliver on one of the identified projects. The creation of a High Street Community Hub including a Digital Skills Academy and a Community Cinema – PXLS.

CONTEXT

Paisley Vision 2030

The recently launched ‘Paisley is Open: A Vision for Paisley Town Centre 2030’ study is a radical pilot project by the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Threesixty Architecture and provides the context for this project

One of the key findings of the study is the importance of locating attractors like a cinema in the Town Centre. Key Attractors are vital to re-energise the High Street by maximising footfall, increasing dwell time and encouraging complementary uses to flourish alongside.

Three sites within the central area of the High Street were considered and Option 3 was found to be the most suitable.

CONTEXT

Site Evaluation

The site is currently occupied by an unlisted 1970’s 2 storey building, The Basement level is home to the ‘Secret Collection’ publicly accessible Museum storage facility operated by Renfrewshire Leisure. The site has excellent visibility on High Street and on approach from Gilmour Street Station.

There is some historical resonance as this was the location of the La Scala Cinema which had a set back from High Street creating a public space. The site is sloping and as a consequence can be serviced from the rear at basement level. The High Street frontage is 30 metres wide and north facing and incorporates the Museum entrance. The site area is 2370 sqm.

  • Prominent location on High Street with great visibility on approach from Gilmour Street Station.
  • Cinema Boxes can be buried toward rear of site, away from High Street frontage.
  • Size of site allows creation of public space in front of entrance to provide appropriate setting.
  • Cinema can be serviced from rear away from High Street.
  • Provides synergy with Museum store below from a leisure / cultural offer perspective.
  • Potential to replace poor quality building with a considered, contemporary addition to the High street.

CONTEXT

Next Steps

With support from Regional Screen Scotland and Renfrewshire Council, a detailed Feasibility Study including Capital Expenditure costings was undertaken to explore the practical possibilities and costs related to the development of our preferred site, the first floor and roof space of 7-11 High Street, a key property and current eyesore in the town. An Outline Business Case has also been produced to prove the Social and Economic viability.

The viability is proven, the suitability of the site is well matched and the cost are ‘green’ and affordable. Most importantly the positive impact to the town and our communities will be immense.

Adopting a ‘Town centre first’ principle we are asking Renfrewshire Council, The Scottish and UK Government’s join with us in the fast-track delivery of PXLS as Project 1 of the plan.

PCT are now embarking on the planning phase and need your support and endorsement.

We are asking you, on behalf of your organisation to lend your support to the creation of a High Street Community Hub, Digital Skills Academy and Community Cinema.

All we require is a simple letter of endorsement reflecting your support, the need for such an initiative in the town and what transformation you believe it will bring to the Town and our Communities. 

PXLS

Floor plans

The main cinema screen floor takes advantage of views over the Cenotaph Square to create a round-the-clock leisure destination where the public can dwell with a strong connection to the High Street

Architectural Visualisation