The initiative will create renovated homes for tenants in a trail-blazing project involving Paisley Housing Association, Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government.

Paisley Housing Association has been working with owners over recent years and has now secured almost complete ownership of the five closes at 3, 5, 7 and 9 Orchard Street and 33 Causeyside Street.

A formal planning application has been lodged with the council, which – if approved – will see the transformation of the closes, back courts and buildings themselves while preserving part of Paisley’s rich tenement heritage for future generations.

The work is part of what’s known as a Comprehensive Tenement Improvement Scheme.

A total of 47 properties will be available for rent when work is complete. That will include some of the vacant ground-floor commercial properties which will also be turned into homes.

Kathleen McCutcheon, chief executive of Paisley Housing Association, hailed the development as a welcome step forward for the town. She said: “There is no doubt that these tenements require major improvement and we are very pleased indeed to have reached agreement with the vast majority of owners who have sold their properties to us after they were independently valued.

“Negotiations are continuing with the remaining owners and we hope to secure their approval soon.

“Paisley is renowned for its impressive tenement heritage and any initiative which preserves this is to be welcomed. We readily acknowledge the willingness of Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government to work with us to make this happen. It is a true partnership to deliver much-needed new housing and improve the appearance of a prime town centre location.”

Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board, added: “We are delighted to be working with Paisley Housing Association on this project, which will transform the look of this street and help keep some of Paisley’s historic tenement properties in use for generations to come.

“A lot of work has gone in to get the project to this point and we are pleased to see it is now ready to move forward.

“This project fits with our wider work to promote Paisley town centre as a great place to live. This – and other ongoing developments, such as at the former Arnott’s site – will see new social housing available in the heart of the town.

“And the new residents there and at other private-sector housing developments still to come – such as the new flats nearly complete at the Millhouse on Bridge Street – will create footfall and life day and night, and boost local trade.”