The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library has announced successful awards totalling £25,000 from The Pilgrim Trust, The Henry Moore Foundation and Friends of the Harris to support conservation and redisplay of the Alexander Frieze.

This significant funding will play a crucial role in displaying the frieze for future visitors to The Harris following the current Harris Your Place project; aimed at reimagining The Harris for future generations.

The plaster frieze depicts Alexander the Great, leading his army into the city of Babylon in 331 BC after defeating the Persian king.

The original version of the frieze was made in 1812 by Danish neoclassical sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, with several copies created in his lifetime. The Harris’ version was brought to England in 1862 and was gifted to the Harris by the V&A in 1987. It has become a visitor favourite over the years and fits perfectly with the neo-classical design scheme of the building.

The sheer scale and intricate details of this masterpiece present a substantial challenge for the conservator and specialist installation team involved in its preservation.

The conservation project beginning in March 2025, will involve meticulous work to ensure the frieze is preserved for future visitors to enjoy.

The funding will enable The Harris to address the complex needs of this significant piece, ensuring its structural stability and visual integrity.

Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said: “We are delighted to receive this generous grant from the Pilgrim Trust, Henry Moore Foundation and Friends of the Harris. The Alexander Frieze is an important part of our collection, and this funding allows us to undertake vital conservation work to ensure it can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

“The Harris Your Place project is all about protecting our historic collections while making them more accessible, and this support is a significant step towards that goal.”

Pilgrim Trust Director Sue Bowers added: “We are delighted to support the conservation and redisplay of the Alexander Frieze with a £20,000 grant. It is a visitor favourite but now requires work form a specialist conservator to help stabilise and safeguard it for future generations to enjoy.”

Prof. Peter Lloyd ARE, Chair of Trustees for the Friends of The Harris said: “The Friends of the Harris are proud to support the conservation of the Alexander Frieze, ensuring that people in Preston and beyond can continue to enjoy and be inspired by this remarkable piece of our shared heritage.”

Visit The Harris website – Alexander Frieze conservation project and the Harris Your Place project for more information.

News courtesy of Preston City Council.

Two Preston city parks have been given the green light for a multi-million pound revamp by the city’s Planning Committee this week.

The plans, submitted by Preston-based S&L Planning Consultants, have been approved and the work will be carried out by Eric Wright Civil Engineering, which is due to start in the summer.

Councillor Amber Afzal, Cabinet Member at Preston City Council for Planning Regulation and Chair of the Planning Committee said: “We are delighted that these plans have been passed and we can get started on the much needed improvements to our city’s treasured green spaces.

“Given the special listed status that Moor Park enjoys, due respect has been given to the conservation areas and preserving and enhancing the historic park. Any new additions will make a positive contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of our parks.

Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety said: “We are looking forward to the improvements that will enhance our greenspaces that will also help to increase outdoor activity and greater leisure time, improving the health and wellbeing of our communities by delivering new, higher quality and more accessible sports and play facilities, better footpaths and landscaping to enjoy, in a safer environment.”

Gavin Hulme, Operations Director at Eric Wright Civil Engineering commented: “It’s great news that the planning applications have been passed for Waverley and Moor Parks. We have been working with Preston City Council, relevant stakeholders and our design teams over the last 12 months to ensure the works will bring lasting improvements to these two important parks. We are looking forward to starting works on site later this year and bringing benefits to the local communities.”

Deborah Smith, Co-Founder of Smith & Love Planning Consultants said: “Preston is proud of its parks and we’re thrilled to have played a part in their improvement, providing important spaces for local residents and visitors to enjoy. The rejuvenated parks will also add to the ongoing regeneration of the city.”

Moor Park, which is the city’s oldest park and Grade II* listed, will undergo a £4m programme of improvements which include:

• Extension and de-silting of Serpentine Lake and a new bridge across the lake
• Improvements to the Loggia and surrounding area (the Loggia is an outdoor corridor with a fully covered roof and outer wall that is open to the elements)
• Playground improvements
• Additional tree and shrub planting
• Improvements to the changing pavilion
• Groundworks to create wildflower meadows
• Improvements to the south-east entrance and car park

Waverley Park, nearly £3.5m of improvements were approved at the previous February Planning Committee and include:
• New Play area
• Refurbishment of 3 football pitches
• 1 x pump track
• skate park improvements
• Remodelling of car park with 27 x new car park spaces, creating 34 spaces in total
• Widening footpaths and new landscaping
• Demolition and rebuild of the football pavilion which already has planning permission

Both proposals will be funded by UK Government and are part of a £20m Levelling Up bid made to the previous government’s administration.

Introducing Innovate + Influence Preston – a new magazine focused on telling the stories of interesting things people, organisations and what businesses are doing in tech, digital, and cyber in and around Preston.

Produced for Invest Preston, this magazine is part of the work being undertaken by Shirah Bamber, the Innovation Ambassador appointed by Preston City Council.

The pilot issue, published this week, contains Q&As with local entrepreneurs and stories from local businesses and educational institutes, including Moor Park High School & Sixth Form, Cardinal Newman Sixth Form and the University of Central Lancashire. Alongside these, there is insight and reflection on what else is going on in the area.

The magazine’s home is on the Invest Preston website, but has been shared with partners to reach a much wider audience. It will also be used on social media to promote the city and the sector.

Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building at Preston City Council said: “We are thrilled to be able to unveil this magazine, which has been a work in progress for the last few months.

“We have the fortunate problem of having too many stories to choose from to include in a single issue, and look forward to continuing to work with local businesses, organisations, and partners to raise the profile of innovation taking place across Preston.”

Innovation Ambassador, Shirah Bamber, said: “Preston is a powerhouse of innovation – it’s in our blood, and makes up a large part of our heritage.

It’s been really exciting to speak to the various individuals, businesses, and teams who are doing really interesting things across tech, digital, and cyber throughout the city. Innovation comes out in so many different shapes and sizes, and is not just for “pure tech” type companies – it has been great to see how even the most traditional businesses are evolving.”

Any individuals or businesses who are interested in sharing their stories about interesting things they are doing in tech, digital or cyber in Preston should email innovation@preston.gov.uk.

News courtesy of Invest Preston.

Nick Park CBE, four-time Academy Award-winner and Preston-born creator of Wallace & Gromit, has officially opened the city’s £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure destination.

The Honorary Freeman of Preston and multi award-winning filmmaker, unveiled a four-foot-high bronze statue of Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin character in the Wallace & Gromit animated films, to mark the opening, close by to the existing famous Wallace & Gromit bench at Preston Markets.

Joining Nick at the unveiling were the Mayor of Preston Councillor Philip Crowe, Chris Butler and Chris Jones, owners and directors of Castle Fine Arts Foundry, which created the statue, and Merlin Crossingham, Bafta@ award-winning creative co-director of Wallace and Gromit at Aardman Animations.

Nick and Merlin are executive directors and creative directors, respectively, at Bristol-based independent studio Aardman, makers of the Wallace & Gromit films and other beloved brands, including Shaun the Sheep, Creature Comforts, Chicken Run, and Morph.

Nick Park CBE said: “As a proud Prestonian, I couldn’t be more ‘egg-cited’ to see our infamous Feathers McGraw joining Wallace and Gromit in my hometown.”I’m not sure how happy Wallace and Gromit will be, though, to have their arch nemesis clutching the limelight.”

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council said: “To have Nick Park officially opening our flagship regeneration scheme, Animate, is a genuine honour and landmark moment for the Council and the city. In addition, the new Feathers McGraw statue is a fantastic complement to the Wallace and Gromit bench, which has drawn so many visitors to Preston – its popularity has blown us away.

Today heralds a new era for Preston, providing an unrivalled multi-tenanted entertainment and leisure complex for residents and visitors from the wider regionin the ownership of our city.”

Chris Jones, Director at Castle Fine Arts Foundry added: “It was such an honour for us all at the Foundry to be given the opportunity to depict the deliciously malign Feathers McGraw in bronze, having enjoyed creating Wallace & Gromit a couple of years ago.”We had felt Feathers ‘wee beady eyes’ upon us in the workshop for a good few months since we completed him, so it was both a relief and a joy to put him where he truly belongs, alongside his arch nemeses in Preston.”

The opening of the feather mcgraw statue by the Mayor and Nick Park.

Animate features The Arc Cinema with eight screens, 16-lane Hollywood Bowl bowling alley with gaming zone, public realm, a socialising unit and 164-space basement car park, alongside leading family restaurant brands Ask Italian, Cosmo, Taco Bell, Argento Lounge and a variety of street food outlets and a cocktail bar in Mad Giant Food Hall, run by Northern Lights Group.

The scheme was delivered by Maple Grove Developments (MGD), part of Preston-based contractor Eric Wright Group, on behalf of Preston City Council. Commercial property agents Sanderson Weatherall are the estate managers.

Built on the former indoor market and car park site, Animate is fully owned by Preston City Council and is one of six major projects in Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200m programme including £20.9m of funding by UK Government to support several regeneration projects.

The leisure scheme supports the Council’s commitment to Community Wealth Building – a fair, inclusive and ethical approach to fostering sustainable economic development and prosperity for all in Preston – via measures including using locally based businesses and the creation of approximately 300 full and part-time jobs when fully open and 105 apprenticeship weeks worked throughout the construction period to date.

Opening dates at Animate

• Argento Lounge – Open
• Taco Bell – Open
• The Arc Cinema – Open
• Hollywood Bowl – opening March
• Ask Italian – opening early April
• Mad Giant Food Hall – coming soon
• Cosmo – coming soon

News courtesy of Preston City Council.

Preston Partnership, has revealed 13 new strategic partners on the 12-month anniversary of its relaunch.

Preston Partnership relaunched in October 2023 and has since welcomed over 200 new members to the organisation.

The organisation represents the private sector to work with Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, UCLan and other partners to shape and implement future regeneration plans, while promoting the city.

The partnership can now reveal 13 new strategic partners, which will invest £2,000 per year to support the organisation’s activities. They include:

• BDP: International practice of architects, designers, engineers and urbanists
• Cassidy + Ashton: North west practice of architects, planners and surveyors
• Core Network Group: Provider of fibre, VoIP and IT infrastructure services to clients across the UK
• Cotton Court: Serviced and virtual office provider, along with business services
• Eric Wright: Lancashire-based property developer and construction group
• Freshfield: North west PR and communications consultancy
• Harrison Drury: North west law firm
• Heaton Group: UK property development company
• Hy Hotel: Leisure operator and property development group
• North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce: Lancashire’s largest private sector membership body
• Story Homes: Housing developer with schemes across the North West
• University of Central Lancashire
• Wrkspace: Serviced and virtual office provider, with sites across Preston

Senior representatives from the new partners will form Preston Partnership’s Strategic Advisory Panel and lead working groups across sector priorities.

Alongside support from UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Preston BID, the investment will also contribute to the running of Preston Partnership’s popular events programme, help commission evidence-based studies to inform policy makers, and support its efforts to promote Preston on a regional and national stage.

Speaking on the new partners, Beckie Joyce, Preston Partnership head of business development, said: “The strategic partners will be the engine room of the partnership and, working alongside our members, will help inform the strategic agenda of the partnership and our priorities.

“It’s a brilliant representation of sectoral talent with some national firms getting involved. This is testament to the appeal of Preston as a city on the rise with huge potential. It’s our role to help the city realise that potential and our partners will play an important part.”

Since Preston Partnership’s relaunch in October 2023, it has secured a place and a voice on the new Preston Regeneration Board (PRB), alongside the leaders of Lancashire County Council, Preston City Councils and UCLan.

It has also helped shape the new Preston 35 Regeneration Plan and launch at UKREiiF in May 2024, while powering the creation of the new Preston Innovates sub-group, which is running a series of innovation-themed events and initiatives to help the growth of innovation in Preston.

Over 400 people have also attended its four #InTheCity events, which have taken place across the city in 2024.

John Chesworth, chairman of Preston Partnership, added: “Our goal in Autumn 2023 was to build an ambitious partnership of over 100 members to help us shape Preston’s future and tell a relentlessly positive Preston’s story, and we have been bowled over by the interest.

“This reminds us that there is huge passion and intent from the private sector to see Preston evolve and grow, and become a dynamic economic engine of the Preston city region and the North.

“The calibre of the new strategic partners and the investment they have made will build on the momentum of the last 12 months.”

In Autumn 2024, Preston Partnership launched a consultation that will inform a new Preston Economic Plan, due to be revealed in 2025.

Beckie Joyce added: “We have 13 strategic partners and are now ready to open the doors for seven more. We welcome applications from businesses in the manufacturing, engineering, security, professional services, energy, transport and logistics sectors. It’s a great opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Preston.”

Membership of Preston Partnership is £100 per year, with Strategic Partner membership £2,000 per year. For more information, visit www.prestonpartnership.org.

Preston Partnership originally formed in 2018 with Preston City Council and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The organisation led the creation of Preston’s Towns Fund board which secured £20.9million in 2021 to kick-start a £200m regeneration of the city’s cultural Harris Quarter.

On Tuesday, 5 November, Preston City Council hosted a Real Living Wage celebration, to showcase becoming the first Real Living Wage city in Lancashire and gave a platform to other Real Living Wage employers to share their experiences, whilst shining a light on the benefit of becoming an accredited Real Living Wage employer.

The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on the cost of living. It is voluntarily paid by over 15,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs.

In 2012, Preston City Council was the first local authority, in the North of England to become a Real Living Wage accredited employer and compliments the foundations of Community Wealth Building.

The event was opened by Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building, in which she talked about the importance of being a Real Living Wage employer and encouraged those considering becoming an accredited Real Living Wage employer to move forward in the process.

Councillor Valerie Wise said: “It’s a wonderful event and a great platform to promote not only the fact that Preston City Council is an accredited Living Wage employer, but also Preston’s Living Wage City status. We would love for other employers and councils to follow suit. As proven by conversations with both employers and employees, staff morale and retention improve significantly in businesses paying the real living wage.”

The Q&A panel, saw employers such as Michael Manley from GLL, Kath O’Flaherty from Preston City Council and Nick Burnham, Principal at Cardinal Newman College, share their first-hand experiences of being accredited Real Living Wage employers and encouraged others to follow suit.

Kath O’Flaherty, Head of Workforce at Preston City Council said: “The Living Wage agenda is intended to promote the economic and social well-being of people living and working in Preston. The Council has a long history of action on low pay and has been paying the Real living Wage as the minimum rate for all its workers since 2009. Although it impacts only a small number of workers in roles at the lowest end of the Council’s pay spine, it does help to attract workers and reduce turnover in those roles. In particular, we’ve had an excellent response in recruiting younger workers into apprenticeship roles.”

When talking about Preston as a Real Living Wage place, Phoebe Devenish, Project Manager, Living Wage Places said: “The impact of a council or major employer accrediting to the real Living Wage can be significant. Accredited Living Wage employers need to ensure both their direct and contracted staff are paid the real Living Wage, leading to pay rises for many workers. Some councils go further, using their local networks and influence to extend broader uptake of the real Living Wage.

In Preston, Preston Council has encouraged other local employers to accredit as Living Wage employers; a quarter of low-paid workers in the city and its surrounds have now received a pay increase due to their place of work becoming an accredited Living Wage employer.”

For more information on Preston being a Real Living Wage city and employer, visit Preston City Councils Living Wage Policy.

News courtesy of Invest Preston.

In September, Preston’s Moor Park was the vibrant setting for BBC Radio 2 in the Park, as global superstars like the Pet Shop Boys, Sting, and Sugababes drew thousands of music fans from across the country.

Over three days, the festival welcomed 68,100 attendees, sparking a major economic boost for the city. This brought over £5 million in visitor spending, creating jobs and supporting local businesses throughout Preston.

The BBC-hosted event attracted both local residents and visitors from across the UK. Around 13% of attendees were from Preston itself, while the majority were from further afield. It is estimated around 16,000 visitors stayed overnight, and a further 31,000 came for day trips, making Preston a vibrant hub over the course of the weekend.

John Chesworth, chairman of Preston Partnership said: “At Preston Partnership, we are dedicated to driving place direction and sustainable growth in the city. Radio 2 in the Park has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase Preston, bringing significant economic benefits to the area. Events like this not only boost the local economy through increased footfall and tourism but also provide a valuable platform for local businesses to thrive. We are proud to have been part of this venture, which has contributed to Preston’s economic development and future resilience.”

Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said: “Radio 2 in the Park has proven to be a tremendous success for the city of Preston. Not only did it attract thousands of visitors to enjoy top-quality entertainment, it also delivered a substantial boost to our local economy.

“The £5.3 million spent in the city over the weekend is a testament to Preston’s appeal as a destination for major events. We are proud of the way the city welcomed visitors and demonstrated our ability to host events on this scale. The lasting economic impact, including the jobs supported, shows just how valuable these events are for our community. We look forward to building on this momentum for future opportunities.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said: “I’m so pleased the event has had such positive impact for the local economy, businesses and communities. All of us at Radio 2 would like to thank Preston City Council and the people of Preston for the incredibly warm welcome they gave Radio 2 in the Park when the station decamped to the city in September. We were delighted to broadcast live from several local venues during the build-up to the epic weekend in Moor Park and were proud to shine a light on this fantastic city across our shows during the event weekend and beyond.”

This influx of visitors led to an estimated £2.4 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) for the city of Preston, helping to support an estimated 2,100 jobs in the city during the three-day event. The figures provided exclude expenditure by Preston residents. However, local attendees spent an estimated £434,000 during the event, further adding to the local economy.

Economic analysis of the event was conducted by Hatch, a global consultancy with expertise in economic development and social impact assessment.

Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, stated: “Events like this bring a range of benefits to their host locations. Our analysis shows that Radio 2 in the Park has provided a large economic boost to the city of Preston – boosting spending by up to 5% over the September weekend. Moreover, it has generated significant profile for the city, which has knock-on benefits for the visitor economy.”

This year’s Radio 2 in the Park not only provided unforgettable entertainment for thousands but also left a lasting positive impact on the city of Preston, highlighting its potential as a host city for future large-scale events. Radio 2 in the Park has shone a spotlight on Preston and provided national media coverage from March this year helping to put Preston on the map.

News courtesy of Invest Preston.

Local dignitaries came together at the new-look Peace Garden this week to mark the official completion of a £14.7m scheme to transform Preston city centre.

The renovation of the Peace Garden is the final piece of major work in the Transforming Friargate North and Ringway project.

The scheme aims to change the way we travel in and around Preston city centre by improving connectivity for bus passengers, cyclists and walkers, and has brought about the pedestrianisation of Friargate, making the area more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

The project is being delivered by Lancashire county council, in partnership with Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire, as part of its successful Transforming Cities Fund bid.

The Mayor of Preston officially opening the Peace Gardner at the Friargate North and Ringway project.

Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “This ambitious initiative, aimed at revitalising Preston’s city centre, has now come to fruition, creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space that encourages sustainable travel.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the partners, engineers, and community members who contributed to this project and for your patience.

“This has been a massive undertaking that has brought many challenges that we have had to overcome, and its completion marks a significant milestone in Preston’s history, and future.”

Work on the Transforming Friargate North and Ringway scheme began in 2021 on Corporation Street.

Ahead of the International Day of Peace on Saturday, representatives from the county council, Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire came together at the Peace Garden, which has been revitalised through the project.

The Mayor of Preston, Cllr Phil Crowe, and Cllr Alf Clempson, vice chairman of Lancashire County Council, had the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially mark the completion of the scheme.

They were joined by local artist Salina Somalya, who was commissioned for a special mural at the revitalised Peace Garden, which features poems and artwork etched into the concrete paving.

Salina was commissioned to create a central feature design that continued the link with the peace theme. The design had to include a dove motif to maintain the link with the site’s history yet provide a fresh piece of artwork to rejuvenate the space.

Salina Somalya said: “My concept was to consider a motif of the dove/peace symbol that referenced back to the history of the site as well as represented the present and future people of Preston, illustrating how we can live in harmony with one another through our customs, celebrations and language.

“I wanted to implement a design that was sensitive to the diverse communities within Preston, expressive and celebratory.

“I’m chuffed to have been awarded this commission on my home turf and to have the opportunity to enjoy the Peace Garden with the rest of the Preston and wider communities.”

A commemorative red plaque is also incorporated into the landscaping of the Peace Garden in memory of Mary Elizabeth Slater, a field nurse from Preston who served in the Spanish Civil war before returning to nursing in London during the blitz.

The plaque was originally unveiled in the Peace Garden June 2018 by the Preston Historical Society. It was removed whilst the improvement works were carried out to keep it from being damaged and has now been reinstated into its rightful place.

Cllr Nweeda Khan, Cabinet Member for Communities and Social Justice at Preston City Council said: “Preston is proud of its status as a City of Sanctuary that welcome refugees and asylum seekers from all over the world that need a safe haven from conflict and persecution. The Peace Garden is symbolic of the city’s commitment to our pledge to help and care for those in need and sends out a message of peace and hope to all our citizens.

“The garden is a restful corner of the busy city, a place where people can go for a few minutes of quiet reflection, or to take a few minutes to read the inspirational messages of hope and peace that are incorporated into the Peace Wall and are integral to the design of the Peace Garden.”

Claire Lowe, Strategic Development Lead at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “Friargate North links our University to the city centre so it’s essential for our student population that this area is a safe, attractive and vibrant space. The project has delivered a street with a welcoming atmosphere and the Peace Garden perfectly complements this.”

Minister for the Local Transport, Simon Lightwood said: “This scheme will deliver huge improvements which will transform transport across Preston.

“Improved walking and cycling infrastructure will deliver greener journeys and reduce congestion in and around the city. From buses to walking and cycling, we will continue to ensure everyone has access to affordable and reliable transport, however they choose to travel.”

For more information about the scheme, visit: Transforming Friargate North and Ringway – Lancashire County Council.

News courtesy of Invest Preston.

Representatives from Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and the main contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering, met on the banks of the River Ribble today to mark the next big milestone in the life of Preston’s famous Tram Bridge.

The Old Tram Bridge, which has been a key transport and active travel link for visitors and commuters between Preston and South Ribble for over 200 years, has been demolished in just 14 days, ahead of the projected timetable, making way for a new bridge to be installed.

The new tram bridge project, costing around £8m is a key project within the City Council’s ‘Active Preston’ programme, which is delivering over £20m of sustainable active travel and park regeneration schemes across the city.

Cllr Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said: “This is a rare and historic occasion, a small snapshot in history where, for a brief moment Preston is without it’s iconic Tram Bridge. Today is the start of a new era for our bridge which will continue to deliver a really important sustainable active travel route in and out of the city for pedestrians, cyclists (and horses!) We can’t wait to see the construction commence which will serve our residents for many more generations to come.”

Cllr Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, Lancashire County Council, said: “The new bridge will restore an important active travel route between South Ribble and Preston city centre for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

“Providing good sustainable transport links that help people to stay healthy is a key aspect of our levelling up ambitions and is why we have contributed £1m to this worthwhile project.”

What’s next?

• Work on the foundations for the first of two piers in the river will start soon in order to complete before the winter period.
• Work to the abutments and the land pier can then be completed before work starts on the second river pier in Summer 2025.
• The bridge will be lifted into place in Autumn next year and work will complete by early 2026.
• In partnership with the Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation, the project team has taken significant measures to minimise the environmental impact of the demolition.

Eric Wright Civil Engineering spokesperson Diane Bourne, Managing Director said: “We are looking forward to delivering this much needed bridge, that will restore a link between Preston and South Ribble. Our team has considerable experience in highways and infrastructure improvements, especially the design and installation of bridges. We’re proud to have been appointed to this significant project that is in the heart of our community and will bring benefits to the local community for years to come.”

The new Tram Bridge is being delivered by Preston City Council part-funded by the £20m grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) with an additional £1m from Lancashire County Council who are supporting and project managing the construction of the bridge alongside Eric Wright Civil Engineering.

Boasting a projected life span of 120 years, the bridge will provide a sustainable long term active travel route with minimal environmental impact.

The design, created by DYSE Structural Engineers and visualised by local architect Studio John Bridge, was unveiled earlier this year and reflects both the needs of the local community and the picturesque setting of the bridge.

Further information

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

News courtesy Invest Preston.

Work on a significant project to improve the public realm and lighting near the new £45 million Animate leisure scheme has started work.

The Illuminate and Integrate works aim to encourage pedestrian and cycle movement at a section of Lancaster Road adjacent to the Market Hall and Old Vicarage Road.

Works include a pedestrian and cycle-friendly space with high-quality paving, trees, and other features such as public seating and an expanded circulation space around the market to create opportunities such as alfresco dining. This new space will also offer improved linkages to the St John Shopping Centre.

The project, part of the £200 million Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, will also incorporate additional lighting improvements.

Delivery of the scheme involves works to the Ormskirk junction from now for four weeks (finishing end of September 2024). This includes two weeks of night works. As part of the Animate scheme, the associated works on Ormskirk Road will enable access to the new underground car park.

Works on Old Vicarage commenced on the 28 August and will continue for a period of 12 weeks (finishing end November 2024).

The work being undertaken on Old Vicarage forms the first phase of the Illuminate and Integrate scheme and includes widening the pavement to improve pedestrian access, new lighting including projection lighting that will animate the street scene, and a new avenue of trees. The aim is to improve and make safer the pedestrian route from the bus station to the new £45m Animate scheme and Preston Markets.

The first phase of improvement works will cost approximately £1 million and is part funded by an £800k Lancashire Economic Recovery and Growth grant by Lancashire County Council.

Phase 2 is expected to commence in spring 2025 and will involve Lancaster Road improvements and new lighting within the wider Harris Quarter.

Preston City Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building, said: “We’re thrilled to see this pivotal project in the Harris Quarter moving forward, complimenting other initiatives in the area, such as The Harris and Animate.

“The Illuminate and Integrate project will revitalise this part of the city centre, bringing fresh energy while also enhancing street safety.”

John Chesworth, Chair of Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board, added: “While the Harris Quarter is well connected to the rest of the city centre via an existing network of streets, many of these routes are dated, having been designed around vehicular movement, limiting the potential for cycle and pedestrian use.

“Illuminate and Integrate will complement the excellent architecture within the Harris Quarter while improving the quality of the public spaces. A key aspect of the scheme is to encourage footfall and dwell time in the day and evening, which is allied to our vision for the Harris Quarter to be the go-to cultural destination in Preston.”

Nick Hague, project director at Maple Grove Developments, concluded: “The Illuminate and Integrate works are an important piece of the jigsaw in the regeneraton of the Harris Quarter and will help to stimulate cultural, economic and social viability.”

Further information

Towns Fund – Town Deals
On 27 July 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. See further details of the announcement.

Preston’s City Investment Plan is a 15-year vision for Preston, setting out Preston’s long-term objectives and strategy to transform the City, targeting resources and aligning public and private sector investments to respond to needs and capitalise on opportunities for positive change.

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone. For more information, please see: www.prestoncommunitywealth.org

Projects included in Preston’s £200 million Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme are:

• Animate: £45m multi-use entertainment and leisure complex anchored by a state-of-the-art cinema and bowling venue next to Preston Markets
• Educate Preston: The creation of a new Careers and Employment, Information, Advice and Guidance Hub in the Harris Quarter.
• Renewal of Harris Quarter Assets: Investment to support the redevelopment of publicly-owned buildings in the Harris Quarter to support new cultural and community uses, including Amounderness House.
• Illuminate and Integrate: A project to deliver improved pedestrian and cycleway infrastructure, street lighting and other public realm improvements within the Harris Quarter.
• Preston Youth Zone: The development of Preston Youth Zone as a state-of-the-art facility for young people in Preston aged eight to 19.
• #HarrisYourPlace: The refurbishment of the Grade I listed Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, enhancing and protecting the building for future generations.
• Preston Pop Ups: £1m pop-up programme of events bringing together new temporary event space, artworks and improvements to public realm infrastructure, aimed at boosting visitor activity in the Harris Quarter

News courtesy of Invest Preston.