Preston landmark set for £9 million revival

A former magistrates court in Preston is undergoing a £9 million transformation.

Preston’s Grade II-listed Amounderness House, originally built in 1857 as a police station, is being converted into modern, flexible workspace. 

Maple Grove Developments (MGD), the development arm of the Eric Wright Group, is leading the project in partnership with Preston City Council.

The redevelopment will create 26 offices and four studios, alongside meeting and event spaces, operated by local workspace provider Wrkspace. 

Nick Hague, project director at MGD, said: “With our spades in the ground, MGD is proud to be part of the team bringing forward the restoration and refurbishment of this part of Preston’s history into high quality managed workspace, complementing the wider regeneration of the Harris Quarter.

“Delivery of this managed workspace will play a key role in supporting the further economic growth of central Preston with more opportunities for up-and-coming local businesses.”

Rizwan Seth, managing director of Wrkspace, added: “Working alongside Maple Grove Developments and Preston City Council on this landmark scheme reflects our shared commitment to transforming and revitalising city centre spaces. 

“The much-anticipated addition of Amounderness House to our successful and established network of seven Wrkspace business centres across Lancashire represents an exciting opportunity to support Preston’s burgeoning corporate community with flexible, high-quality, bespoke workspace.”

Enabling works have begun, including disconnection of services, asbestos removal and interior preparation, ahead of the main construction by Eric Wright Construction.

Designed by FWP Architects and planned by S&L Planning Consultants, Amounderness House forms part of Preston’s Harris Quarter, a £200 million regeneration programme funded in part by the Government’s Towns Fund. 

Located next to the new £45 million Animate cinema and leisure complex, the site will contribute to a revitalised mix of culture, employment and leisure in the city.

Completion is expected by June 2027.

Councillor Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building with Preston City Council, added: “The start of work on site makes our plans to breathe new life into this treasured building a reality. 

“We believe that Amounderness House will play a major role in supporting the growth of innovative local businesses by providing them with a tailor-made city centre hub.”

John Chesworth, chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Board, added: “On completion, Amounderness House will provide essential state-of-the-art facilities to many of the exciting and progressive start-up and established small businesses that make Preston the commercial capital of Lancashire.”

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