Preston Markets Quarter Regeneration on track for multi million pound investment

Architects are now putting together proposals for the regeneration of the Preston Markets quarter.

A full architectural and ground conditions survey has now been completed allowing the architects to begin designing the markets scheme. The next stage is for the architects to come forward with a proposed scheme and from there consultation with traders, customers, stakeholders and all other interested parties will take place helping to shape and refine the final proposals. It is anticipated that the consultation process will take place in May.

The council are hoping to be in position by summer to submit a planning application for the new market scheme with work starting on the new facilities in early 2016.

The architects brief is to refurbish and make better use of the 1875 market canopy, the larger of the two Grade II listed market canopies, to provide new facilities for market traders and an exciting new flexible event space for the city. The 1875 canopy is amongst the city's finest heritage assets and, with its Victorian cast iron pillars and lattice-work iron roof structure, is one the country's most stunning covered markets. Therefore any development scheme must be sensitively designed to respect its heritage status, one of the many challenges that have had to be addressed in devising a scheme to budget, for this building.

The new market will be open before the current indoor market is closed to keep continuity of service and custom.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Rankin said;

“We are making good progress. Regeneration of the Preston Markets Quarter is the council’s top priority and we want to deliver a bustling and thriving market that the city can be proud of. The architects now have everything they need to come forward with a proposed scheme for the market which utilises the listed Victorian market canopy.

By May the architects will have finalised the plan and we will be in a position to carry out full consultation with market traders and customers. This will help to shape the final proposed scheme for the market.”  

ENDS  

Media Enquiries, Rebecca Fitton, City Marketing and Development Officer, (01772) 906716