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.”
He added it was “common sense” to remove the rear, acknowledging it was unlikely it would have a use in any future proposal.
Councillor Shaw asked for specific conditions to be attached to the consent. These will see fencing secure the nearby Sea Scouts compound before work begins and 24-hour manned security in place throughout the project.
The building dates back to 1910 and was designed by Alexander Nisbet Paterson. It was leased by the police until June 2012 before they moved on to new premises in Station Road.
Since then, the two-storey building in the Baronial Revival style has lain vacant. The property has suffered severe deterioration in the years since, exacerbated by regular break-ins, vandalism and extensive water ingress.
Towards the end of last year, it was agreed at the finance, resources and customer services policy board approximately £110,000 should be spent on urgent repairs and maintenance works at the site.
The local authority previously submitted an application to the Levelling Up Fund for a £20 million project to transform the police station and neighbouring swimming baths into a community hub but the bid was unsuccessful.
Discussions with architects and designers have suggested it would not be viable to keep the rear in any future development, a supporting statement submitted with the application said.
Instead, it argued, the focus should be on retaining and maintaining the front sandstone building because of its “architectural merit”.
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