The owners of a fire-hit former hospital building in Paisley have been ordered to complete works to make it “safe and secure” by the end of July, following a deliberate blaze last month.
Council Issues Deadline for Safety Works
Renfrewshire Council has outlined a series of measures that must be undertaken at the old Royal Alexandra Infirmary (RAI) in Calside by Friday, July 31. The directive comes after firefighters extinguished a fire at the property on Sunday, June 28, which police are treating as deliberate and continue to investigate.
The local authority has advised that fencing should be resecured and a two-tier security system introduced. Additional Sitex barriers must be installed to prevent access via doors and windows, and visible metal ladders should be cut or removed to deter climbing. The council has also recommended the installation of CCTV or motion sensors to secure the building.
Council Spokesperson Statement
A council spokesperson said: “We have contacted the owners of the Royal Alexandra Infirmary and outlined works which need to be undertaken to make the building safe and secure. These works must be completed by Friday, July 31. We have also recommended the installation of CCTV or motion sensors to secure the building. If the works are not carried out to a satisfactory standard, the council or Police Scotland will consider undertaking the works themselves and charging the costs back to the owners.”
History of the B-Listed Building
The B-listed heritage treasure, ravaged by a fire in 2022, has long been a source of anguish for nearby residents, repeatedly targeted by vandals and ghost hunters. In May 2024, the site appeared to secure a major lifeline when planning permissions were granted for a multi-million-pound redevelopment into flats. Architects have been asked whether that vision remains intact.
Local Councillor Calls for Action
Earlier this month, Councillor Eddie Devine, representing Paisley Southeast, stressed the need for strengthened security. “We’re all hoping something is going to be done. It’s been highlighted now and some sort of action is needed, rather than people just talking about it. They need to make sure the site is secure but it also needs to be something substantial when it comes to strengthening the security,” he said.
This week, Devine, who has received numerous messages from worried neighbours, welcomed the council’s intervention. “I’m hopeful that the owner does something positive. It all depends on the owner playing their part. They need to step up and take control of their building and prevent anyone from getting into it,” he said. He warned: “We can’t continue to lose historic buildings.”
