A small veterans and community charity hopes to transform an old army barracks back to its former glory for the community.
The Western Desert Recce Group (WDRG) aims to present Renfrewshire Council with a community asset transfer (CAT) request in order to restore the almost derelict and dilapidated Whitehaugh Barracks in Paisley.
The group wants to turn the building into a positive and prosperous community hub, with a working and living history museum, which will include showcasing some old world war machines and vehicles.
A process to acquire the building began four years ago but was put on hold due to the Covid pandemic.
Now, having resurrected their interest in the building, the army charity and its investors are closing in on potentially owning the barracks.
Speaking to the Paisley Daily Express, Gary Wallace, chairperson of the charity, said that the building is needing a lot of work.
However, he is aiming to make sure the community is proud of the redecorated barracks after a recent local survey showed that residents were keen for the building to be restored.
He said: “The barracks are very dilapidated and derelict so it is going to take a lot of work to make it look like it did even 20 years ago.
“We want to make sure that it is a place that is a positive aspect of the community. That is why we are wanting to turn it into a working and living history museum.
“The outside areas will also have raised beds which will be for the World War II ‘dig for victory’ curriculum that will involve the local school.
“Another idea that we have is a community men’s shed which will cover wood-working and engineering for people who would like to learn or use it, along with some physical events such as being able to restore old vehicles and get to practise on site.
“It helps that we have the backing of the provost [Lorraine Cameron] as I spoke with her about the ideas we have and she is very keen on the history of the building and retaining the heritage of it.
“We have also conducted a local survey in the area about how residents feel about us possibly taking ownership of the building and what we plan on doing with it and this was mostly a positive response from the community.”
On Sunday, November 20, The WDRG held a drop-in session for people to come along and learn more about the barracks and ask questions.
There was also a chance for the charity to promote some volunteering opportunities that will be available when the site has been restored.
The WDRG has also expressed interest in keeping alive the memories of those who fought in the world wars, as well as teaching people about the history of the conflicts through interactive ways.
The group would like to open the doors next summer if things go to plan – with the building being accessible to everyone.
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