WE revealed earlier this week how Paisley has lost its crown as Scotland's largest town to East Kilbride.

WE revealed earlier this week how Paisley has lost its crown as Scotland's largest town to East Kilbride. Today CATRIONA STEWART looks at what the future holds for the capital of Renfrewshire.

FOR centuries Paisley Abbey has looked out over the historic town. From the schoolhouse of William Wallace to the place of worship for generations of weavers, the Abbey has formed the heart of Paisley.

But around the famous landmark, the town has suffered a staggering decline with neighbouring buildings run down and ragged.

A double whammy of rival shopping malls and the credit crunch have hit the town hard.

And traders say the decision to pedestrianise the town centre 10 years ago has driven shoppers away.

Now, a new generation of Buddies is wondering what next for the town.

Bob Darracott, director of planning and transport for Renfrewshire, has high hopes but he admits turning Paisley back into a thriving, successful hub will be take a lot of work - and cash.

A grant from the lottery backed Townscape Heritage Initiative has brought in £1.5million to revamp the historic area of the town.

The money is earmarked for restoring the derelict fire station in Gordon Street. It is also to be used to restore the tenements and shopfronts in the Cross/Oakshaw conservation area.

Paisley is also set to benefit from part of a £92m boost to upgrade schools and leisure facilities across Renfrewshire, and is to be given £7.1m by Renfrewshire Council to develop the Lagoon Leisure Centre into a state-of-the-art community sports hub with gym, swimming pool, spa and steam room.

Bosses also plan to offer climbing walls, skateboard parks and mountain bike equipment.

Extra investment is set to come from Reid Kerr College, which is turning the YMCA building into a drama studio and negotiations are under way with housing developers to build on several town centre sites.

Westpoint Homes has plans to create 40 high-quality flats in the heart of the town, on a 2.8-acre site - around Cotton Street, Gauze Street and Mill Street - that housed the former council headquarters.

The former Arnott site is one of the largest derelict areas in Paisley and a symbol of the failing town centre, but there are now plans to build a mixed-use development including flats, a care home for the elderly and extra parking.

Mr Darracott said: "Paisley has a lot to be proud of and we really need to market it in a way that lets people know the positives.

"It has been hit hard by out of town developments and the economic situation but it is a historic place with many fantastic old buildings.

"It's going to take a lot to restore Paisley but we're working extremely hard to do so."

Council bosses are also working to make the town centre safer and more accessible.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is gearing up for a major revamp of the bus station while a new scheme has seen more police, taxi marshals and wardens patrolling the streets.

Councillor Alistair Watson, convener of SPT, said: "SPT views Paisley as a key transport interchange, particularly with the development of the airport link. Paisley is also a key part of our development plans."

Renfrewshire Council is also offering to refurbish out-dated retail units to the standard of out-of-town shopping malls for new occupiers and there's a grant scheme for existing retailers to give their shops a make-over.

Council chiefs also admit closing town centre streets to cars was a mistake - and several streets have been re-opened.

Combined, they say these moves will make Paisley attractive to new retail investors.

Mr Darracott added: "We're taking many steps in the right direction but it will be tough.

"We're fighting against Braehead and Silverburn, which offer very attractive options to large retailers.

"The easy accessibility is a double edged sword. While it's easy for shoppers to come to Paisley, it's also easy for locals to go to Glasgow instead.

"With everything we're planning for Paisley, though, and with a wee bit of luck, we're confident of a bright and successful future."

Paisley also benefits from the University of the West of Scotland, which has invested £27m in the town over the last nine years.

Gill Troup, depute principal of University of the West of Scotland, said: "As our operational headquarters, Paisley Campus plays a key role in the university's ongoing development and success, and we are committed to building on the considerable contribution the university makes to the local area.

"As part of a £250m campus-wide investment programme, plans include the development of new residences, providing housing for 500 students in the town centre which will undoubtedly result in significant benefits to the local economy."

Councillor Derek Mackay is leader of Renfrewshire Council and chairman of Paisley Vision, a public-private partnership.

He believes the key to reviving Paisley is generating pride in the town's historic past.

Mr Mackay said: "East Kilbride has done well in making the most of the advantages it has enjoyed as a new town in terms of public funding and development.

"While Paisley is proud of its past, our efforts are also focused on the town's future.

"Air, road and rail links are outstanding and the airport rail link and the M74 completion project will enhance those.

"The town has a thriving academic sector with a university and a college.

"Culturally, you can choose from the work of famous Buddies such as David Tennant, John Byrne, Sandy Stoddard, Paolo Nutini and Gerard Butler, to mention only a few.

"The partnership approach led by Renfrewshire Council and Paisley Vision is bringing practical improvements.

"Paisley's strengths can be summed up in the campaign promoting the town - Paisley: proud past, promising future."