Light touch transforms historic Preston streets

A regeneration project is bringing new life to part of Preston city centre.

Phase one of the ‘Illuminate and Integrate’ scheme, part of the wider £45 million Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, has been completed. 

Delivered by Maple Grove Developments and Eric Wright Civil Engineering for Preston City Council, the works have created pedestrian and cycle-friendly spaces at a section of Lancaster Road, adjacent to the Market Hall and Old Vicarage Road.

Features include high-quality paving, installation of trees, flexible-use space for markets and al fresco dining, and distinctive ‘Gobo’ lighting, which projects moving images onto the pavement to guide visitors through the area.

Lighting upgrades across nearby streets also aim to improve safety and reduce energy use.

John Chesworth, chair of Preston Towns Fund strategic board, said: “While it may only be a small part of the overall jigsaw, lighting fundamentally impacts place-making. 

“Quite literally, Illuminate will showcase Preston’s fine architecture, promoting the areas of the Harris Quarter while creating an attractive but dynamic lighting scene and encouraging footfall to this area of Preston.”

Nick Hague, project director at Maple Grove Developments, added: “The scheme has been designed to sympathetically create a contemporary feel to the area without dismissing the heritage of the Harris Quarter. 

“It will promote safety and assurance while helping create a positive ambience.” 

Phase two of the scheme, which will focus on Lancaster Road, is expected to begin later this summer. 

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