City residential hub plans get £8.6 million boost

Plans for a 300-plus-bed city residential scheme have received an £8.6 million boost.

Work to redevelop Preston’s former Park Hotel has been backed by Homes England.

Officials say the cash will drive forward the transformation of the former Lancashire County Council premises into a 92-bedroom apart-hotel and 239-apartment hub.

The latter is set to be delivered as a build-to-rent venture.

The scheme is being led by developer Heaton Group alongside Preston City Council, Homes England and Hive Land & Planning.

Nick Thompson, director at Salford-based Hive Land & Planning, said: “This is a fantastic outcome for Preston.

“We are very pleased Homes England has endorsed the city council’s regeneration vision with this substantial funding.”

Councillor Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building and city regeneration at Preston City Council, said: “This significant collaboration marks a huge step forward in the city’s regeneration journey.

“The Park Hotel is a historic piece of the city’s legacy.”

Backing for the project was secured via the Building Infrastructure and Land Fund, which aims to unlock housing sites and deliver brownfield projects.

Duncan Inglis, director of MPP North at Homes England, added: “The transformation of the Park Hotel is an excellent example of how funding and cross-sector partnerships can drive forward regeneration.”

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