Category: Preston News

(Photographed above, left to right: Preston Partnership chair, John Chesworth; cabinet member for community wealth building at Preston City Council, Valerie Wise; and chief executive of Preston City Council, Adrian Phillips)
The newly formed Preston Regeneration Board (PRB) has unveiled Preston 35, a new regeneration plan for Preston, projected to secure significant further investment across the city by 2035.
Preston 35 was revealed to the Preston Partnership community at our #InTheCity event last Thursday, in an introduction by Adrian Phillips, chief executive at Preston City Council.
This follows in the wake of a successful launch to industry peers at the UK REiiF conference held in Leeds, in May, the UK’s largest real estate, investment and infrastructure forum with a delegation of over 13,000 eager to find the next UK hotspot for unlocking investment, regeneration and development.
The PRB includes senior representatives from Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Preston Partnership.
As the third biggest city in the North West, over £1bn of investment has already been delivered or committed in the city, ranking ‘The Best City for Quality of Life’1 and the ‘Top UK City 2023 to Raise a Family.’2
Preston 35 is championing the city as an attractive place to do business and highlights six strategic, priority regeneration prospects that the city is driving forward over the next 11 years.
Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive of Preston City Council, outlined the PRB’s vision, priorities and objectives at the Preston Partnership event on July 25, hosted at the recently opened OneCoWork offices on Winckley Square, Preston.
Adrian said: “2035 provides us with a natural and realistic focus, that takes in the next Guild celebrations in 2032, to make some significant progress, take stock of how far we have come, and evaluate what still needs to be done.
“The city’s investment plan is always evolving and this new reiteration – Preston 35 – defines what we have already collectively achieved over the past decade, but more importantly, it focuses on what’s next and how much more we can achieve by working together.
“The key to successful place making and attracting significant inward investment for the city, that’s both meaningful and provides a lasting legacy for the people of Preston, is collaboration across public and private sectors, pooling our resources and working together with shared goals and objectives.”
John Chesworth, chair of Preston Partnership, said: “This exciting plan is partnership in action. The key Preston regeneration stakeholders leading the regeneration of Preston over the next decade have agreed key priorities and identified those projects which will contribute to their delivery.
“Prestonians want to see ambition for our city, and Preston 35 sets out a positive direction of travel. These projects will bring jobs, visitors and residents back into the city, and be a catalyst for further investment. I see this as a foundation from which we can kick on to bigger and better things.”
Some of the key regeneration propositions include:
- Preston Station East Phase 1 – a priority of the Station Quarter Masterplan to provide Grade A office space and deliver a landmark commercial-led, mixed-use development scheme.
- Harris Quarter Phase 2 – An opportunity to develop a thriving cultural, leisure and conference quarter, anchored by the redevelopment of the Guild Hall.
- Stoneygate Phase 2 – A focus on sites that can deliver new city centre residential, business and educational uses. An Urban Village Regeneration Area of 25 hectares.
- Innovate Preston – Positioning Preston at the heart of an innovation eco-system and a natural location for the National Cyber Facility supply chain.
- Preston Community Health Hub – An integrated ‘one-stop-shop’ of customer-facing health and wellbeing services as part of a wider drive to move services and interventions closer to the community.
- Access Preston – Cottam Parkway, a £35m new railway station on the Blackpool to Preston line, providing sustainable transport options to almost 10,000 new homes.
Wider projects in the pipeline include Preston Station Quarter future phases which include a masterplan for County Hill and University Walk, future phases on Stoneygate, Preston Riversway Docklands regeneration and a third River Ribble crossing.
To read the prospectus in full or to download a copy visit https://www.investprestoncity.com/
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A topping out ceremony has been held to mark the highest point of the build at Preston’s Animate leisure complex, the latest milestone in the £45 million+ scheme, one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme.
Preston was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021, and the Harris Quarter is a unique part of the city centre undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering.
Animate is being brought forward by Maple Grove Developments, part of Preston-based contractor Eric Wright Group, in partnership with Preston City Council.
The leisure complex is being built on the site of the former indoor market and car park and due to open to the public in early 2025.
Almost fully pre-let, Animate will feature an eight-screen cinema, 16-lane bowling alley with gaming zone, five family restaurant units, a food hall, public realm, a competitive socialising unit and 164-space basement car park, with national leisure brands including
Hollywood Bowl, ARC Cinemas, Zizzi, Cosmo, Las Iguanas and Loungers already signed up as tenants.
Those attending the topping out included Cllr Yakub Patel, mayor of Preston City Council, Adrian Phillips, chief executive of the city council and Karen Hirst, managing director of Maple Grove Developments.
Councillor Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, added: “Animate is the flagship project of the Harris Quarter regeneration programme, heralding a new era for Preston and its residents. Owned by the city council to benefit local people, the construction of Animate has involved local contractors and enhanced the skills and learning of young people with essential on-the-job experience.
“Crucially, such development and regeneration forms a key part of the council’s commitment to Community Wealth Building, designed to create a resilient and inclusive economy to benefit the whole area by offering an opportunity for local people to take back control while working with local institutions.”
John Chesworth, Chair of Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board and Preston Partnership, said: “The topping out represents another key moment in the delivery of Animate and in the ongoing renaissance of Preston as we progress our wider plans to create places for people.
“Having secured high-profile and established national leisure brands, Animate will provide an unrivalled offering of activities to drive footfall and wider economic benefits for Preston and surrounding areas.”
Karen Hirst, managing director of Maple Grove Developments, development partner of Preston City Council, concluded: “This milestone in the delivery of Animate marks the highest point of the build and the successful culmination of the collaborative efforts of the client, design, and construction teams.
“Animate is an exemplar of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together in partnership to great effect for the wider community and economy of Preston.”
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Plans for a £9.7million sports hub, café, football pitches and pedestrian access routes for Preston’s Ashton Park have been submitted for planning approval by Eric Wright Construction on behalf of Preston City Council following a report that was approved by full December Council.
The facility will include six grass pitches, a 3G sports pitch and is part of the city’s Active Preston project, designed to encourage more people in the city to participate in healthy activities and improve the wellbeing of Preston residents.
It will enable thousands of young people year-round access to both natural and all-weather sports facilities and improve the local provision for playing grassroots sports.
The development will be funded by a £9.5million contribution from the £20m of Levelling Up funding which was awarded to the Council earlier in the year, having pledged to create improved sports facilities as part of the local bid.
Eric Wright Construction has been appointed to design and construct the facility and work is planned to commence on site in summer 2024 targeting completion by late summer 2025.
The scheme includes the design and construction of a two storey 1,395 sq m sports hub building, which will comprise a reception area for community use, changing facilities and café on the ground floor with admin offices, meeting rooms and classrooms on the first floor together with a studio and games room.
Eric Wright Construction will also undertake the demolition of the existing changing facility which is no longer fit for purpose, widening of the access road off Pedders Lane and creating enhanced access and car parking including electric vehicle charging provision.
Alongside the 3G pitch, the new facilities will include six grass pitches. Various footpaths will be introduced across the park which will improve pedestrian access, accessibility for wheelchair users and connectivity.
The scheme will also include significant soft landscaping including the planting of shrubs and trees to promote and enhance the local ecology.
Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety said: “This investment won’t just improve the park, it will transform the area. Subject to planning permission being secured, we are creating a brand new, publicly-owned community hub that will deliver a range of services and improve the quality of life for local residents, grassroots sports clubs and the wider Preston community.”
James Eager, director of Eric Wright Construction added: “We are really proud to have been appointed to bring forward this super sports facility in our hometown of Preston.
“It will be a superb asset for the city helping to improve the health of the community and we are looking forward to making a start on site once planning is secured.
“The new facilities will enable youngsters to play various sports all year round, accommodate class-based learning and activities whilst improving fitness, health and well-being as well as the ability to compete and be eligible for competitions.”
Preston-based Cassidy + Ashton is the appointed architect and town planner on the project.
Director and architect Lawrence McBurney said: “Sport plays a vital role in the health of adults and children and this new facility will provide first class facilities for the local community.
“Working alongside a team of consultants, we have designed a building and external space that will bring new energy to the park that has been underused for many years due to the poor ground conditions.”
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Amounderness House will undergo a £7.4 million refurbishment and is one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, for which the City was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021.
Harris Quarter is a unique area of Preston undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering, with Amounderness House located beside the £45m Animate cinema and leisure complex, which is under construction and due to open in Spring 2025.
The refurbishment of Amounderness House, originally built in 1857 as a police station with several holding cells, will be transformed into a high-quality modern, flexible, multi-use workspace hub that Wrkspace will operate.
Designed by FWP Architects, the sympathetic refurbishment of the Grade II listed building will create 26 offices circa 645 sq. ft and four craft or retail studios. In addition, the existing courtyard will be updated and open for public use.
Maple Grove Developments is working with Preston City Council and Wrkspace as Project/Development Manager to deliver the project.
Chair of Preston Partnership, John Chesworth, said: “It’s fantastic to see this magnificent building being brought back into use as it will help stimulate business, cultural, and community uses in Preston city centre.
“We are making significant progress in regenerating the Harris Quarter and seeing a ripple effect of interest in what Preston is achieving as an attractive place to live, work and play.”
Leader of Preston City Council, Cllr Matthew Brown, added: “On the back of this excellent news we can transform Amounderness House and capitalise on this asset being in public ownership and using it to support growing local businesses.
“Furthermore, in line with our Community Wealth Building principles we’re working with Preston-based Wrkspace to run this important heritage asset as it helps to boost our economy.”
Nik Puttnam, senior development manager with Maple Grove Developments, added: “Bringing new purpose to older buildings like Amounderness House is rewarding and we’re looking forward to making a start on the transformation of this superb historic building.
“Renovating listed buildings comes with its challenges, especially one that has been vacant for so long, but when complete it will complement other projects in the Harris Quarter and be an economic driver for the city centre .”
Rizwan Seth, managing director of Wrkspace, concluded: “The Wrkspace team is looking forward to welcoming Amounderness House into our flexible office space portfolio. The addition of a high quality city centre provision, compliments the existing business centre offering across the North West.
“Amounderness House will be a beacon for growth for new and existing businesses within Preston, encouraging flexible workspace provisions as the ever changing working requirements evolve”.
Smith & Love Planning Consultants submitted the application on behalf of Preston City Council and the wider project team for Amounderness House includes Cowburn-Watson Box, SCP Transport, Eden Heritage, E3P, TRP Consulting, and Graham Schofield Associates.
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The Harris, one of Preston’s most iconic cultural institutions, is thrilled to announce its 130th anniversary on the 26 October 2023. This remarkable milestone is not only a celebration of history but also a testament to The Harris’ commitment to progress and transformation.
Since its beginning in 1893, The Harris has been a beacon of culture and learning in the heart of Preston. Over the past century and a quarter, it has evolved into a vibrant hub for the community, a treasure trove of knowledge, and a space where creativity thrives.
To mark this momentous occasion, The Harris is embracing the future with the Harris Your Place project, an ambitious £16 million undertaking aimed at redefining its role in the 21st century.
This visionary project is restoring and reimagining The Harris as a space that bridges the past and the future, a community, cultural, and learning centre that engages and inspires all.
Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, said: “As we celebrate The Harris’s 130th anniversary, we are not just looking back on history, but forward to a future where culture, community, and innovation unite.
“The Harris Your Place project is a testament to our commitment to enriching lives and preserving our heritage. Together, we embark on a journey where the past inspires the future”
Designed by James Hibbert in the neoclassical style, the building has long been admired for its grandeur. The intricate detailing and magnificent facade has made The Harris an iconic Preston landmark for over a century.
The Harris Your Place project, while preserving the building’s historic charm, will incorporate modern elements that ensure it remains a symbol of innovation and progress.
The Harris has a rich history that spans more than a century. From its early days as a gift to the people of Preston by Edmund Robert Harris to its evolution into a vibrant cultural institution, The Harris has continually adapted to the changing needs of the community.
The Harris Your Place project will honour this legacy by creating spaces that celebrate the history and heritage of the building, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with Preston’s past.
As The Harris celebrates its remarkable 130th birthday, it’s inspiring to reflect on how far it’s come since the very first day of opening. Back in 1893, the doors were opened by Lord Derby and welcomed eager visitors following a procession through the city centre.
Speeches, prayers and performances from the Bijou Naval orchestra accompanied by a chorus of thirty voices were highlights of the celebratory opening event.
As The Harris prepares to reopen in 2025, the Harris Your Place capital project is set to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and preservation for the treasured Grade I listed building.
The commitment to preserving the Grade I listed building has evolved with the times, incorporating accessibility enhancements and a renewed focus on community empowerment, ensuring the reopening in 2025 is nothing short of extraordinary.
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According to research carried out by Conlon Construction, the construction company behind the regeneration of Preston’s iconic Harris Museum, the project is helping to boost the local economy.
The £16m Harris Your Place project, which Preston-based Conlon Construction is the principal contractor on and is delivering approximately £9m of work, has so far seen £3,479,212 spent within PR postcodes with local supply chain companies.
In addition, 286 local people within a 30-mile radius have worked on the project which has also generated more than 500 apprentice days to-date.
The Harris Your Place project sees the refurbishment of the Grade I listed museum, art gallery and library to enhance and protect the building for future generations. It is one of six major projects within the £200 million Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, which is set to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering.
Leader of Preston City Council, Cllr Matthew Brown, said: “Seeing these economic benefits being delivered by our ambitious but realistic investment programme was central to our thinking. We wanted to ensure that our regeneration of Preston would enhance our economy by using a community wealth-building approach to target spend on local business and employ local people many of whom live in Preston. It’s heartening to see our objectives come to fruition and pay dividends socially and economically. This once again is the Preston Model in action.”
Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board, John Chesworth, added: “When designing the Towns Fund Investment Programme, we wanted to ensure that local people and businesses would benefit from the transformation of the city’s key assets in the Harris Quarter.
“The projects now being delivered are creating real economic impact, and we’re only at the start of what we’re looking to achieve.”
Chairman of Conlon Construction, Michael Conlon, added: “As a proud Prestonian business, it’s imperative that our supply chain draws from the wealth of outstanding people on our very doorstep. Some of our longest supplier relationships are with local businesses who possess the same passion for excellence and the specialist skillsets that heritage projects like the Harris require. The works taking place on this much-loved city landmark are a prime example of delivering true economic benefit through employment, apprenticeships, training, work experience and more.”
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.
Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme
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 a new temporary event spa.
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The Harris, a cherished cultural institution in the heart of Preston, has announced a significant update regarding its reopening plans for the Harris Your Place project.
In collaboration with the main contractors, Conlon Construction Ltd, The Harris has taken the proactive step of extending the reopening date to Spring 2025.
This adjustment in the reopening timeline is driven by uncovering the secrets of a 130-year-old heritage building.
During construction work, The Harris has revealed additional fire protection works, large-scale asbestos removal, and boiler replacements now necessary to preserve the Grade I listed building to ensure a safe and exceptional visitor experience on reopening.
Michael Conlon, Chairman of Conlon Construction, said: “Together with Preston City Council and designers, we have an outstanding project team. We’re all committed to delivering an exceptional visitor experience that honours one of our city’s most culturally significant landmarks.
“It’s a rare privilege to act as custodians during the restoration of such an important Grade I listed building. As has often been the case in our experience with numerous heritage projects, the 130-year-old building has revealed some hidden secrets. These will require careful and sympathetic attention to ensure its preservation for future generations.
“The final result will be remarkable, and we’re all focused on ensuring ‘The Harris’, known and loved by the people of Preston, continues to play a crucial role in the city’s future.”
Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, spoke in support of this decision, stating: “The Council fully supports The Harris’ decision to extend the reopening date. We recognise the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, and this extension ensures that the necessary work can be completed to the highest standards.
“We appreciate the public’s continued support and patience as we work diligently ensure a long and ambitious future, accessible for all.”
County Councillor Peter Buckley, Cabinet Member for Community and Cultural Services highlighted the provision of the Preston Harris Library service and I.T. Centre will remain open to the public, at the Harris’ Home from Home in the Guild Hall.
“The library service continues at the Guild Hall, which has already issued in excess of 43,000 library items and seen 51,000 visitors to the library and I.T. Centre since January this year.”
In addition to the preservation efforts, The Harris acknowledges previous plans for an additional lift and the challenges in accommodating it within existing foundations.
With the additional lift removed from the project design, The Harris is working on a comprehensive set of access improvements to benefit a wider range of visitors to address accessibility, drawing on the experience of project access consultants Direct Access.
The new public stairwell and circulation point remain integral to these as do the new changing place facility and accessible toilets efforts.
Visit the Harris Museum website for more information about the Harris Your Place project.
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National youth charity, OnSide has received planning approval for a new Youth Zone in Preston. The state-of-the-art youth centre will provide young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
Expected to open in 2025, the Youth Zone will be located in the town centre on the corner of Crooked Lane and Tithebarn Street. Preston Youth Zone will be open to young people aged 8-19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, 7 days a week.
For just £5 annual membership, plus 50p per visit, young people will have access to world class facilities including a four-court sports hall, rooftop 3G outdoor kick pitch, gym and boxing and martial arts room for sports, as well as a music room with a built-in recording studio, arts and crafts area, climbing wall, dance studio, sensory room, and mentoring kitchen.
The Youth Zone will deliver skills and employability workshops in a dedicated enterprise and employability suite, as well as a wide range of programmes, services and activities. Hot, nutritious meals will be available for just £1 from the Youth Zone’s café.
In addition to the incredible facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available seven days a week to offer guidance and support to help Preston’s young people to thrive. It will create a number of full and part-time jobs and many volunteering opportunities.
Preston Youth Zone is being delivered by OnSide, in partnership with Preston City Council and Preston Towns Fund Board who will be contributing towards the building and running costs. In March it was confirmed that the Youth Zone will receive a grant from the DCMS’ Youth Investment Fund which means all of the building costs have now been secured and focus will turn to raising the remainder of the running costs which will come from private sector and philanthropic donations.
It will join the OnSide network of 14 similar Youth Zones supporting over 50,000 young people with locations in Bolton, Blackburn, Carlisle, Wigan, Manchester, Oldham, Wolverhampton, Wirral, Chorley, Warrington, Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Croydon and East Manchester.
While OnSide will develop and oversee the build of the Youth Zone, once open it will be run as an independent, local charity with a private-sector-led board.
Guy Topping, Preston Youth Zone Chair said: “This is an important milestone in the Preston Youth Zone journey and exciting news for young people living in Preston and beyond. Preston Youth Zone is a local, inspirational charity that will provide thousands of young people with access to activities, opportunities, and support from trusted youth workers.
“So much hard work has gone into getting us to this point and I want to thank everybody who has helped make this dream a reality”.
Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation at Preston City Council said: “This is a major step forward for the project and will be a fantastic boost for youth services in the city. There has been nowhere for our young people to go before now and with a wide variety of sports and art activities, educational and skills support on offer, all at low cost, there will be something for everyone.
“Youth Zones in other towns and cities across the country have had a huge positive benefit and we can’t wait for construction to finally get underway. It is testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved who have turned the vision into reality.”
John Chesworth, Chair of Preston Towns Fund Board, said: “The Youth Zone will be a fantastic asset for young people in Preston. Not only will it provide a place for young people to go, but it’ll also provide a vital function in providing practical support, advice and guidance to help young people plan for their future.
“Preston Youth Zone is one of six key projects that we are delivering within Harris Quarter, which we are confident will be the catalyst for Preston’s wider renaissance and bring additional investment into the City.”
Councillor Jennifer Mein, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Preston City Council concluded: “The Youth Zone will play an important role in building community cohesion and providing our young people with access to vital support services that’ll help with mental health and general wellbeing.
“In addition, it’ll also ensure our young people remain fit and healthy. It’ll give them access to a wide range of sporting activities that are shown to help bring people together. It’s impact will be far ranging.”
Nick Temple, CEO for Social Investment Business said: “The Youth Investment Fund is enabling more young people to benefit from the life-changing impact of youth work across England, giving them the best opportunities to thrive.
“It’s hugely exciting to see the Onside Preston Youth Zone project coming to life, it’s one of the first projects to benefit from the Youth Investment Fund. With planning secured, it means a brand-new youth centre is now in sight. It’s an exciting day for young people across Preston, who can look forward to exciting new opportunities to help expand their horizons, have fun, and develop vital skills for life.”
Local young people will have the opportunity to get involved in helping to shape their new Youth Zone. Working in partnership with the council and existing providers, OnSide will set up a Young People’s Development Group of local young people who will meet regularly to make key decisions for the Youth Zone, including supporting with the design and branding, and interviewing potential staff members.
For further updates on progress visit Onside Youth Zones.
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A major new £207m road scheme linking parts of Preston and the Fylde Coast to the M55 motorway, will open to the public from Monday 3 July.
Edith Rigby Way, the longest and most significant road in the Preston Western Distributor project, links the A583 Blackpool Road and Riversway with the new junction – the ‘missing’ junction 2 – on the M55.
The new road is named after Edith Rigby in honour of Preston’s most famous suffragette, who dedicated most of her life to fighting for women’s rights, particularly those of working-class women.
Work on the scheme, which includes two smaller roads, began towards the end of 2019 and took place through the Coronavirus pandemic.
These three new roads connect key parts of the city, aim to reduce congestion on the existing road network, help people to get around, and unlock new economic opportunities for Preston and Lancashire as a whole.
The scheme includes two smaller link roads: William Young Way and Avice Pimblett Way, which connect to new and existing housing areas of North West, Preston and Cottam.
These two roads are named after Victoria Cross recipient William Young, and Avice Pimblett OBE, who was the first woman town councillor, first woman alderman and first woman mayor of Preston.
The new roads provide direct access to new housing in the area and will support further developments in the future.
As well as promoting walking and cycling, the new roads will improve access to the motorway and will also support delivery of a proposed railway station at Cottam.
The new roads have been constructed by Costain, on behalf of Lancashire County Council, as part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.
Funding for the new road comes from the Department for Transport and the Lancashire Growth Deal, managed by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, with further funding coming from Lancashire County Council, National Highways and City Deal.
City Deal aims to create more than 20,000 new private sector jobs and more than 17,000 new homes built across the area, along with new school places and open green spaces to cater for the growing population.
It is an agreement between the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and Homes England.
The scheme also aligns with the core aims of the Lancashire 2050 framework, which is bringing Lancashire’s 15 councils together with a shared vision, shared ambition, shared goals and shared priorities.
Find out more about the new roads at Lancashire – PWD.
Roads Minister, Richard Holden, said: “Hundreds of thousands of Lancashire residents rely on our local road network to get around for work, education, hospital appointments and to see loved ones, whether that’s by car, bus, or cycling and walking.
“That’s why it’s fantastic to see the new Edith Rigby Way finally open thanks to this Government’s £31 million investment, which will help reduce congestion, cut journey times and create new local jobs, as we continue to improve transport connections to grow the economy.”
County Councillor Philippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “This opening marks a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and access to public transport infrastructure in Lancashire.
“The new road will help to reduce congestion in certain parts of Preston, reduce travel times, open up access to sites for new homes, and unlock opportunities for economic growth and development.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this project, especially during the pandemic. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on Preston and other parts of Lancashire.”
Mark Rawstron, Chair of the City Deal Executive, said: “The City Deal was a landmark agreement designed to transform Preston and South Ribble through the creation of new jobs and homes. The funding from City Deal has been instrumental in enabling growth through the expansion and improvement of transport infrastructure in the region, at scale.
“The Preston Western Distributor is a great example of this strategy in action. It also demonstrates how programmes like the City Deal can complement other funding streams, such as the LEP’s Growth Deal, to bring forward investments which generate significant benefits for the whole of the county.”
Councillor David Borrow, Preston City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, said: “The main new road is named after Edith Rigby in honour of Preston’s most famous suffragette, who dedicated most of her life to fighting for women’s rights, particularly those of working-class women. Improving the life of our residents remains at the heart of everything we do and this project has already benefited local businesses, provide local job opportunities and student placements, and bolstered the local economy.
“Providing better access to new and existing housing developments in North West Preston and Cottam, the new road will improve air quality and the traffic flow in the area for our residents.”
Debbie Francis OBE, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s fantastic that the Preston Western Distributor has been officially opened. The scheme has been designed to not only improve our access to the national motorway network, but also open up new housing sites, new industrial sites, and unlock other new commercial opportunities.
“The £58m of Growth Deal funding which helped ensure its completion is also a clear example of how LEP investment can be used strategically to support transformational projects which benefit the whole of the county.”
Bruce Parker, National Highways’ head of planning and development in the North West, said: “We’re delighted the opening of the road today includes a brand-new junction for the M55. We’ve made a significant investment in this project from money we’ve specially allocated to support new jobs and homes through brilliant local partnerships like this one with the county council and others.
“As well as supporting the local economy, the new M55 junction two helps relieve congestion at other junctions along the motorway and help provide smoother and more reliable journeys for businesses, commuters and other motorway users.”
Jon Irvine, Development Director, Homes England: “It is fantastic to see the Preston Western Distributer opening today. This significant piece of infrastructure will allow better connections to be made across Lancashire and importantly for housing and economic growth to be stimulated across the sub-region.
“Homes England is proud to have supported the delivery of such an important piece of infrastructure.”
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To mark the progress of Preston’s £45m+ Animate leisure complex, two ceremonial coins were added to the construction project’s steelwork being built by the Eric Wright Group.
A 50 pence Windrush coin, which celebrates 75 years since HMT Empire Windrush docked in England, and a £5 coin to mark the coronation of King Charles III were installed by the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Yakub Patel.
Cllr Yakub Patel said: “As we mark the progress of the Animate, we thought it appropriate also to acknowledge significant events during its construction.
“The coins are a simple way of acknowledging what’s happened in society and how citizens to royalty have contributed to shaping British culture.”
The Animate leisure complex is one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, for which the City was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021.
Harris Quarter is a unique area of Preston undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering. The £45m+ Animate cinema and leisure complex is due to open in Spring 2025.
Picture above, left to right:
- Mike Costello Quantity Surveyor, Eric Wright Construction
- Matt Friedmann Project Manager, Eric Wright Construction
- Cllr Yakub Patel Mayor of Preston
- Nick Hague Project Director, Maple Grove Developments
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.
Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme
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
Community Wealth Building
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 visit Preston City Council – community wealth building.
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