General Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 6 November 2025.
George Adam
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure the sustainability of town centres. (S6O-05110)
Ivan McKee
Scottish National Party
The Scottish Government is committed to supporting vibrant, thriving towns and town centres and to putting them at the heart of investment and planning decisions through the town centre first principle and delivery of the town centre action plan. National planning framework 4 further embeds that approach by recognising town centres as national assets.
Over recent years, support for town centre regeneration has been backed by our regeneration capital investment programmes, as well as our support for Scotland’s Towns Partnership and the Scotland Loves Local programme. That continues in 2025-26 with regeneration investment of more than £62 million, which includes support for town centres.
I was delighted to speak last night at the cross-party group on towns and town centres and to recognise the great work that is happening across the country, including in Paisley, which has been recognised as Scotland’s town of the year.
George Adam
Scottish National Party
I was not going to mention that, as I mentioned it last week. The Minister will be aware of the major regeneration work that is under way in Paisley town centre, including plans to explore future use of the Paisley Centre site. This week, Renfrewshire Council confirmed that it will work with the developer to move that important project forward. Will the minister commit to engaging with Renfrewshire Council, once its proposals are ready, to help to ensure the best possible outcome for Paisley?
Ivan McKee
Scottish National Party
We are always keen to ensure the best possible outcome for Paisley and other towns across Scotland. I am aware of the plans that have been put forward by the owners of the Paisley Centre, and the Scottish Government remains in close contact with the local council and the developer, Beyond Retail, on those ambitious plans. I understand that discussions are on-going between the developer and Renfrewshire Council to understand the feasibility and viability of the project and to seek assurance over the proposed development plans. As the member will be aware, any decision rests with Renfrewshire Council in the first instance, but the Scottish Government will closely follow the project as it moves forward.
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