THE wraps are about to come off a landmark development in Paisley town centre.

More than 270 students are expected to move into the £7million Gilmour House development above the Piazza Shopping Centre.

Work started on the building earlier this month and is expected to be complete by mid-May, transforming it from a disused office block into trendy accommodation.

Its opening will represent a significant milestone in plans to revitalise Paisley town centre, with hopes that the students will provide a boost to the local economy.

Matthew Dyas, of the Gil- mour House project, said: "The speed with which the construction has taken place is phenomenal, just six weeks from start to finish, and we aim to get all the students signed up by September.

"Not only are we rede-veloping an out-of-use building, we are transfor- ming it into quality, aff- ordable accommodation.

"The students there will all pay below-average rents, so they will have spare cash to spend in pubs, shops and rest- aurants. It will be a boost to the local economy.

"The response we've had from everyone in Paisley has been terrific."

The five-storey empty office block will offer accommodation for more than 270 students, with 196 rooms en-suites.

Each floor has communal kitchens and living areas.

The completion will come after two other new residential developments in the town centre which Renfrewshire Council hope will drive the area's regeneration.

Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "Bringing people back to live in the town centre is a key part of the regeneration programme for Paisley.

"It's very encouraging that there is this major investment in student accommodation.

"There has already been new housing successfully launched at the Cloisters development by Westpoint Homes opposite Paisley Abbey and the Link Group recently announced plans for social housing which will revive the Arnott's site.

"All these measures are providing a real boost for the town and for the local economy."

Students looking for more information can visit www.facebook.com/PaisleyStudent Accommodation

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk