What makes a thriving city centre?

Panel discussion for thriving city centre: Chris Moss, Beckie Joyce, Mark Whittle and Marianne Hesketh

“What Makes a Thriving City Centre?” was the hot topic for Preston Partnership’s third #InTheCity event for 2026.

More than Retail

Hosted at Cotton Court Business Centre, the event kicked off with a presentation from long-term retailer, Peter Jackson, on behalf of Preston BID. Passionate about the city centre, Peter told the audience that future town centres cannot depend on retail as the primary draw – they must be a place where people live, eat, socialise, work and visit after the shops are closed.

Setting out the case for voting “yes” for Preston BID at the upcoming election, Peter told us that “Preston needs the BID,” and that the next five years would allow them to continue to build upon the work they’ve done, including:

CCTV and other security measures
Improvements to Winckley Square
Events (at Christmas and during the summer)
Street cleaning
Flower Displays
Christmas lights

He also urged everyone in the room to remember their role in making sure our city centre thrives, by using it.

Panel Discussion

Chaired by Beckie Joyce, the panel included special guests:

Mark Whittle, Manager at Preston BID
Chris Moss, Journalist & Cultural Historian
Marianne Hesketh, Deputy Chief Executive for Preston City Council

The wide-ranging discussion covered topics from reality vs perception, investment and footfall to business rates, the Guild Hall and parking. Author Chris Moss highlighted how Preston’s main axis (Fishergate) feels lively and thriving, but acknowledged the challenge of spreading that energy to the side streets. Marianne Hesketh echoed this positivity, talking about the opportunity to increase how the city celebrates its history and heritage. Beckie Joyce teased a soon-to-be revealed Preston narrative and brand, expected later this year and all agreed that the city’s walkable core is an underused asset.