Renfrewshire Council is preparing to strengthen security at the fire-hit former Royal Alexandra Infirmary (RAI) in Paisley and charge the owner for the works. The local authority has confirmed it is “not satisfied” by the measures in place at the B-listed building in Calside, weeks after stating only “minor matters” were unresolved.
Statutory notice to be served
A council spokesperson said: “Officers have visited the site this week and are not satisfied by the current level of security offered by the owner to avoid trespass.”
“Officers will now serve a statutory notice on the property owner and thereafter undertake the required work and implement the relevant security measures. The council will seek the costs of all works from the property owner.”
The move follows repeated concerns raised by an elected member over the future of the heritage building.
History of fires and security concerns
Firefighters extinguished a blaze at the property at the end of June, as well as a small fire in early September. It is understood the council advised the owner that fencing should be resecured, a two-tier system introduced, additional Sitex installed to prevent access via doors and windows, and visible metal ladders cut or removed to deter climbing.
A deadline was set and extended, with the local authority saying it would consider stepping in if works were not completed to a “satisfactory standard”. Last month, a spokesperson said works undertaken to prevent trespassing were “in line” with what it had asked of the owner, adding that “some minor matters” remained outstanding but that it did not consider it “necessary” to take formal action at that stage.
Councillor welcomes development
Councillor Eddie Devine, who represents Paisley Southeast, said: “I am absolutely delighted with this development and I hope the council will follow through with it. It needs to make sure that those who own this building actually live up to what the people of Paisley require.”
The old RAI, which was also damaged by a fire in 2022, has been a long-running source of concern for nearby residents after becoming a target for vandals. In May 2024, permissions were granted for a multi-million-pound redevelopment of the site, with plans to transform the building and grounds into 81 flats. Architects had proposed converting the original infirmary into 45 flats and building two additional blocks with a combined 36 units, but it remains to be seen whether that vision will come to fruition.
