Preston’s nine Grade two-listed red telephone boxes are set for an historic face-lift as the project to restore them dials up.

On Thursday 12 December, telephone box restoration specialists L Carr Contractors have removed the iconic kiosks for sandblasting and restoration to their original condition.

Once the restoration is complete, the boxes will be returned to their location outside the former post office on Market Street for the spring of 2025.

After the kiosks are removed, work will take place beneath the pavement to install new digital infrastructure that will home the new enhanced telephone boxes.

Originally designed by British architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V’s Coronation in 1935, the cast iron kiosks with timber doors form the longest line of historic red telephone boxes in the UK.

Preston City Council acquired the telephone boxes in 2021 and obtained Listed Building Consent (LBC) for their restoration.

Potential future uses of the kiosks include creative installations in partnership with artists to add to the vibrancy of the Harris Quarter in Preston.

The restoration project forms a key part of the wider Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, awarded £20.9m from the government’s then-national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021.

Liam Carr, director of East Yorkshire-based L Carr Contractors, said: “The award of this prestigious contract allows us to revitalise these historic telephone boxes and enhance community pride and local tourism, ensuring that the charm and nostalgia associated with such iconic traditional red boxes endure in an increasingly digital age.”

Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building on Preston City Council, said: “Preston celebrates being the home of the UK’s longest line of iconic red telephone boxes, a landmark in the centre of our city that we’ll bring back to life for current and future generations to enjoy.

“Once the restoration is complete and the kiosks are returned to their home on Market Street, we will work with artists to commission light, audio visual or graphic work to bring them alive, adding to the vibrancy of the Harris Quarter.”

Preston Partnership chairman and Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board, John Chesworth, added: “The long-awaited and much-anticipated restoration of these historic telephone boxes would be an outstanding addition to the Harris Quarter. They represent an invaluable and unique city asset, and bringing them back into use will provide a popular focal point for many people.”

As the designer of the kiosks, Sir Giles has a strong historical connection with Preston. He also designed the War Memorial Cenotaph in Market Place, and his father, George Gilbert Scott, designed the Town Hall.

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. Schemes include the £45m Animate cinema and leisure complex and the refurbishment of the Grade I-listed Harris Museum, art gallery, and library.

News courtesy of Invest Preston.

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.

Preston City Council has agreed a 15-year lease with the Northern Lights Group (NLG) for a new food hall at Animate, the £45+ million entertainment and leisure complex, which is being delivered by Maple Grove Developments.

Animate has already attracted big names such as Arc Cinema and Hollywood Bowl, several national food retailer brands, forming part of the city’s ongoing regeneration programme.

The Northern Lights Group will create and run a cocktail bar and four bespoke food kiosks to be let to small businesses.

The Northern Lights Group is one of the region’s largest independent hospitality groups. Speaking on behalf of the company Joe Foster said: “This is another incredibly exciting opportunity for us. As part of our growth strategy, we have been identifying new locations across the region, and Animate is the perfect fit. We look forward to opening our doors in early 2025 and serving the people of Preston with delicious food.”

John Chesworth, chairman of Preston Partnership said: “Animate is a major asset in the city’s regeneration as it will help draw more people into Preston, but it’s acting as a catalyst for further growth and as footfall increases, we’ll undoubtedly see businesses want to invest here.

“Preston is really starting to flourish and we’re now seeing the fruits of everyone’s hard work in helping make the city an attractive place to live, work and play. The Northern Lights Group choosing Preston as a place to do business is a testament to what’s being achieved here.”

Andrew Dewhurst, development director at Maple Grove Developments, continued: “The Northern Lights Group is well accustomed with the concept of food halls, successfully operating throughout the North West. Choosing Animate for this latest food hall concept only adds to the draw of Preston as a place to visit.

“In terms of the site development, Eric Wright Construction is continuing to make excellent progress. The brickwork is nearing completion, the tenterhook panels are installed, and the majority of the glass panelling is in place. We’re working towards a completion date this autumn. The tenants can then begin to fit out and furnish their units before Animate launches in early 2025.”

Animate is one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme.

Deputy Leader of Preston City Council, Cllr Martyn Rawlinson, said: “Our ambition for Animate has always been to provide independent operators to be part of this Council-owned entertainment and leisure development and trade alongside national brands which will help build a resilient and inclusive economy for all. Having the Northern Lights Group at Animate will help us deliver an attractive offer for the people of Preston and wider Lancashire while contributing to the city’s ongoing social and economic regeneration.”

Northern Lights Group will run the bar unit directly, but will be looking to recruit local operators for the other food outlets. The company has a strong social value ethos and provides ‘back into work’ training and ongoing support to local, start-ups and new food kiosk operators in the Food Halls through its business operation model. Its commitment to social value is supported by the Council, which will work with the Northern Lights Group in line with its ongoing commitment to Community Wealth Building in Preston.

Bosses at Northern Lights Group are also looking to appoint a local ambassador to a Board that will oversee the Preston Food Hall to strengthen and grow local community connections in the city.

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.

Bradys and Smith Young are the joint lettings agents for Animate and advised Maple Grove Developments. The letting leaves just two units available at Animate. For details visit Preston City Council – units to let in Animate.

News courtesy of Invest Preston.

(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/

Lancashire County Council is set to host Convention of the North 2025, it can be revealed.

The event will be held at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston next year on the 27 and 28 of February 2025, with more details to be announced later this year.

Convention of the North 2025 will bring together business, community, academic, and political leaders to discuss how they can address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the North of England.

This year, the discussions will be crucial in the post-election period, where it is essential for the North to present a clear, coordinated, cross-party agenda to the new government.

Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “It’s a privilege to host the Convention of the North in Lancashire in 2025.

“This event provides a fantastic opportunity to unite our leaders across the North to respond collectively to the new government agenda and deliver on our ambitious regional plans.

“A successful North is a prerequisite for a successful UK economy. The scale, nature, and importance of the North means it has a vital role in driving national growth and the event provides an opportunity for Lancashire to showcase and align its exciting plans with neighbouring regions for advanced engineering and manufacturing, future aerospace, cyber security, and clean growth.”

Since its inception in 2018, Convention of the North has been a pivotal forum for fostering collaboration across sectors. Previous conventions have been held in Leeds, Gateshead, Rotherham, Liverpool, and Manchester, each building on the momentum to create a “powerful, unifying voice of the North.”

Professor Graham Baldwin, University of Central Lancashire Vice-Chancellor, said: “Convention of the North 2025 will continue the meaningful collaboration between Government, academia, and business for the good of the northern economy and we are delighted to be able to facilitate this.

“It’s wonderful news for the University of Central Lancashire, the city of Preston and the wider region that we are hosting this prestigious event.

“Fostering regional growth, innovation and collaboration across the North is essential to achieving the national aspirations for growth and development. Universities across the North are instrumental in this process so it is fitting that through hosting we can show what we and others have to offer.”

Clare Hayward MBE DL, Co-Chair of the Convention, said: “The Convention of the North is a remarkable opportunity to elevate the profile of the North on an international stage. As co-chair, I’m looking forward to taking part in some thought-provoking discussions about the future of our region.

“Each Convention presents a new opportunity to collaborate and build a thriving, well-connected North, unlocking the region’s full potential.”

Keynote speakers and the full programme will be announced later this year, promising an exciting and impactful agenda.

News courtesy of Convention of the North.

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.”