Member Article

Preston council vision for city centre regeneration

A Preston city centre regeneration project will include a cinema development and market at its heart.

The former post office building in Birley Street has also been marked for a hotel and leisure development.

The council is currently consulting with market traders on the proposed development and subject to this the final plans will be amended and planning permission sought in late 2015/early 2016.

Leader of Preston City Council Peter Rankin, said: “The Markets are important to Preston and a key part of the city’s culture and heritage.

“So we want to invest in the markets and provide a new market that is better for customers and traders alike.

“The next stage is to consult with market traders to make sure we can deliver a market that is vibrant, sustainable and fit for the city of Preston

“This Markets Quarter development is at the very heart of our ambitious vision for Preston.

“Our goal is for a game changing, new cinema development. City centres have to offer much more than ever before. It’s no longer just about shopping.

“It’s about vibrancy, uniqueness, culture, heritage, events, food and drink and things to do. Through the Markets Quarter development, Preston can offer this and more.

“It’s an exciting time for Preston. The city is fast becoming one of northern England’s brightest development hotspot through the £430m City Deal and other major investments including those at Preston Bus Station, Preston Guild Hall and the Markets Quarter.

“We’ve already had a lot of interest in the former Post Office building and the timing is right now to look to develop this unique, Preston building for possible hotel and leisure development.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .