Demolition of the former food store at Houstoun Court in Johnstone, known as the Old Presto, is on track to begin next week as part of a major regeneration initiative. Renfrewshire Council confirmed that the flattening of the building remains scheduled to start on Monday, July 13.
Contract Award and Timeline
The demolition contract was awarded to Greenock-based contractor Caskie at the finance, resources and customer services policy board almost a month ago. The works are expected to run until Friday, October 2. The total value of the deal is £262,305.57, excluding VAT, which includes the contract sum and contingency spend.
Funding Sources
The project is funded by a £200,000 allocation from the Scottish Government place based investment programme and £62,305.57 of town centre regeneration funding approved by Renfrewshire Council in March 2022. The demolition and removal of buildings under this contract will support the creation of two new business units and a 'green' link between Houstoun and Ludovic squares, with reconfigured parking and public spaces, planting, and drainage.
Local Reaction
Councillor Chris Gilmour, a Labour representative for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, said: "This building, which was opened in the early 1970s and remembered fondly by many Johnstonians as 'Presto', has sadly fallen out of use in recent years. I believe the decision to demolish is the correct one. This building dominated the shops all around it and its decaying façade presented a very gloomy outlook for those shopping in Houstoun Court."
He added: "It provides Renfrewshire Council with the opportunity to really make a difference, not only in Houstoun and Ludovic Squares, but also the space in between. There is some welcome investment coming, however, I believe this should just be the start of an investment process which will see the area made into a space which can be used all year round to promote the people and businesses of Johnstone and the surrounding area."
