Inclusive public realm project transformed neglected land into a vibrant £600,000 community space

Environmental consultancy LUC has won a Gold Award at the 2026 Scottish Design Awards for its work on the Ferguslie Neighbourhood Centre Activity Space in Paisley.

Part of the wider Ferguslie Green Line initiative, the £600,000 project has transformed a long-neglected area of vacant land into an inclusive civic space designed to support play, movement and community life.

The site at Bankfoot Road had previously suffered from fly-tipping, poor visibility and a lack of purpose prior to its transformation last year.

At the centre of the space is a distinctive sunken activity area, animated by colourful geometric graphics. Rather than creating a conventional fenced multi-use games area, LUC developed a flexible, non-hierarchical environment that supports different forms of informal play and social interaction without prescribing how the space should be used, or who it is for.

The space’s natural play trail extends into the surrounding landscape, using boulders, timber and stone to encourage exploration and imaginative play. The space also features new and upgraded paths, lighting, tree planting and wider landscape improvements, which have also enhanced accessibility, safety and biodiversity.

The project, delivered for Renfrewshire Council, received Gold in the Public Realm / Landscape category at an awards ceremony held in Glasgow.

Rob Booth, Chief Executive, LUC said:

“Winning Gold at the Scottish Design Awards significantly recognises what LUC, Renfrewshire Council and the Ferguslie community can achieve together through close collaboration and a shared ambition for the area.

“Major regeneration projects should be judged not only by the infrastructure they deliver, but by their ability to bring people together and strengthen communities. That is why we are so proud to see this project recognised with a Gold Award.”