The Millhouse Paisley – inside the £6million investment

The team behind “The Millhouse” development in Paisley give us a glance inside the £6million investment and their plans for the future.

In recent years, Paisley has been in a constant state of flux. After making emphatic strides forward in the wake of the 2021 City of Culture bid, the town has borne witness to resounding success stories in all spheres.

Now, construction and development firms, NIXON and Nixon Blue, run by a Paisley-born man is adding to this period of rejuvenation by putting their stamp on the town’s iconic skyline with the addition of 34 new apartments at The Millhouse on Bridge Street. 

The brainchild of Richard McFadzean, he and his Nixon Blue business partner, Colin McIntyre, were initially granted permission to start work on the site in June of 2019 and are looking to bring their signature style like other developments which they have built, such as Dennistoun’s The Picture House, to the town he grew up in. 

“We first realised there were opportunities here when the old Ogilvie Club in Paisley was closing down. My dad was a member of that club and being from here, we looked at that as our first development together. It didn’t pan out at the end, but I opened Colin’s eyes to the possibilities of Paisley,” Richard revealed.

“Just like me, he could see the untapped potential and our first project was the old Carnegie’s Nightclub, which we converted it into 32 apartments. I used to pass The Institute, which had been lying empty for like 20 years, and with the views of Paisley Abbey it afforded; it was one that we were always keeping an eye out for. So, as soon as the for sale sign went up, we went for it.

“We worked with the Council who wanted to open up the riverside again and bring life to the River Cart. So, now, as well as apartments, we are bringing a new restaurant/bar and an upmarket coffee shop to create a thriving community on the corner.”

Richard McFadzean and Colin McInytre

A development that is steeped in a historical setting, Richard believes that the new apartments and accompanying businesses will be a great addition to the area and sees a change in the reimagining of places like Paisley with more people choosing to live in the town, close to amenities and good transport links. 

“We are creating open spaces with some of the apartments having balconies and home offices, fitting in well with people’s needs today,” he declared. “Above all, the views are unparalleled of the Abbey, The Mill and the Town Hall. You can see right up the Cart and different flats will have unique perspectives.”

With the apartments on sale with Savills and in the process of being snapped up by downsizers and young professionals alike, our structure at NIXON means that the jobs in construction, architecture, marketing, and engineering are delivered by our team, employing locally from our base at Speirs Wharf.

Livingroom/kitchen inside The Millhouse

“It not only means we can manage the budget, but we can really manage the project too. Our client liaison officer, Mags, deals with new residents all on a daily basis, but they’ve all got myself and Colin’s contact details if a problem ever arises. People come into the office to pick their kitchens and bathrooms and finishes,” Richard affirmed.

“Given that we’re not a large house builder, it gives us the edge to say that we will be dynamic. We’re helpful whenever we can be. Beyond that, we’ve got accounts in many of the local surrounding cafés, so the development is helping to stimulate the local economy and the knock-on effect of construction creates a real community feel, both in and around the building site.” 

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To keep the momentum high, Richard and his team are already looking ahead at the next phase of the project. Namely, a development on the adjacent site at Forbes Place which will be known as “The Warehouse”. 

“We are speaking to the Council about what we can do before we submit to planning and we’re hoping that a ‘coming soon’ sign will be going up shortly to further regenerate this corner spot. 

The NIXON Team

“With new windows and stone repairs on the building, we hope to restore it back to its former glory,” he enthused. “Some of the apartments have massive floor space, the top one will be around 1,400 square feet. So, essentially it could be a four-bedroom apartment with all of the original features and cornicing, and that stunning view of the Abbey.”

“There is a lot of pride in what we’re doing, probably being from here, and our focus is Paisley to the extent that we’re speaking with the Council to look at other possibilities. It feels like we’re part of transforming what was a rundown burnt out site into a new community hub which will see new residents and customers for the restaurant and café and the creation of a new corner spot at the River Cart. As far as we see it, this is just the start.”

To enquire about The Millhouse Paisley, please visit the website.