Kilbarchan residents are being urged to attend a drop-in consultation session on the potential future use of the iconic Steeple Hall.

The public event will take place from 11am until 3pm on Saturday at the nearby parish church hall in Steeple Square.

Renfrewshire Council has been working with heritage specialists from Glasgow Building Preservation Trust to develop proposals and identify a sustainable future for the A-listed building.

Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for Johnstone North and the surrounding villages, believes investment in the landmark could see it become a key component of a Kilbarchan cultural quarter.

He said: “I think there’s a consensus in Kilbarchan that the Steeple Hall has had its day as a traditional community space.

“That’s because there are a range of other community spaces in the village that are more modern. That’s why I think we have to look at other uses.

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“I don’t want to be seen to impose my views on the village, not that I could do that anyway, I want to be led by public opinion.

“But I definitely do think some kind of partnership with say Paisley Museum to promote the history of weaving or possibly a new kind of partnership with the Weaver’s Cottage is the way forward.

“I’ll be going along on August 3 and I would encourage residents to try to make their way along and have their say on the future of the Steeple Hall.”

A survey asking people for their views on how the community could use the building and how it should be managed is currently ongoing.

Councillor Andy Steel, convener of the economy and regeneration policy board, said previously: “The Steeple Buildings have been a landmark in Kilbarchan for more than 250 years, so it’s extremely important that the community have the chance to put forward their views about their future.

“The public event and survey is a chance for people to review the suggestions made by experts and help shape the next steps, so I would encourage everyone to come along to the in-person event and to spread the word around the local area.

“If you can’t make it, please take part by filling out the online survey.”

Earlier this year, it was agreed more than £300,000 would be spent on “immediate and urgent” external repairs at the facility, as well as reinstating the electricity and water supplies internally.

Meanwhile, the online survey can be accessed by visiting bit.ly/3SofO0n