The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £798,600 for a contemporary restoration and development of the Grade A listed building.

Opened in 1873, Renfrew town hall's 105-feet spire made it a fine example of mid-Victorian architecture.

Today, it is in poor condition with no general public access.
Windows and stained glass, decorative doors, mouldings and external stonework will be refurbished or replaced.

There will be a new public space, tourist information, library access and refreshments as well as installation of a lift to all levels.

Mum-of-two Heather Cartwright (46) has lived in Renfrew for more than 20 years and revealed she has "mixed feelings" about the Renfrewshire
council project.

She told The Extra: "The only problem with the public access would be the youngsters which congregate outside the hall and chipshop to skateboard – it can be a bit off-putting".

Secretary of Renfrew community council, Elizabeth Livingston, said the council "fully supports" the refurbishment.

She told The Extra: "It's long overdue. We campaign a few years ago for this because a lot needs done and we have been consulted by Renfrewshire council the whole way".

The new aviation museum will showcase photographs and objects charting Renfrew as the first municipal airport in Scotland with flights beginning in 1912.

The first aircraft to cross the Atlantic both ways was built nearby and Renfrew was the third busiest airport in Britain in 1948. Collections from other important local industries such as ship-building and boiler-making will also be displayed.

Mrs Livingston revealed: "A few people are anxious about shifting the exhibition from the nearby Brown Institute.

"But generally people favour this project. We hope it brings more people in to the town".

Mrs Cartwright agreed the museum is "a great idea.
"The Brown Institute is a hidden treasure so I think this move would be ideal to teach people about the history".

Colin McLean, head of Scotland's HLF said: "Renfrew town hall gives its community a heart -- a symbol of history and identity that cannot be replaced.

"Breathing new life into it, it will not only re-establish it at the centre of community life but will also make a marked contribution to the economics of the area".