The columns and ladder structure of Paisley’s famous gasholder will be protected – despite plans to remove much of the site’s infrastructure.
SGN has submitted a planning application requesting permission to dismantle the gasholder’s tank, inner lifts and associated plant, along with buildings currently occupying the site before infilling the tank to ground level.
However, the iconic columns and associated structure in Well Street, a prominent feature in the area’s landscape, are listed and will not be brought down.
Known as No. 4 Gasholder, the structure was built in 1890 and is considered a local landmark.
According to Historic Environment Scotland, the two-tier circular frame is 23 metres in height and has 18 cast iron Doric columns on plinths, braced by lattice girders of guilloche platform.
There are cast panels of the Paisley town coat of arms on each plinth, with some plinths having dated makers’ panels
Historic Environment Scotland described the structure, which sits on the outskirts of Ferguslie, as “the oldest surviving column guided gasholder in Scotland” and a “rare survival of its building type”.
John McIntyre, chairman of Ferguslie Community Council, has claimed the structure’s listed status is bizarre.
He said: “It’s bizarre, in fact it’s absolutely ridiculous. The question I always ask is buildings are often listed but nobody puts any money into maintaining them and then they deteriorate and become an eyesore or even unsafe.
“For that thing to sit right on the edge of Ferguslie and be listed, it’s ridiculous. Let’s move into 2019 and show a bit of sanity. A gasholder is a listed building? Come on, it’s ridiculous.
“If that site can be used for something positive then let’s do it.
“It’s a complete eyesore. I would personally tear it down. If somebody wanted to take the crests that are meant to be on it off and store them in a museum somewhere then go for it but don’t leave that stupid thing there. It’s rusting away rapidly.”
Councillor John McIntyre, who represents Paisley Northwest, expressed a concern that the site will remain unused if the structure stays up.
He said: “SGN approached me when I was elected about two years ago, and they were doing a consultation about one in Anniesland, Helensburgh and that one and Historic Environment Scotland did a spot listing there and then.
“Although it’s an old structure with quite fine iron, we don’t use it. I wouldn’t be opposed to it going.
“I’m worried we have a bit of a halfway house that they will take some of the bits away and we will be left with a site that is contaminated.
“Do one or the other. Either SGN keep the site or the structure comes down and it is completely remediated.
“Paisley generally has very good architecture but it’s a struggle to keep them in productive use.”
