Hidden Spaces Database
About the Database
This database brings together photos and videos of decaying spaces across Paisley. Some of these places are already known to the council; others were newly discovered through walks, community contributions, and everyday encounters.
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Alongside the Photo Gallery and Video Gallery, you’ll find the Decaying Spaces Map used in the community workshop, as well as an Imaginations page — a space for sharing creative ideas for potential re-uses, inspired by input from people across Paisley.
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In total, there are four parts to explore in this part of the website. Click on a title in the subheadings to visit the page and see what’s there!
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Below, you’ll also find a short summary of recurring patterns and small details noticed across the images and videos — from the presence of car noise to long-forgotten rubbish. These observations offer another way of thinking about how these spaces are used, remembered, or overlooked.​
Things that stand out in decaying spaces in Paisley
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Most of the decaying spaces are laying beside a car road.
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Graffiti present in various spaces, street art also present.
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A couple of marked vacant spaces are very similar due to their appearance as a large open green space. It is popularly used as a dog walking space (>13 spaces).
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The garbage found at some spaces looks to be quite old (i.e. degrading boxes, older plastics).
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Some spaces are situated beside irregular/broken foot paths. It would seem difficult for disabled individuals to visit some of these spaces currently.
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Most spaces are situated next/close to lampposts, giving the suggestion that the spaces are lit at night, and that the absence of light is not a factor in antisocial behaviour at the sites.
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Types of uses of the spaces currently: people sitting down, taking a slow stroll with the baby wagon, dog walking, nursery groups walking by, dogs running around. Noticeable absence of people playing games, entertainment, music, leisure activities such as sporting.
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Car domination: all spaces situated on a car accessible road. In 11 spaces, it was almost impossible to take a picture without a car in the frame.
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Interesting note: three of the spaces are unused car parks, while a car park was discussed in the workshop as a potential preferred re-use type.
