Plans to build a new high school near Renfrew Road in Paisley has been approved by the Renfrewshire Council.

Construction work on Paisley Grammar School Community Campus is expected to start in spring and the school should open in summer 2026.

The council's Planning and Climate Change Policy Board gave the green light on January 23.

Councillor Jim Paterson, convener of the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, said: "The new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus will offer modern facilities for pupils, replacing the current school which has served the town for more than a century but is now outdated.

"The new building will provide pupils and staff with a learning environment suitable for the 21st century, providing them with everything they need now and in the future.

"It has also been designed for community use of the building during and after the school day, at weekends and during holidays, with separate areas and access for pupils and public."

The new school will showcase modern facilities such as an all-weather sports pitch, a 300-seat theatre, meeting rooms and a learning plaza.

The council said it will meet high standards for energy-efficiency to fully support Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero.

The school’s location will also support a close partnership with the West College Scotland campus with potential to expand the curriculum on offer to pupils.

The school is being funded by Renfrewshire Council and Scottish Futures Trust, as part of the nationwide Learning Estate Investment Programme.

The proposal also includes plans for a new road from Renfrew Road to Inchinnan Road which will serve as safe access to the school without going through the town centre.

The council said routes for cycling and walking will be created, and plans for a pedestrian and cycle underpass under the Renfrew Road are in progress.

The new school will not include the former Chivas administration building located nearby but the council is looking for a new owner for the site.

Councillor Paterson added: "With the team having done a considerable amount of work to gather the views of the local people and design a building that will meet the needs of pupils, staff, parents and local residents, I’m pleased to see this project move into the next phase."