Work starts to build £45m leisure complex in Preston

The council says Animate will provide more than 140 long-term jobs

Author: Harry BoothPublished 10th Jan 2023
Last updated 10th Jan 2023

Work has started to build a £45million leisure and entertainment complex in Preston city centre.

Animate will include an eight-screen cinema, a bowling alley, restaurants, a street food hub, an outdoor terrace and 164-space car park.

There will also be improved pedestrian access between Animate the bus station and new trees.

Cllr Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said:

"Animate is at the heart of our diversification plans for the city centre, strengthening the cultural and leisure offer, attracting more people into the city, for a wide variety of reasons that the whole family can enjoy, for longer into the evening.

"Animate will remain in the ownership of Preston City Council and is a key addition to our Community Wealth Building agenda.

"The development is not only a catalyst for attracting further investment into the city, but working in partnership with Maple Grove Developments, and through implementing a renewed progressive approach to procurement, we have an opportunity to work more closely with a skilled local supply chain, throughout the life of the programme, working towards our shared vision for a more inclusive Preston economy."

Up to 200 full-time construction jobs will be created for this work; with apprenticeships, work placements, training and upskilling offered.

The council says more than 140 long-term jobs will also be created when it opens in a couple of year's time.

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