Vision for Winckley Unveiled

A vision for the future of Winckley, the area that connects with both Fishergate and Avenham and Miller Parks and which includes Winckley Square and neighbouring streets, has been unveiled and the public are being asked to give their views.

New visual images for the gardens, improvements to buildings and to the public realm have all been released ahead of consultations taking place at the Winckley Weekend event on 2^nd and 3^rd May, where people will have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments on the designs.  An online consultation has also been set up at: www.preston.gov.uk/winckleysquare

There are two projects which have received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund: the Townscape Heritage Initiative, led by Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council to bring existing buildings in and around the Square back into use and to improve the visual appearance of surrounding streets; and The Winckley Square Futures Project; led by Groundwork, the Winckley Square Community Interest Company and Preston City Council, which will renovate the communal gardens space making it more accessible and improving the environment.

Paul Crowther, Winckley Square THI Officer from Preston City Council, said: “This is the first time people will get to see the new vision for the Square and the area, and we really want to hear people’s views.

“It is exciting to see how the investment will improve the area and increase footfall and trade for the businesses located here.  There is a lot of work to do but working together with our partners means we are making great strides to deliver these visions and we expect that will take place in the next few years subject to securing the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.”

Paul Dunne, Public Realm Manager for Lancashire County Council said; "It is fantastic that we are starting to see more investment in Preston and this work will compliment the work we have been doing to improve the gateways into the City Centre along Fishergate and Corporation Street.

"Winckley has some great heritage and is an ideal business location, and we are hopeful that these  improvements will attract more businesses to this area and help boost growth for the city as well as making it a nicer place to be for everyone."

Simon Turner, a director of Winckley Square Community Interest Company, said: “The plans are sympathetic, simple, yet transformational.

“There is a lot of hard work skillfully going on behind the scenes by public bodies, the private sector, community and volunteer groups, and it’s great to see plans now taking shape.

“There is great belief that investment in the area can transform the Winckley Square area into a thriving conservation district and we must keep this momentum going and make sure these plans are delivered.”

Ben Williams, Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan, said: "These two initiatives working alongside each other will give a real transformation to Winckley Square.  The plans for the Green Space aren't as well-developed as those for the THI, but we're still eager to get people's views on the work we've carried out thus far.  We're delighted to be able to be part of the Winckley Weekend, and we look forward to many more activities like this in the future."

NOTES TO NEWSDESK

1. Initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Winckley Townscape Heritage Initiative is for £1.4 million.
2. Initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Winckley Square Futures Project to improve the gardens in Winckley Square is for £1 million.
3. All images can be viewed at www.preston.gov.uk/winckleysquare

ENDS

Media enquiries: Carl Holloway, Senior Communications Officer, 01772 906349