4th Developments (Johnstone) Limited and @sipp (Pension Trustees) Limited have submitted a detailed planning application to create the first phase of the regeneration with two mixed use retail warehouse units and a drive thru, creating a total of 3,200 sq m of floor space.

At this stage there are no tenants secured for the development but discussions continue with prospective occupiers with strong interest being received.

The major application process commenced in May 2016 when the redevelopment master plan of the proposals, which includes the regeneration of the former shoelace factory with retail warehouse units, a drive thru restaurant, family pub/restaurant and housing together with the opening up of the riverside woodland with a historical trail, was exhibited as part of the public community consultation process.

The redevelopment is being project and asset managed for the developers by 4th Consulting Ltd.

Claire Donaldson of 4th Consulting said: “The design team have worked closely with Renfrewshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland. The site has been in a distressed state for many years and the development masterplan will transform this gateway site into Johnstone.

“With significant interest from occupiers, we can offer a real opportunity to revitalise this area and it will bring people and commerce back into this once flourishing location.

“By opening up of the woodland area, enabling enable the history of the site to be preserved with information boards detailing the story of the mills, it will become an attractive stop off point for visitors and provides a short walkway into the town.

“We are delighted to be bringing an unoccupied site on this scale back into use and its redevelopment can only add to the local economy and we hope this will be catalyst for further regeneration in the Johnstone area.”

Subject to planning approval, demolition will commence early 2017, with a view to the build programme being completed by September 2018.

The design influence for the retail units has followed the form of some of the buildings occupying the site however this will not be of the scale of the former mill. The retail units’ designers Stallan-Brand, have selected a pallete of dark grey, softened at the entrances with wood finish soffit detailing and glazed frontages, creating a modern and elegant finish.

The planning application has been prepared and submitted by Colliers International on behalf of the site owners.