£50m investment to transform Preston City Centre
£50m is going to be used to transform Preston's Markets Quarter as part of a major city centre revamp.
£50m is going to be used to transform Preston's Markets Quarter as part of a major city centre revamp.
A new 11 screen cinema, seven restaurants and new multi-storey car park are all part of the plans to redevelop the city.
The public also being asked to have their say on how the new complex should look.
The scheme forms part of the wider regeneration of the Markets Quarter which includes the full refurbishment and redecoration of the two listed Market canopies and the construction of a new glazed Market Hall under the larger of the two canopies, to accommodate market traders relocated from the existing indoor market.
The consultation event, which is open to the public, is to be held at St. George’s Shopping Centre in the Upper Mall (Friargate end) on the following dates and times:
• Saturday 9th April: 11am to 3pm • Monday 11th April: 11am to 3pm
Mike Horner, Regional Director for Muse Developments, said:
“We are working extremely hard to deliver a high quality scheme which is long overdue for Preston City Centre. The proposals are truly spectacular and will include views out across the City Centre and beyond.
“The Light are making a name for themselves in new cinema experiences and they are a great fit for Preston as they do not solely show mainstream cinema releases but also a wide range of other arts, culture, sporting and educational productions – it is not ‘more of the same’ in terms of cinema provision but a destination that will truly excite local residents and get people back into the City Centre.
“The Markets Quarter redevelopment is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the perception of Preston City Centre and establish it as the premier family-focused leisure destination.
“It is not a quick fix solution but instead represents the critical part of a long-term strategy for the successful regeneration of an area within the City Centre which contains a number of historic buildings and assets.
“We are extremely confident that local residents and businesses will recognise the significant benefits that the Markets Quarter will deliver to the City Centre as a whole.”
Lorraine Norris, Chief Executive of Preston City Council, added:
“The Markets Quarter is a flagship development for Preston. It’s about breathing new life into the market and securing the wider regeneration of Preston City Centre. It’s also about Preston raising its game and fulfilling its role as the economic and cultural centre of Lancashire. This is a chance for people to see the scale of the ambition and the true potential that this development offers. Markets Quarter is wholesale regeneration of the centre and complements the future investments in the Bus Station, the Guild Hall and the Harris. These are exciting times for Preston and we look forward to hearing people’s views.”