Plans to knock down part of landmark former police station in Renfrew given green light

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Plans to knock down part of the prominent former police station in Renfrew have been approved – a major step in what has been branded a "sorry saga".Renfrewshire Council will demolish the rear portion of the B-listed landmark in Inchinnan Road – namely offices and cells – and strip the front of materials that contain dry and wet rot, including panelling from an old courthouse.The local authority previously explained the costs linked to shoring up the back, combined with a lack of alternative uses for the cells, meant it was not "economically viable" to save and taking action would strengthen the development potential of the front.While the council secured listed building consent, subject to conditions, at Tuesday's planning and climate change policy board, elected members expressed sadness at the situation.Councillor John Shaw, an SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said: "It's a sorry saga that we get to this stage and it's hugely disappointing to see the loss of such important features – just seeing the court there."I think I'm realistic in accepting that if this building is to have a future use then it's unlikely it would have been as a court room ...

There's been suggestions it perhaps could've been a museum which I think was looked at in the past and the decision was taken that it wasn't viable."Renfrewshire Live, the new free app dedicated to bringing you around the clock breaking news, is now available to download.Powered by the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Live is your go-to source for news, features and sport with live coverage provided direct to the app, seven days a week.The dedicated team of experienced journalists, responsible for the publication of the award-winning Express, will focus