A MASTERPLAN has been unveiled for Paisley which could result in its multi-million pound transformation.

The aim is to increase tourism to the town, boost the economy by £45 million a year and create around 800 new jobs.

If the scheme is successful, it is hoped Paisley will be in a position to bid for UK City of Culture in 2021.

The key recommendations include a multi-million pound revamp of Paisley Museum, to create a nationally recognised museum of textiles, fashion, costume and design.

A study will be launched to find a space for a new theatre, as well as further developments at key tourist sites, including Paisley Town Hall and the Coats Observatory.

A fashion and design centre will be created and work will be done to the town centre to improve the experience for visitors.

The plan, which will go before councillors next week, will also look at whether Paisley's industrial legacy could be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The report also recommends work to tell visitors the story of the town and the developiment of a programme of cultural activity around existing assets taking in the town's thriving arts and cultural scene, including the UK's largest youth theatre.

The works in the investment plan, which was written after extensive consultation, is estimated to cost around £90m.

Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "This report is the culmination of months of work to determine how Paisley could best use its rich heritage to build a better future for the area.

"It shows Paisley offers a tremendous range of valuable and unique cultural attractions and suggests how we could use that to transform our future."