4th Developments, owners of the former shoelace mill site, confirm that Phase 1 of the development masterplan works are now underway.

The £3.5 million development scheme, to build a supermarket, non-food retail unit and a drive thru is progressing as planned and is scheduled for completion this coming summer.

Announcing the appointment of the contractor, Claire Donaldson of 4th Consulting, project and asset managers for the development, said: “The redevelopment of the Paton’s Mill site offers an exciting new gateway for Johnstone’s high street. As such it will offer a prime location for shoppers and we are delighted with the progress we are making to transform this site into a thriving destination.

“We’re pleased to announce Bell Building Projects Limited as the main contractors. As a local, experienced team, they offer an extremely high quality of service and a strong track record in retail park construction.

“The contractor has been on site since mid-December and is working towards completion of Phase 1 of the development masterplan in Summer 2018.”

Based in Glasgow, Bell Building Projects Limited support local job creation and apprenticeships and has been behind developments including the Jaguar/Volvo car showrooms at Junctions 26 Hillington/Braehead and the A&D logistics facility at Phoenix Retail Park.

Martin Bell, managing director of Bell Building Projects Limited, added: “Bell Building Projects is delighted to be involved in the revitalisation of this historic site. The company has been involved from an early stage with 4th Developments and the design team to deliver a striking retail development which will be a superb addition to the local area.

“We have a strong history in retail construction both in the high street and out of town developments and look forward to adding Paton’s Mill Retail Park to our successfully completed projects.”

Designer Stallan-Brand said its influence for the retail units flows from some of the buildings occupying the former site.

A further announcement is expected in a few weeks, regarding the tenants of Paton’s Mill Retail Park.