The Herald

For more than three decades it has stood as a unique concrete monument to the vision of 1960s architecture, revered by heritage bodies yet reviled by most of the passing public. But with work due to begin on demolition of Paisley Civic Centre, home to the sprawling headquarters of Renfrewshire council, heritage bodies are up in arms – and plans for its replacement have been met with equal disdain. The blueprints for the new centre have been criticised as "pointless, impractical and unpleasant". The local authority's £14m scheme would lead to the north building of the centre being demolished. An ambitious design to convert the south building includes plans to build the council chamber and councillors' lounge in the shape of an egg. Last year, the centre was recommended for a prestigious A-listing by Historic Scotland inspectors, but managers decided against the move.