Plans for the regeneration of Paisley town centre in Renfrewshire, west Scotland, have received a £1.5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through its Townscape Heritiage Initiative (THI).

The grant, which is the largest to be awarded in the region since the HLF designated Renfrewshire as one of its development priority areas in 2008, will be used to help reverse years of economic decline caused by the collapse of local industry. Funding will go towards a number of schemes, including the restoration of an empty former fire station, repairs to historic buildings such as Paisley Arts Centre, and four public realm projects.

Colin McLean of the HLF said: "Our research shows that these THI schemes can really help turn local economies around, not only by improving how historic towns look and feel, but also by prompting business start-ups and creating new jobs. Investment like this goes well beyond looking after the bricks and mortar of a building." Renfrewshire Council leader Derek Mackay added: "Regenerating Paisley town centre is a top priority for Renfrewshire Council and the Heritage Lottery Funds will provide a welcome boost which will allow us to tackle the issues involved in the preservation and enhancement of the outstanding built heritage of Paisley."