MORE than £2million is needed to breathe new life into one of Paisley's best known buildings.

A public sector organisation is keen to move into the Russell Institute but can't afford the cost of carrying out extensive improvements to the town centre site.

Historic Scotland, an agency of the Scottish Government, is being urged to step in and provide a significant grant to allow the unnamed organisation to buy the 86-year-old building from the NHS and carry out repairs.

An application for a "substantial" sum of money has been lodged by Renfrewshire Council. But officials refuse to say how much they want because the issue is "sensitive." However, the maximum amount of grant available is up to £500,000,which is considerably less than the amount of money needed for renovations.

The Russell Institute has lain empty for two years but a potential buyer is being lined up by senior council officials and volunteers with the Paisley Development Trust, which is dedicated to the regeneration of the town.

Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "The Russell Institute is an iconic site in the centre of Paisley but sadly it is in need of investment.

"We have an understanding with the NHS where, if we can help secure a tenant, the health service will dispose of the building.

"We are now waiting to hear whether the Scottish Government is willing to back the efforts of the community to bring this important building back into use.

"The council is determined to make use of the area's superb architectural heritage, which has already been on show this month, having been commented on by many of the visitors we had for the Mòd."

A spokeswoman for Historic Scotland said: "An application for grant assistance has been received from Renfrewshire Council towards redevelopment of the A-listed Russell Institute building.

"Total costs for the repair and restore project are estimated at £2.138m. The application for Historic Scotland grant is presently under appraisal, with decisions expected to be made by November 30."

The institute sits on the corner of New Street and Causeyside Street and has bronze and stone sculptures on the outside walls. It was gifted by Miss Agnes Russell who wanted it used as a child welfare clinic in memory of her two brothers.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk