Johnstone town centre public engagement event

People who live, work and visit Johnstone town centre can help shape the vision for its future

There’s a public engagement event at 56 Houston Court, Johnstone (at the corner of Houstoun Square) next Wednesday (27 September) from 9am to 6pm and an online survey to capture everyone’s feedback on the town centre.

The information captured will help Renfrewshire Council to formulate a strategy to support the town centre in the future.

Johnstone’s popular town centre serves 16,150 residents and many surrounding villages, with good public transport connections, nice shops, cafes and independent businesses, and two civic squares.

It also boasts a recently opened wellbeing hub led by Active Communities, a purpose-built modern Town Hall and our enterprise centre Start-Up Street Johnstone.

Work is also nearing completion on the £350,000 renovation and refit of four empty commercial units at Houston Arcade.

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Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board said: “Whether it’s coming to work or school, popping to the shops or meeting a friend in a local café, town centres mean different things to different people.

“We want all our town centres to be welcoming places, where people enjoy coming to and spending time. I remember my first job working at the former Presto in Houston Arcade and I know there’s a lot of pride and passion for Johnstone town centre.”

The online survey at https://pagepark.co.uk/hello/our-johnstone is open until Monday 16 October and asks people their opinions on accessing and getting around the town centre.

It also looks to find out more about what people make of the town centre facilities and about identity and local heritage.

All the feedback will inform a new strategic vision prioritising improvements and identifying growth opportunities.

Ludovic Square, Johnstone, photo by Will Scott

Councillor Steel added: “We are already delivering a wide range of projects like improving green spaces and playparks and funding community-led initiatives, while also offering business support and even start-up premises.

“Now we are focusing on our town centres and want to capture feedback from everyone living, working or visiting Johnstone town centre so our vision for its future meets the needs of the people who know it best and use it every day.

“I’d encourage people to come along to the public engagement event and complete the online survey as this will enable us to develop a town centre blueprint targeting our resources to make the most difference and help ensure a strong future.”