Concerns raised over historic Paisley building

Jul 27 2012 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

CAMPAIGNERS are battling to save one of Paisley’s most historic buildings from destruction.

There are growing fears that the former Territorial Army drill hall in the town’s High Street could be lost forever unless it is given better protection.

The B-listed building has a proud history dating back to 1896 and was designed by famous Paisley architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie.

However, it has been lying empty since 2007 and has been repeatedly targeted by vandals since then.

A fire caused serious damage back in December 2008 and, today, the Paisley Daily Express publishes new photographs which show just how badly the old hall has deteriorated.

Dozens of windows have been smashed, lead has been stripped from the roof and debris lies scattered on the ground.

History enthusiast Brian McGuire told the Paisley Daily Express: “The Territorial Army hall was one of the finest-looking buildings in the town but it has been left to rot, inside and out.

“I joined the Army there and have got a bit of a background with the building, so it’s terrible to see the place in such a state.

“More needs to be done to keep this building safe . . . before it is lost forever.”