That seems a logical explanation Northender, maybe you're right. They've had more than enough time. Fingers crossed. With only about 2 years until construction is due to begin we can expect to see something more detailed than the wooden blocks on Terry Farrell's website at some stage.

I haven't been to Preston in years, so this may seem like an outdated question. But was anything ever built on the former BAe Systems factory site? You know the one you travel by after leaving the A59 into Penwortham, then heading towards Blackpool? I know a few apartments were built at one end, but I always found it strange such a large piece of land would remain unused for so long. Preston is a city I've paqssed through en-route many times, but have never had the chance to look around.

there has been stuff built there but it is massively underwhelming

Do you mean Strand Road ChrisB? If it is, like Northender said it was a pretty poor development. The apartments were OK but they just slapped a Lidl, gym, shops etc on it and some office buildings are under construction were aren't anything special. It could have been used a lot better. There is a non-smoking club for "trendy people" lol built there which is very popular but should have been built in the city centre really. This gives you an idea:
http://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/pdf/west.pdf
That isn't what we ended up with though, which is a shame because what we got is a bit shite really lol

Yeah that the road I meant. I went to Blackpool countless times when I was younger and can only very vaguely remember the BAe building being there. The thing that sticks in my mind is that the site remained vacant for many years. As I say I haven't been to Blackpool or Preston in about eight years, so was just curious what became of the site. You are right to feel that something more could have been made of it - I think everyone feels that way when a Lidl pops up on a prime piece of land. Suppose it's still better than nothing. Thanks for the information.

The only thing i'd keep is Giacomos pizzas, easy the best takeaway for miles :)
Their delivery cars are by far the best in Lancs with the big phones on top! :D

I wasn't having a go Ferg, I am a crap photographer and wouldn't know what was a technically good shot, but for what little its worth I thought you photos were very good, perhaps too good. I like that ultra-realistic style. It was the same when you came to Liverpool, you seem to have an ability to capture the feel of a place.

I'd like to re-visit Preston one day, but it's a long way away. Here is an idea for Prestonians, can you let me know if you think it's a possibility? How about if you built a huge Eden-centre style series of glass bubbles over the river (where Ferg's pictures are taken), and filter and clean the river, and make it fit for bathing? You could have a kind of pastoral idyll in the middle of the city, with meadows and trees and streams and grass and wild flowers. An urban Eden centre, with cafes and bars inside, and with large blocks of flats forming one wall - so their balconies are enclosed within the gigantic bubble. No rain, no cold, just serenity.

It could be used for small-sized "open air" gigs (up to say 500 people) year round, with a natural ampi-theatre leading down to the river, and once soft drugs are legalised it could have a chill zone where smoking is tolerated - you could hire hammocks by the hour and maybe some kind of games centre could be buried underneath.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4457054.stm

Looks like St Helen's has a bit more vision than Preston?

And what else exactly has St Helens got going for it?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4457054.stm

Looks like St Helen's has a bit more vision than Preston?
also reported it could be near preston. so what?

Lancs to get Eden project 2

Lancashire has been earmarked as a possible location for the northern home of the hugely successful Eden Project.
The architects behind the green tourism hot-spot are planning to turn a Lancashire rubbish dump into a £150m tropical rainforest.
Dubbed the Kew of the North, the forest would be able to heat itself with decomposing garden and kitchen waste.
Hopes were high today that it could become a tourist attraction to rival the Cornwall attraction which currently pulls in 1.25m visitors per year.
Plans include one of England's highest waterfalls, walkways through the treetops and, possibly, Europe's biggest compost heap, capable of using most of the green waste of a city the size of Manchester.
The people behind the project are keeping tight-lipped over the exact location, other than to say there are plans to regenerate a landfill site, close to the M6. Among the former and current landfill sites in the county are part of Fishwick Bottoms in Preston, Clifton Marsh, near Preston and Ulnes Walton in Leyland.
Michael Pawlyn, a director of architects Grimshaw, who worked on the Eden Project for seven years, said the project would have negligible running costs.
He said: "The scale would be pretty vast, 25% bigger than Eden.
"A lot of local authorities are in a flap over what to do with their waste. The idea is to turn the problem into an opportunity."
The architects are planning to build 50 metre high walls out of rubble which would contain bio-digester composting tubes.
Into these would be fed household and municipal waste such as leaves, soil, grass-cuttings, tree prunings and waste food.
Heat exchange tubes would then transfer low-grade heat emissions into a glass-roofed space to create the warm, saturated environment needed for rain forest life.
A byproduct of the process would be thousands of tons of high-quality compost.
Civil engineers working with Grimshaw estimate that it could earn about £12m a year by generating heat and electricity on site and from taking the green waste.
The site of the proposal has been withheld while the regeneration group which commissioned the designs decides whether it is feasible.
South Ribble MP David Borrow welcomed the plans. He said: "The centre in Cornwall has many visitors has proved immensely popular.
"But if it was in Lancashire it would be nearer major urban centres and people living in many major cities would not have to travel as far.
"We have plenty of derelic land in Lancashire and this would be ideal for creating jobs."
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans added: "This would be superb for the county. The Eden Project has been superb in bringing millions of visitors to the South West and it would definitely do the same for Lancashire.
"It would be incredibly imaginative to use a landfill site rather than leave it derelict.
"This would be a boost in the number of visitors coming to Lancashire and increase their spending power in shops and local businesses."
Coun Veronica Afrin, cabinet member for environment and sustainability said: "We would be absolutely delighted to see the project come to Lancashire.
"The educational and job opportunities would be second to none and I would expect the total support to the scheme from Preston Council."
Both Lancashire County Council and Preston Council say they have yet to be approached by representatives of the Eden Project.

http://www.prestontoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=73&ArticleID=1261720

====

hmmmm.... how cool would that be! tho it seems we have rivals

Preston has FAR more interest in it than elsewhere in Lancashire at the moment. With visitors to Preston and the population set to swell over the coming years, it would be a worthwhile investment for the company behind the project.

Another advantage for this being built at the proposed Preston site is that 4 different motorways intersect in Preston which would kick ass when it comes to getting nationwide visitors.

The Prestoncity web site has been updated with the November 2005 edition of their newsletter:
http://prestoncity.codeserver.co.uk/files/news/Preston%20Newsletter%2004.pdf

A few interesting pieces. Says estimates indicate the population has risen to 130,500 even though the true figure is around 250,000 including South Ribble.

Nice find. Lots of very positive news :) I didnt know they were still updating that site.
There is a thing in tonights LEP about some talk thats gonna be given at UCLan on 30th Nov about the future development of Preston. I might go if I can.

Lancs to get Eden project 2

Lancashire has been earmarked as a possible location for the northern home of the hugely successful Eden Project.
The architects behind the green tourism hot-spot are planning to turn a Lancashire rubbish dump into a £150m tropical rainforest.
Dubbed the Kew of the North, the forest would be able to heat itself with decomposing garden and kitchen waste.
Hopes were high today that it could become a tourist attraction to rival the Cornwall attraction which currently pulls in 1.25m visitors per year.
Plans include one of England's highest waterfalls, walkways through the treetops and, possibly, Europe's biggest compost heap, capable of using most of the green waste of a city the size of Manchester.
The people behind the project are keeping tight-lipped over the exact location, other than to say there are plans to regenerate a landfill site, close to the M6. Among the former and current landfill sites in the county are part of Fishwick Bottoms in Preston, Clifton Marsh, near Preston and Ulnes Walton in Leyland.
Michael Pawlyn, a director of architects Grimshaw, who worked on the Eden Project for seven years, said the project would have negligible running costs.
He said: "The scale would be pretty vast, 25% bigger than Eden.
"A lot of local authorities are in a flap over what to do with their waste. The idea is to turn the problem into an opportunity."
The architects are planning to build 50 metre high walls out of rubble which would contain bio-digester composting tubes.
Into these would be fed household and municipal waste such as leaves, soil, grass-cuttings, tree prunings and waste food.
Heat exchange tubes would then transfer low-grade heat emissions into a glass-roofed space to create the warm, saturated environment needed for rain forest life.
A byproduct of the process would be thousands of tons of high-quality compost.
Civil engineers working with Grimshaw estimate that it could earn about £12m a year by generating heat and electricity on site and from taking the green waste.
The site of the proposal has been withheld while the regeneration group which commissioned the designs decides whether it is feasible.
South Ribble MP David Borrow welcomed the plans. He said: "The centre in Cornwall has many visitors has proved immensely popular.
"But if it was in Lancashire it would be nearer major urban centres and people living in many major cities would not have to travel as far.
"We have plenty of derelic land in Lancashire and this would be ideal for creating jobs."
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans added: "This would be superb for the county. The Eden Project has been superb in bringing millions of visitors to the South West and it would definitely do the same for Lancashire.
"It would be incredibly imaginative to use a landfill site rather than leave it derelict.
"This would be a boost in the number of visitors coming to Lancashire and increase their spending power in shops and local businesses."
Coun Veronica Afrin, cabinet member for environment and sustainability said: "We would be absolutely delighted to see the project come to Lancashire.
"The educational and job opportunities would be second to none and I would expect the total support to the scheme from Preston Council."
Both Lancashire County Council and Preston Council say they have yet to be approached by representatives of the Eden Project.

http://www.prestontoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=73&ArticleID=1261720

====

hmmmm.... how cool would that be! tho it seems we have rivals

Yeah, I was just being a bit cheap and sarcastic. When I suggested an Eden-type Centre for Preston, the post was completely blanked as though it was insane. So insane it wasn't even worth saying "what a stupid idea". Days later there are public proposals for an Eden-stye Centre and it looks like it's of interest! As I say, i was being a bit cheap, pointing out that my proposal came before the public one I posted a link to. I don't care where it goes, I just thought something like that would be great near the centre of Preston and make a real difference to the city.

Hi there, it's me again. For people that didn't see my first post, I am journalism student at UCLAN, making a website on Tithebarn Project. I need to conduct a few email interviews with someone- I already have a guy from a "Save the Bus Station" Campaign, I was wondering if any one here wouldn't mind putting in a word? All i need is someone to answer a few questions through email. If you want to email me directly, my address is KTAstley@UCLAN.ac.uk

I'll do it for you if you want. E-mail me at 05061609@student.runshaw.ac.uk :)

Article tonight in the LEP about the new 8-storey hotel on Guildhall Street. It seems to have got a very positive reception :)

Yeah I'm quite positive about this getting permission from the Council, it is depserately needed. If I have time, I'll try get to Lancastria House to look at the plans.

The application has gone in for the former Preston Farmers' site on New Hall Lane. A food retail unit (1579sq.m), unit for leisure use (2736 sq.m), 92 flats and 312 parking spaces, new vehicular access from New Hall Lane and landscaping.
And work is already well underway on the new hotel across from the site. It is due to open mid-March next year.

Yeah, I noticed that when passing the other day. Was pretty dark though.
I'm gonna try and get into town this weekend to get a daylight look at that and other stuff, especially that demolition site on Lawson Street. I've got my fingers crossed that its the 8-storey apartment block that was approved early this year :cool:

Couple of shots from yesterday...

Skyline from Penwortham Hill :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00261.jpg

Not clear I know (was taken from a bus), but this is Lowthian House with the LIGHTS ON! I was shocked and amazed :P Does this mean it has finally found an occupier? Or even better, are they doing it up?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00263.jpg

I think that they are doing up the inside, there were some workmen in there last week. Not sure about the outside though.

Fingers crossed. No good doing up the inside if the exterior is the ugliest in the city centre. Lowthian House is listed as a building that would be done up under the Tithebarn Masterplan.

Oh my God lol it's alive! I remember reading it would be done up as part of Tithebarn, so it would make sense to start doing the 'smaller' things like that now. It's unlikely to ever find a tenant in its current state. Plenty of glass please :D

Clearer pic
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00278.jpg
I zoomed in on my camera and they are definitely doing internal fitting of some kind, confirming Northender's sightings.

The new SCS store on the docks is nearly complete now
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00267.jpg

Couple more pics from tonight. I've got more to upload. Will post eventually.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00283.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00272.jpg

Great pics Accura. I know a while ago I said it would rather see Lowthian House demolished but it would be nice to see some life breathed back into it.
The docks look gorgeous at night. Only God knows how SCS got planning permission for that site! Only a few months ago the council were saying how wrong it is to be filling the docks area with shabby retail warehouses...

Of course the Ring Way should be buried. It's not even that expensive, urban tunnels cost around 80 million per mile and the cost has been falling about 4% per year. The bit from Corporation St. to North Road is about half a mile and would therefore cost about 40 million pounds. That would pay partly in increased land and land value, not to speak of what it would do for the city centre and for connecting the Uni better to the centre. This is actually something UCLan should be pushing for.

Maybe some day. The problem is that this could take roughly 3 years to accomplish. Imagine how bad the traffic would be in that time! I'm not sure where it would all be diverted to either.

Welcome to the boards btw :)

Welcome to the thread Prestonophile. I've been ranting on about this Ringway business for a while now and it apparently wouldn't be too expensive when compared to Riverworks, for example. It really does cut the city centre off from the uni, the two halves feel unique, which is great but they don't feel like they're part of the same thing. And as you say, burying the ringway would lead to extra land for development and increased land value so it would pay for itself after a couple of years. A new ring road (actually going around the city centre and not through it) and improved roads would need to be put in place prior to all this happening but these are all things Preston should be thinking of already.

Has anyone seen this?

www.trpconsult.co.uk/projects/lawson/index.html

Nice find ribble. So Accura was right, that cleared site is making way for new apartments. The website says 7 storeys although the render shows 5, 9 and 10 storey elements. Also, the police station across from this is supposedly being relocated so that hideous building can be demolished and replaced with a nicer structure to fit in. Maybe new offices?

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/8956/lawsonst6oh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

That was the block that I was on about being approved earlier this year. However, I may be wrong in thinking thats the one going on the site I saw being demolished. The one I saw being demolished was further up Lawson Street.

I'll add it to the Projects List anyway. Thanks again ribble.

Maybe some day. The problem is that this could take roughly 3 years to accomplish. Imagine how bad the traffic would be in that time! I'm not sure where it would all be diverted to either.

Welcome to the boards btw :)

Thanks Accura_Preston and Preston_Guy!

The Ring Way between Corporation St. and North Rd. could be reduced to one lane each direction along the construction site. That might actually reduce traffic through the city centre (which is not a bad thing) as people will avoid driving through there if they can. Even better if a decent tram system could pick up some of the slack. Dusseldorf in Germany had a similar street cutting the city centre off from the Rhine. They built a 2000m tunnel (the Ring Way tunnel needs to be just 7-800m) on two levels with an underground car park for 900 cars and underground connections to streets into the city centre. The construction took three years (1990-93). The Ring Way Tunnel could be much simpler, it should not take more than 1-2 years to build. And my cost estimate of 40 million is probably way too high for a simple tunnel built using the cut and cover method. Pictures of the Dusseldorf tunnel here (http://www.duesseldorf.de/verkehrsmanagement/bruecken_und_tunnel/fertiggestellte_bauvorhaben/rheinufertunnel.shtml).

The alternative I've always considered to a tunnel is building a two lane each way link road up from where the Penwortham Flyover begins, past St Walburges, over the railway, and then joining up with the big double-roundabout next to the University, then widen Walker Street to two lanes each way, and then the new ringway could meet up and continue along its current path past North Road. The Ringway could be kept but should be a pedestrian friendly boulevard type thing (like Lord Street in Southport) and kept to four lanes only at ALL points (sometimes it can get up to as much as seven lanes which is ridiculous).

Interesting idea Accura_Preston. I'm a bit concerned about directing more traffic through the campus, but with sensible planning this might work. First we need an extension of M65 west of Preston and north to connect with M55. Then the traffic through the city centre should be reduced (I know this may sound crazy) by (1) limiting all streets to max. two lanes each way, (2) lowering the speed limit (or at least enforce the current speed limit) and adding traffic lights on the Ring Way, (3) limiting the number of parking spaces in the city centre, (4) setting up a decent tram system and (5) increase housing density (build upward!) in and near the city centre and UCLan campus. Most of the area between Uni and North Road should be bulldozed and rebuilt, including the new suburbian style settlements such as the one on Crown Street (hope I got the street name right).

A more radical idea is to deep drill a congestion-relief tunnel from New Hall Lane straight under the city centre to Corporation St. It might even be economically very feasible in the long run. Deep drilling technology is always getting better and cheaper. And it would cause minimal disruption of city traffic.

First we need an extension of M65 west of Preston and north to connect with M55.
Thats on the cards as part of the Riverworks scheme. Nobody could argue with another Ribble crossing.

(1) limiting all streets to max. two lanes each way,
With a few exceptions. If a new section of Ringway is created near to the university, it should possibly go to 3 lanes each way to avoid causing the gridlock that the current Ringway experiences.

(3) limiting the number of parking spaces in the city centre,
We need more spaces, but you're correct, we dont want too much or it will just be chaos. Having said that, the council do seem to love park and ride schemes. We already have two bus ones in operation (with 5 more planned) and two rail ones operating from Lostock Hall and Leyland.

(4) setting up a decent tram system
Its on the cards but I seriously doubt anything will happen for a long time if you look at the problems cities like Leeds and Liverpool have had. A more realistic option at the moment is the new style of guided busway. Buses which have their own roads and dont use petrol. Most obvious place to operate this would be the old Preston/Longridge line as far as the Redscar Estate next to M6 Junction 31A.

(5) increase housing density (build upward!
You wont hear anybody on this forum arguing with that ;)

in and near the city centre and UCLan campus. Most of the area between Uni and North Road should be bulldozed and rebuilt, including the new suburbian style settlements such as the one on Crown Street (hope I got the street name right).
I think that a lot of those miserable old flats along North Road are scheduled for demolition. Good riddance too. North Road is a dump at the moment. Get rid of the crappy warehouses too.

A more radical idea is to deep drill a congestion-relief tunnel from New Hall Lane straight under the city centre to Corporation St. It might even be economically very feasible in the long run. Deep drilling technology is always getting better and cheaper. And it would cause minimal disruption of city traffic.
Radical indeed!!! :D

Lancashire coumty council have applied for funding to try to help relievr the traffic problems around preston. doesn't involve the removal of the ringway though :( . The bid can be found on the council's website somewhere. I can't give any more info than that because i am crap with computers and linking and all that stuff.

That's ok. Thanks northender. I remember reading about that bid for the transportation improvement scheme. I think it was granted? Unless you're talking about a different one. So as usual, LCC find a cheaper solution which will not benefit the city in the long run.

I went and checked out Lawson Street tonight to see if the demolition site was the same as the one in the render. As I suspected it isnt.
The red cross is the development in the render. The blue cross is the demolition site:
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8422/lawsonmap1dc.jpg
I couldnt make out much cos it was dark, but hoardings have now been put up and there is lots of machinery on site.

Oh I see, is it that revolting car park that I shout abuse at every time I pass in my car? It's such an ugly thing and totally in the wrong place. Maybe it's part of the Moor Lane redevelopment. Apartment block maybe?

Liking that new appartment project.. it has a mundane feel to it, which I feel is appropriate.. Preston should get some modern and basic buildings inclining upwards instead of going headlong with say, that 20 storey glass-clad hotel.. We need something to slot in between the Lowthian's and the Crystals of the world before we have elegance... (All my own opinion of course)..

I think this has a downtown vibe to it, which would benefit the streetscape and cityscape a huge amount I feel. Couple more at 10 -15 storeys and then I feel Preston has a more than substantial foundation in which to get some decent towers.

Oh I see, is it that revolting car park that I shout abuse at every time I pass in my car?
I'm afraid not. The car park is the block in between North Street/Walker Street/Lawson Street/Warwick Street. However the car park is listed as a site where the council heavily encourages development. Something will go there eventually. Probably student accomodation.

That triangle between North Rd., Ring Way and Friargate/Moor Lane has enormous potential for redevelopment (in plain words: the area is rubbish). There are very few buildings in that triangle which do not deserve to be demolished and replaced by urban housing, offices and (near Friargate) retail and entertainment (esp. aimed at students). This is prime location between the city centre and the university. The warehouses, car parks, run-down townhouses and new soul-destroying suburbian homes are wildly out of place in this area. It's good to see progress on Moor Lane, but hopefully it's just a start.

And the Ring Way must be buried!

The two buildings in that 'triangle' I would like to see go first are the Magistrates Courts and the Police Station. Demolishing them alone would have a massively positive effect on the area.

You're absolutely right, Prestonophile. I think (if they have any sense) the council will seek a whole new masterplan for that triangle, following hot on the heels of Tithebarn. It's too harsh a contrast to have Tithebarn on one side of Ringway and scummy council flat dumps on the other. The city centre needs attractive high-rises for young professionals, not gross run-down apartments.

And the sooner the police station goes, the better.

Perhaps that new Commercial Quarter that is in pre-planning will be in that area? IMO it would be IDEAL! There is soooooooooo much free space and plenty of buildings to demolish. I can't wait to hear more info on that one. It will be nice to see something that isnt residential.

I sent an e-mail to the planning department about that site on Lawson Street. Should get a full reply within 9 working days according to the auto-emailer.

http://www.off-plan.co.uk/WestCliffPreston.htm
Interesting read of a recent apartment development in the Collonades. A few mistakes though:
The location of Preston is second to none. Preston is ideally located with Manchester and Liverpool less than an hour away by train or car and Southport and Blackpool a mere stones throw away. The transport links into Preston are first rate with great national rail links and quick access to both the M1 and M62.
Don't they mean M61/M6/M65/M55?!

http://www.heyesarchitects.co.uk/html/project_display.php?key=0040

Are these the plans you saw for Fox Street, Accura? If so, I'm quite impressed! Only wish the renders were a bit bigger! The courtyard looks nice.

In tonight's LEP, an article on a new £4.5 million arthouse cinema at the Foster Building on the University campus which is due to open in the Spring. This sounds excellent, Preston needs more developments like this and the University is the perfect body to deliver it.
Also, quite possibly the worst building on Friargate is being turned in an Indian sweet shop, restaurant and wine bar. I passed it yesterday and thought just how revolting it is so this is great news.
Also, a small piece on the ODPM awarding planners across Lancashire with £1 million to speed up planning applications. I don't know if this relates only to housing or one thing in particular but if it helps our councils pull their finger out and get things done, it's great news.

http://www.heyesarchitects.co.uk/html/project_display.php?key=0040

Are these the plans you saw for Fox Street, Accura? If so, I'm quite impressed! Only wish the renders were a bit bigger! The courtyard looks nice.
I dont think so. The timescale is 2002 and the updated plans were only drawn up this year. They also resemble the one render we had of the of the old design. Nice find anyway.
The basic layout is the same, but the cladding on the new one is so much better than on that one, oh yeah, and its bigger too :D

Also, a small piece on the ODPM awarding planners across Lancashire with £1 million to speed up planning applications. I don't know if this relates only to housing or one thing in particular but if it helps our councils pull their finger out and get things done, it's great news.
This is great news indeed! There was something in the news about it a while ago and it said the criticism mainly focussed on large scale plans.

Good news on Friargate and the Cinema too :)

The mysterious site you mentioned Accura, near the Lawson Street apartments, on the original Moor Lane SPG (although different to what are being built now), the site where the current car park is is earmarked for possible office development. Perhaps the car park is being moved to the site you saw being demolished and offices built over it. If only...

And from the LEP in 2001...
Rip up the ring road
'Bypass' that spilts town centre may be scrapped
Preston's Ringway could be ripped up to ease the town’s horrendous traffic problems.
The idea is part of a radical multi-million pound masterplan to rejuvenate the town centre.
Scrapping the controversial ring road would be welcomed by traders and commuters who are desperate to rid Preston of its traffic nightmare.
Now Preston council chief executive Jim Carr has revealed it is a “strong possibility”.
Other proposals in the radical plan could see Preston Guild held every year and the development of a creative industries quarter.
The suggestions were made at the town hall yesterday during a presentation by Mr Carr on the masterplan, known as the Tithebarn Project.
Three of the six main objectives for the project are measures to tackle gridlock on the town’s roads. These include building new streets and squares, ensuring the town has an accessible bus station and improving traffic flows.
Mr Carr said they had discussed plans for a rapid light railway system or trams but these were thought too expensive.
He said the long-term vision could see the ripping up of the ring road that cuts the town in half. He said: “Ringway being replaced by something that is further out and getting a good transport system is a great possibility.”
The move would be welcomed by retailers who have long claimed that businesses in such streets as Friargate are effectively cut off from the town centre.
Andrew Kok, of Andrew Kok Lighting, on Friargate, believes any move could be self-financing. He said: “Years and years ago I was at a meeting at county hall and they were talking about the development of the ring road, the completion segment.
“Sir George Grenfell Baines stood up and asked if anybody had done a feasibility study about moving it. He pointed out that the land was on expensive town centre land.
“Everybody knows the road is in the wrong place. But the land the road is on is surely worth the value of moving it.” Many of the plans would be beyond the next decade, although a creative industries quarter and a cultural quarter would be included in the first phase.
Mr Carr also suggested they could take steps to attract museum exhibitions from London.
He hinted that negotiations were gathering pace, despite the continuing
confusion over whether the bus station is to be listed.
The authority signed an agreement with the Duke of Westminster’s firm, Grosvenor Estates, in November 1999 for wholesale changes to the so-called Tithebarn area, the north east sector of the town
centre.
Mr Carr is confident they are now ready to produce a masterplan – although he says the discussions are currently commercially sensitive.
He said: “It has been some time down the track, although you will accept that something as big as this takes time to put together.
“We are not looking for a new Trafford Centre but new streets integrating with existing ones with new squares.
“Clearly, I can’t give any details about what will go where but we are on track.
“We are getting a lot of people who have creative skills in the town and it would be good if you could get them to stay in Preston.
“We could have a centre of excellence for retail training because we are going to be a focus for shopping.
“Why not make the Preston Guild an annual thing? What about Guild awards? If we can get a cultural centre and a creative centre, why not develop it?”
Members brought up various issues, from ensuring that people from the town get jobs during the work, to making provisions for cyclists.
Mr Carr claimed the aims could one day extend to areas leading towards Moor Lane and the University of Central Lancashire, including the site of the three tower blocks in Moor Lane that were blown up last week.
He said: “I am very keen that we don’t just dive in and put something in there that we might regret in the future.”
Mr Carr added: “Hopefully, with a fair wind, we will make a decision to go ahead some time in 2002, then we should start on site by 2004.”

You never know, it might just happen :)

A small piece on Tithebarn (06/12/05) from: http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/LOemail/wider_newsdetail.cfm?codeID=13184
Not much new but tells us a nightclub is part of the plans. Hopefully, it won;t be another Tokyo Jo's :jippo:

Search on for Tithebarn anchor
London-based property development group Grosvenor has announced it is looking for funding for its £450m Preston city-centre redevelopment project.

The regeneration of the site would include 700,000sq ft (65,000sq m) of shops, a hotel, restaurants and bars, a 12-screen cinema, a health and fitness centre and a new bus station.

The plans, which are subject to a planning permission, would also include a night club and a revitalised market as well as 400 homes.

Grosvenor was initially invited to carry out a feasibility study for the site by the Preston City Council planners in 1999.

The resulting masterplan was approved by the council in 2003 and since then the company has entered into a conditional development agreement with the council. Details: www.grosvenor.com

Looking at the Tithebarn page on the Grosvenor site, I noticed its been oh so slightly updated since the Development Agreement was signed.
Cheers for digging that up.
I doubt we will hear anything more on this (or anything else) until after the new year as the industry closes down for the holiday.

Yep, I very much doubt we'll hear anything for a while now. But hey ho, 2006 should be a good one with FG2 and the new library starting construction plus some new developments likely to surface and *shock horror* maybe even some Tithebarn renders.

Yep, 2006 should be good. It means there is only 2 years to go until Tithebarn starts, so I'd say renders are very likely :yes:

Some new renders of Royal Locks (says will start in 2006 also) and a few other pieces at Wood Associates website:
http://www.woodassoc.co.uk/allprojects.html
These renders make it look far more attractive :)

I shall be passing through Preston in a couple of weeks, if I have time I will venture into the city centre and check the place out a bit, I'll try and take some pics too :)

Some new renders of Royal Locks (says will start in 2006 also) and a few other pieces at Wood Associates website:
http://www.woodassoc.co.uk/allprojects.html
These renders make it look far more attractive :)
Nice find preston_guy. I want it to be built even more now that I've seen those renders. Gah... hurry up!!
Theres a lot of other interesting stuff on there I can add to the projects list too. Thanks :)

I hope you do manage to get into Preston if you can Brighton boy. There is quite a bit of stuff going on with it being Xmas and stuff. If you do get into the centre make sure you visit the collonades, winckley square, the flag market etc.
Hope you enjoy your visit anyway.

A reply to an email i sent to the Chief Executive at PCC:

The possible "relocation" of Ringway has been examined in the past, but
was
considered to be prohibitively expensive.

There are no proposals in the pipeline at the present time to move the
Ringway
from the city centre.

However, there are proposals to modify a number of the junctions on
Ringway and
to improve pedestrian crossing, especially at the junction with
Friargate:
these will be done as part of the Tithebarn project in the next few
years.

Never mind lol

Thanks for that. At least its got an encouraging note about the Tithebarn Project in there :yes:

Anyone see the whole Lancashire city region thing rear its ugly head in the LEP again tonight? Just goes to show how much those southern politicians know about life up here.

Has anybody seen the cladding on the side of the Holiday Inn? I really hope that's not the final look - plain grey panels! :puke: I hope I'm mistaken!

Lets hope not :(

This weeks planning applications are pretty interesting.

First off is the UCLan performing arts centre which has been submitted for planning permission. And we finally have a location... on the site of a car park on Cold Bath Street. Cold Bath Street? Wheres that then?! Anyway, 5-storeys high so it should be pretty good :)

Another is yet another block of apartments for Lawson Street. This is NOT the 8-storey apartment scheme which was approved earlier this year. This however is still an amendment for another plan... which was submitted in 2003. 6-storeys this time.

And finally an amended plan for the 4-storey retail and apartment building on Market Street has been submitted. Amended only to include roof terraces.

Good stuff :) Quite surprising for a usually dead Xmas period.

Nice finds Accura. I think Cold Bath Street is at the back of Times Square on Fylde Road across from the SU and joins onto Maudland Road. The other projects sound very good, too.

Okay, I know I've been saying for ages that I would get down to Lawson Street and get a pic, but I havn't because after finishing college, either the weather is too cold or I just cant be arsed. It will be different this week! Tuesday, I promise you :)

Lol, I know I've said similair things, Accy.. Every tuesday when I'm on the top floor of the Harris building I stare out the window thinkin how good a pano I could get of the city.. but its gettin into the lesson and taking one when its not in use.. I'll be going back earlier than classes start, and I imagine the buildings will be open for those who are back, so I may just go in at my class time and take a few snaps. The 60's blocks somehow look cool from that angle, and dense.

From PNE Online Forums originally posted by Tark:

"I heard a disclosure from a very good source last Thusday (but I only believe anything when I see it in the LEP {Ha!}), that the overrated Terry Farrell has been sacked from the master planning and been replaced by, wait for it BDP! I have to laugh a bit, because in 50 years of having the largest. most award decked architectural company in Britain based some 500 yards from the Town Hall, the city fathers only saw fit to give them 2 commissions - William Temple School (1963) and the Bus Station (1967). Eventually, BDP (Preston) gave up its head office and merged into its satalite Manchester office in 1994. No one was sacked, but out of the two hundred odd that got transferred there, a decade on perhaps half a dozen remain, the others not wanting to commute. Now that the firm is not local any more, it seems the Council deems them good enough to employ them again. The good news is - and I know no-one there anymore so I can't be biased - BDP is as good a firm at planning and architecture as you'll find anywhere these days. A couple of the top people there still have their roots in the old Preston Office, and so if my gossip is true, they'll do a much finer job than London based Farrell's could dream of.
My optimism remains!"

That's quite interesting. I have always thought the masterplan lacks any originality from what we have seen. Nothing is striking or stands to make you say wow. so I have always been a little worried and sceptical.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6985/skkyline15yh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

sorry its crap. need a tripod. Taken today.

Cool piccy. Where was it taken from? Fulwood?

No, the other side of Longridge. You can't get that view from Fulwood

Great news with regard to BDP, never realised that they had Preston roots. I've seen some excellent examples of their work in the past and it would be nice to have some input from former 'locals'. I thought Terry Farrell had some sort of Preston connection too (not that he'd have worked on it himself) and that that was why we had such a large internationaly known architect working on it in the first place. Must agree that some of his practices' work is over-rated. Hopefully the new masterplan will have a little more gong for it than the, IMHO, rather dull original. There never was much that grabbed you in the old masterplan. In terms of what it contributed to the city centre facility wise it was huge, but in terms of design i always thought it a little lacking.

Nice little piece in the LEP tonight about the new UCLAN performing arts centre, apparently there is a render printed with the story in the paper copy.

Just got back to Preston yesterday, will venture into town tmo I think. I here we have "The Pier" store now, very sophisticated :)...

Few images of the new media centre from the LEP and uclan.ac.uk:
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/4594/uclan42nr.jpg

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/5340/uclan53sl.jpg

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/news/2005/images/nr189b.jpg

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/news/2005/images/nr189.jpg

I like it. It will do well for the city's architecture scene as its pretty unique. Its like something you would see in Holland, as shown in our twin town Almelo.

I like it in an odd way, its a lot louder than the recent Health and Psychology blocks to go up (Brook and Darwin).. Where abouts is this on the campus then? I really like the fact it has UcLan written all over it, lol... Cool stuff

I'm guessing this is the location...
http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/8375/map19xq.jpg

Near that little red-tarmacced square outside that building with the fancy sign.
Should make it into a proper little public square for the students. I hope so anyway :)

yeah i suppose so, won't be very prominant from there mind..

Yes, the location is a bit bizarre... But hey, it should still be cool it's in the main 'uni hub'. I think it would have been better at the bottom of Friargate where that gross car park/garage thing is. Then again, I dunno if there's enough space there! But they are running out of land.

Photo updates

Something to look forward to construction on in 2006! The demolition site on Lawson Street
http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/8376/97ok.jpg

Cladding going on the Holiday Inn
http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/2544/44az.jpg

Moor Lane (sorry about the time of day they were taken. 7 in the morning!)
http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/9489/moorlane44qh.jpg

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/1389/moorlane51jl.jpg

I have lived here nearly all my life and never seen this just off Lawson Street
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1594/lawsonstreet16kj.jpg

May as well throw this in
http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/286/38ho.jpg

I went out and took a couple of photos the other day. The weather was rubbish so they are a little hazy.

They don't really show anything at all when posted so I took them down. Sun is out today so I might go out today if I can

Indeed, today's weather is great for photography. I would go out but I am too tired after 8 hours slaving away in the retail world.

i did go out today. however it looked clear at home buit when i got out to my vantage point it was incredibly hazy. so much so that you could see nothing but sunlight from where i was. still incredibly beautiful and i did take some photos but everything is crowded out by the sun. One day i will get the perfect picture from out there

Thanks anyway lol, better luck next time ;)

And Merry Xmas!

Hope everyone had a good christmas!

Looking at planning decisions, looks like the hotel planned for Guildhall Street has been withdrawn :(

Crap :(

Couple of piccies taken from the M65

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00356.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00357.jpg

Cool pics, looks like some Alaskan type City on a lake or something..

Sadly, thats no lake lol. Its the roof of a factory in Walton Summit.
I would love to get up there while not in a car going at 80mph and get a proper pic.

I know its not a lake, lol.... hence the 'like' :P

Apologies, my mistake ;)

i used to live in lancaster so know preston fairly well

what an awful place it is :(

Go and troll somewhere else...

Well that's your opinion Timo but back it up and it might be a bit more believable instead of your 2D argument.

i'm not on a wind up or a trolling mission...

sorry if i have offended anyone, i didn't realise an opinion is wrong on these forums?

i have just found it to be a depressing place, filled with scallies and bad architecture and too many grey old tower blocks.

this is a public forum with public opinions, please don't take my comments too seriously as they are just personal opinion..

again, apologies if i offended

No-one said you weren't entitled to an opinion Timo but it was a rather unfounded one. The above makes for a better argument. Preston may not have the glitz and glamour of London but it's not bad and I think "awful place" is a tad harsh. Preston has many charms, it's just a shame they're currently underused but these problems are being addressed and the next 5-10 years are going to see some enormous changes.

http://tinypic.com/jgo5xg

The beautiful City

Nice pic! And welcome to the thread Loyal Prestonian.

As predicted, residents have complained over the height of the new Digital Media Centre and want two storeys lopping off! I think not! I shall be writing to the Council about it and seeing if a new location will be sought. A 5 storey development such as this is a major step for Preston. Downscaling it will only highlight Preston's inability to be big. Ignoring Tithebarn of course which brings me to my next point...

TITHEBARN IS COMING lol It all felt oh so more real this morning as a leaflet landed on my doormat: the Tradex closing down sale.

Happy New Year!

I doubt the performing arts complex will be reduced in height. Its roughly the same height as the plans for the magistrates chambers are. That project also recieved large opposition but still got approval. Also the opposition to the magistrates chambers had a stronger case because it backed onto a conservation area. This project doesnt. I think this will go ahead as it is. The benefits it will have for Preston have been well expressed.

Good news about Tradex going too ;)

Happy new year Preston!!! Many exciting projects may the new year bring! :D

Preston has many charms, it's just a shame they're currently underused but these problems are being addressed and the next 5-10 years are going to see some enormous changes

what charms are currently underused?

what changes are there to be in the next 5 -10 years?

-Preston has some of the finest Georgian architecture in the country
-It is the sixth largest shopping destination in the north west
-It is home to 8 museums including the National Football Museum
-Preston has the sixth largest and fastest growing university in the UK
-Deepdale football ground is applying for UNESCO World Heritage Status as the birthplace of professional football
-Preston is situated on 4 different motorways heading in 5 directions
-Preston is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK
-Preston is home to the third best performing college in Europe and best sports college in the UK
-This year construction is due to begin on a new cultural quarter for Preston, which will see massive investment and new facilities being put into the historic core of the city
-Preston's River, Docklands, and Canals are going to have 800 million pounds invested in it over the next six years
-The 500 million pound Tithebarn Masterplan for the city centre is due to begin construction in 2 years which will see 1/3 of the city centre completely rebuilt
-Plans are due to be revealed this year for a 300 million pound commercial quarter which will start up a new office district in the city centre to replace the outdated concrete 60's towers
-Construction is due to begin soon on a massive expansion for the Fishergate Shopping Centre which will increase its size by 1/2
-The Church Street area of the city centre has applied to become a Business Improvement District (decision due to be made this year), as well as a retail park on an adjacent site being replaced with a masterplan which will include a new public square and a 24-storey hotel tower
-The two main city centre parks on the riverbank, Miller and Avenham are having several million pounds invested into them this year, which will include a new pavillion, designed in a competition which attracted architects from all over the world.

The list goes on... read the Preston projects list for more.

Typical Mancunian... Struggling to believe there is life outside of Manchester lol

Okay, now that thats done with, alongside the residents complaints about the new uni building, there was a story about a new residential block proposed for Grimshaw Street. Anybody get any info on this? I was too busy laughing about how the residents thought that the boiler house on top of the performing arts building would make a real difference to the height.

Bit of news on last minute modifications to the Farmers Market scheme. We should see construction begin on this within the next few months.

http://tinypic.com/jgo5xg

The Beutifull City

Why does that not look like Preston? Where was the pic taken from?


P.S
Happy new year everyone.

lol, that is Preston. It was taken from Darwen tower according to the photographer. The origional image was taken by a guy called Matthew Rees from Manchester (who is actually a member of this forum). The image has been since used by many different websites etc and twisted around.

Cheers for clearing that up Accura, I might have a drive up there on the next clear day we get. I went back up Beacon Fell on the 27/12/05 with my new camera and zoom lense but there was too much haze and the pics didn't turn out well enough for the website. Where do you reckon would be the best place to take pics of Preston from?

P.S I took a few of the former flats site on Moor lane, maybe check the gallery Accura.

http://www.prestonlancs.com/gallery/photos/1/med_1133113574-1.jpg

Best places IMO would be from the footbridge which goes over London Way near the roundabout at the Capitol Centre or from the embankment of the M65 at Walton Summit.

Best places IMO would be from the footbridge which goes over London Way near the roundabout at the Capitol Centre or from the embankment of the M65 at Walton Summit.


I've done the footbridge, as I live on the same road it leads to and it dosn't give great results due to the trees. I might try Walton Summit, just a shame one can't use motorway hard shoulders as parking places,lol.

I wouldn't mind getting a few night shots of the city, but again it's finding the right location to set up the gear.

I keep trying to work out where this shot was taken from...
http://img158.exs.cx/img158/9908/skylinepr5hw.jpg

Noticed something on the LEP boards today about some superstore thing, anybody know what its about?

Brilliant phot that btw!

The Penwortham flyover gives a great view of the whole city centre and university area at night. You've now puzzled me with that pic Accura... where the hell is that?!

Noticed something on the LEP boards today about some superstore thing, anybody know what its about?
A LIDL is part of the New Hall Lane farmers market scheme sadly. Very a la West Strand eh?

You've now puzzled me with that pic Accura... where the hell is that?!
I dont know. I've been trying to work it out for just over 2 years with little success. The problem is I dont know the distance from the point of taken and the scene in the foreground because I dont know if the shot is zoomed or not...
The bridge in the pic is the London Road going into the city centre (you can just see the MFI at the Capitol Centre on the left).
If the picture isnt zoomed, its taken from the Preston side of the river, if not its the South Ribble side! Wild guess, but possibly Houghton Tower.

lol LIDL God it's like, woo hoo welcome to Preston! We have a Lidl and a bingo hall! Hmm... Another prime site wasted.

It's not Houghton Tower, I was there just the other day taking pics. :)

lol LIDL God it's like, woo hoo welcome to Preston! We have a Lidl and a bingo hall! Hmm... Another prime site wasted.
I'm also a bit dissappointed. All the buildings in the project are supposedly designed to compliment Centenary Mill across the road, so maybe it wont be too bad. The bingo hall could be okay.
Its not all bad though. I'm pleased that Travelodge decided to convert one of the smaller mills into their hotel instead of building one of their bog standard brick buildings.
Personally, I will be relieved when the site is finally developed. Nothing could be worse than it is now.

It's not Houghton Tower, I was there just the other day taking pics. :)
Oh well... so much for that then lol. Any theories? :)

Perhaps it was taken from one of the hills on that side of the river using a camera with a verrrrrry good zoom on it? :? God knows... Anyway, was looking at DLG architect's website and they've finally included FG2 with some new or at least improved renders:

http://www.dlgarchitects.com/our_work.asp?section=273&dev=14&project=39&image=38

This is one of the pics I took from Hoghton.

http://www.prestonlancs.com/forum/uploads/1128959620/gallery_1_2_19274.jpg

Jesus, that is a pretty incredible shot! Did you get any of the city centre?

Cheers for the DLG update preston_guy :)

Good news today about the Fox Street apartments. Looks like they are set for approval from the planning committee. I can't wait until that eyesore of a car park is gone, and especially that God damned wall on the Ringway.

Pity the same cant be said about the transport funding... 3 mill? Pffft... Gimme a break...

Yes, it certainly does look like the Fox Street development will get the green light. Fox Street could become a lively place with a bit of a facelift and this will be the first step.

And as for the traffic solution... it's ridiculous. It's true what the article said. Tithebarn won't maximise Preston's potential unless the traffic is sorted. And 3 million ain't enough.

3 mill is enough to create a few fancy bus stops (there are loads of new bus stops going up around Preston already), paint a bus lane down some road, and put bollards somewhere...
I really think that is going to make a massive difference! :sly:

that is a pretty incredible shot! Did you get any of the city centre?


Thanks, but it could have been better if I had the tripod with me. The city centre area was obscured by trees, i will find somewhere but I need the sun behind me.

Fox street, what do you reckon will happen to the night shelter, if anything?

Fox street, what do you reckon will happen to the night shelter, if anything?

There's also an alcoholic rehab centre on Fox St. They may stay but I think it is in the area's best interest (and privacy and dignity of those using these services) for them to relocate.

I think it is in the area's best interest (and privacy and dignity of those using these services) for them to relocate.


That would delight the developers no end. There is a longstanding thread on my site about the night shelter and I've just tried to revive it with the news of these apartments.

I would love to live in the city centre, but not in one these shitty newbuilds, there is no-end of trouble for the residents once they have moved in, well that's my experience of newbuild anyhow.

That would delight the developers no end. There is a longstanding thread on my site about the night shelter and I've just tried to revive it with the news of these apartments.
I am all for shelters for the homeless etc, but I dont think that the city centre is the place for them. I am not one to stereotype, but I have experienced first hand that some of the people (hopefully a minority) spill out onto city centre streets in the morning and cause problems for people by asking them for alcohol money and often getting very aggressive about it.

I would love to live in the city centre, but not in one these shitty newbuilds, there is no-end of trouble for the residents once they have moved in, well that's my experience of newbuild anyhow.
I assume you are making reference to the problems experienced by the conversion of Centenary Mill? Not all new builds are like that, and they offer a route to success for cities which have fallen into neglect. Look at Manchester, the massive success it is currently experiencing is thanks to building city centre apartments.

I assume you are making reference to the problems experienced by the conversion of Centenary Mill? Not all new builds are like that, and they offer a route to success for cities which have fallen into neglect. Look at Manchester, the massive success it is currently experiencing is thanks to building city centre apartments.


I agree about the shelters being better placed, but onto the newbuild comment, I am refering to every single newbuild I have been into. Everyone of them has had things wrong, the builders appoint poor quality companies to do the internal stuff like kitchens ect.

More good news (kinda) in todays LEP. The Guildhall Street hotel which we thought had been withdrawn (permanently) is back on the cards. It just appears that the council wanted more time to consider it, and did so by exploiting a little loophole in the system.

Yes, this is good news :) Although it is quite worrying as if the Council keep pulling tricks like this they're going to put investors off. Overall, good news.

I'm also a bit dissappointed. All the buildings in the project are supposedly designed to compliment Centenary Mill across the road, so maybe it wont be too bad. The bingo hall could be okay.
Its not all bad though. I'm pleased that Travelodge decided to convert one of the smaller mills into their hotel instead of building one of their bog standard brick buildings.
Personally, I will be relieved when the site is finally developed. Nothing could be worse than it is now.
Accura, I beg to differ. I live at the Centenary Mill and I'd rather have the industrial wasteland/ruins across the road than a bingo hall, drive-through "restaurant", a discount store and an immense car park. I can't see how this sort of low-rise stripmall compliments the Mill. And what's possibly okay about a f***ing bingo hall? Are there many retirement homes in the area? The Travelodge is a good thing, the Mill is a good thing (once it gets fixed), but this development on the Farmers Market is ugly, thoughtless, cheap, misanthropic, narrow-minded, and uncivilised. For so long as people can seriously entertain the thought of putting such a crappy development near the city centre, it's much better to keep the ruins.
:soapbox:

The site could have been put to better use. As space in the city centre is limited, I think an attractive multi-use large scale building that could have been used for conventions, entertainment etc would have been more appropriate. With the Ringway Tower/Church Street Masterplan area nearby this could have been an interesting development. That area is an 'up and coming' one so this site needs something that will act as a catalyst to attract investors - not the blue haired brigade and their bingo posse. I don't really know that area well but it's only an idea.

Well... it seems I've been put in my place :D
Prestonophile, I'm not keen on this either. What makes me even more dissapointed is the fact that we were once mislead into believing that a 28-storey and 14-storey towers were going there (turned out to be a hoax proposal).
We'll just have to wait and see I'm afraid.

LOL I remember that hoax. Sooo not funny. But hey ho, 10 years or so and we'll probably have a few big (and tasteful) residential towers.

Well, hopefully Ringway tower will get built and thats only 4-storeys short of the hoax (and better looking too! :D )

Maybe I'm naive but the fact that a decision on the Ringway Tower has been 'pending' for so long has to be at least somewhat encouraging. With space so limited, we need to start building up. And it's so pretty... Please please please please... lol

EDIT: Then again, the Council take forever to process ANY application! ;)

Leisure site back to drawing board
Plans to redevelop the derelict former Preston Farmers site have been sent back to the drawing board yet again.
The long-awaited housing, food and leisure complex for New Hall Lane will be delayed another few weeks while more changes are made.
Members of the council's planning department were unhappy with the design of the proposed Gala bingo hall, which will overlook one of the gateways into the city. They also wanted further details on the planned appearance of the 92 flats.
The multi-million pound scheme has been besieged by delays over the past two years, most recently due to being called in by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).
Now, planners are unhappy with the appearance of the buildings. The flats and supermarket will be built in dark red, smooth-faced brick, with some imitation stone cladding.
Meanwhile, the bingo hall does not have any windows in the current plans and, although a glass entrance and columns were incorporated into the design, planners want a re-think.
Coun Neil Cartwright, a member of the planning committee, said: "The flats are probably okay, but the bingo hall could be quite a dire introduction into the area." He suggested smoked glass was used in the bingo hall to improve the New Hall Lane appearance.
And Coun Bill Tyson, also a committee member, said: "I don't like that cladding. I think it will look a mess.
"We're getting all these buildings all round Preston and it's looking a mess."
Planners gave William Kayley (Preston) Limited outline permission for the development, opposite Centenary Mill, last spring.
The remainder of the site will be transformed into a Lidl supermarket, measuring 1,580 square metres, alongside two four-storey blocks of flats and 312 parking spaces. Access to the site will be from New Hall Lane.
After being looked at by the ODPM, the scheme was approved on October 18 2005, subject to 24 conditions.
The latest application was for a slightly larger retail area, as it now includes a covered service yard, and a bigger leisure area, including offices.
David Linley from the council's planning department, said: "I think we can all agree that the site needs some redevelopment.
"The idea is that it will complement Centenary Mill opposite. This is a suitable scheme to continue the regeneration of the area."
The application will come back before the planning committee once the latest issues have been resolved.
10 January 2006
I'm glad the bingo hall has been sent back to the drawing board. I dont like the sound of that cladding.

Yeah and no windows. Nice... The more is said about this project the more convinced I am that it's a bad idea. I suppose it will have to do. I think the Council will regret it in a few years, though.

Not good news about parking charges being raised again (30% in some areas!). Hopefully, they won't be allowed to do this. If they sorted the transport out they wouldn't need to increase parking charges to make people catch the bus. What's more likely is they'll just go elsewhere.

Also, I e-mailed the retail projects manager at Grosvenor re: Tithebarn and the lack of info and he's given me a number to call him and discuss it! So I'll try contact him soon and hopefully he'll dish some dirt.

That would be excellent. Despite being our flagship project, we dont get much info.
Says in tonights LEP that a yet another new apartment scheme has been approved on Grimshaw Street. A quote from the developers also mentions the Queens Retail Park masterplan. That can only be good news! :cool:

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/2729/foxstreet6en.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Looking VERY positive! :)

Finally!

A new planning application has been submitted today for a 2 and 3 storey building to be built on this site:

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/2038/blackpoolrd0xc.gif (http://imageshack.us)

It will contain 22 apartments, second floor roof terraces, car parking, landscaping and open space. I think it's a great project, Blackpool road needs a face lift especially with over 1,000 new jobs at the nearby Tulketh Mill shortly to be created with the new call centre. The project is designed by MCK Partnerships, who are behind the Tickled Trout extension.

Also, great news about the Fox Street complex getting the go-ahead. I'm sick of councillors rambling about not having affordable housing. If it was a bigger development i.e. 100+ apartments then OK but it isn't. It's also interesting that we could see an Ikea in the city cente, the old Morrisons site in the Guild Hall was mentioned (not an ideal site IMO) however, I think Ikea is only considering 10 city centres so our chances are slim but never say never!

Good news about Blackpool Road. That corridor seems to be getting better all the time. I wouldnt say no to a city centre Ikea, I just hope that they dont have the Tithebarn flagship store as one. Not very classy lol.

LOL Yes, that would be horrific on an international scale. I'm fairly confident we should see a John Lewis Looking at where their current stores are, Preston is ideally situated :yes:
I don't think an Ikea would work in that area as people lugging huge boxes around the Tithebarn Arcade and Old Vicarage area wouldn't be so great. The Fishergate Centre would be better as Ikea is similar to Argos (i.e. bulky items) and would have a car park on its doorstep.

Great news - I emailed Building Design Partnership (www.bdp.co.uk) re: the rumour they are involved with the Tithebarn Project and they confirmed that they have taken over Terry Farrell and are currently developing the detailed design stage of the Masterplan. Looking at their current and past projects, this is a major boost. Still nothing on their website but hopefully we'll see something soon.

Also great to see work commencing on the new Primark store so soon!

Jesus... quite a surprise there! I hope its a good one in the long run and doesnt delay the project. I think we have had to wait long enough already.

I was in town a while ago. There were loads of workers checking out Dean Court Chambers and the lights inside were on DESPITE the building currently being unoccupied. Could this be the start of enabling works? :)

I'm liking the news about Deans Court, I've seen the lights on many times so SOMETHING must be happening. The library is one of my favourite projects, it should be the perfect pivot between Tithebarn and the existing city centre and help anchor the cultural quarter.

As for the BDP news, I would be lying if I said I don't think this 'handover' won't cause delays. Then again, I could be wrong. I think Tithebarn would be BDP's second biggest project second to the Paradise Street development in Liverpool and they're speeding ahead with that in time for the 2008 European Capital of Culture. Hopefully they'll do the same for the, er, 2012 Preston Guild lol

Also, in the LEP (an article about how much money LCC have been spending) it said that the council had recently paid "£106,000 to Strzala Associates Architects Limited" who are involved with the bus station so it's good to see that we should FINALLY be seeing something this year (isn't the planning application supposed to be going in sometime early this year?). Also, the Grimshaw Street clean-up continues with MORE (lol) "luxury" flats etc but every little helps and it will all compliment the nearby Queens Retail Park development (when the HELL are we going to see a decision on this?!)

The council must be pretty positive about Queen Street masterplan because they have it on display in the entrance hall to the planning office. That can only be a good thing! :D
Its good to see some action finally taking place in the Church/Grimshaw St area. There seems to be dozens of plans for apartments but little construction.
If the plans for the Tithebarn Project detailed plans are going to be anything like the PSDA in Liverpool, we should have a fantastic city in 2012 :cool:

Great news on BDP, I feel they'll do an excellent job and they won't consider us as small fry as much as a large practice like Farrell may have done.

Re: the blackpool road flats, my brother will be well p***ed because his martial arts studio is on that site. I think it would be a bit of a shame to see it go because it is very popular. I guess they could find another place though. The old toyota garage accross the road is a vacant site now too.

Some new planning applications, one for that derelict building site facing Marsh Lane (at last!) and good to see some progress with the Canterbury Hall site

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2233/planninapp5sg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cheers for those. That thing on Corp St sounds interesting.
BTW, did anyone watch the Freddy freeman ceremony? ;)

Yeah those buildings on Corporation Street are gross and such an eyesore. They REALLY need some strong developments there to help link the uni to the city centre.
lol I saw the Freddy business briefly as I was passing. It was a decent turnout considering the weather.

Prestoners, I have added some pics to the gallery on my site which I think you guys might like.

Sorry to seem like I'm spamming, just thought you might like the pics.

Thanks for the update Prestonlancs. You've got some really good pics in your gallery.

Piccies from today

A bit of an atmospheric scene
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2405/lawson12di.jpg

Finally some activity on Manchester Road
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6531/manchesterroad14dh.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7561/manchesterroad27bz.jpg

Moor Lane
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1003/moorlane13xb.jpg

Driving around the Church Street area made me realise just how good this end of town could be when they build the bus station, the Queens masterplan, the business improvement district developments, and the numerous apartment developments :)

Great pics Accura, good to see SOMETHING going on. So much talk, so little action. I'm guessing that demolition on Manchester Road is part of that apartment/retail building that's being built? You're right about the Church Street area, once everything's up and running it will be great to have that area used properly again. It's so underused at the moment. I just hope that in the future those scummy council homes on the other side of Queen Street are ripped down.

Plans to open a multi-million pound landmark library and knowledge centre in the heart of Preston are in tatters.
The blow comes after it was revealed a bid for funding has failed and local politicians have admitted they don't have a clue who is going to pay for it.
The Evening Post has learned that a £25m bid to the Government's Private Finance Initiative to open the facility – earmarked for the old Post Office on Birley Street – has failed.
Now, Lancashire County Council officers working on the project, which is a joint scheme with Preston Council, have told the city council to find another site.
The news is particularly bitter for Preston Council who saw the library and knowledge centre as one of the flagship projects towards their aim of making Preston the third city of the North West by 2012.
Today, Veronica Afrin, cabinet member for leisure services on Preston Council, said: "This news is all very disappointing.
"We will just have to continue to try and get funding in any other way. We still have the building but perhaps we may have to look at another use for it and have a library and knowledge centre elsewhere.
"I think a lot of this depends on what the Government is going to do. But yes it is disappointing the way things are developing.
"In this day and age it is ridiculous that a city like Preston does not have a knowledge centre.
"This is a flagship scheme so we need to make it a reality. I am confident by 2012 we will have a knowledge centre and a library in place."
A statement from Lancashire County Council today showed there is little chance this will be on Birley Street.
The statement read: "Since the PFI bid was rejected, Lancashire County Council has been looking into other ways of getting the development up-and-running.
"We have told Preston Council, our partner on the project, that the search for funding has been unsuccessful."
County Coun Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for adult and community services at the county council, said: "We are bitterly disappointed the new library has had to be shelved in this format.
"The council had great hopes this development would give people the facility they deserve."
"But it is simply unaffordable. The news has come as a blow to all involved and we will be talking to Preston Council. But I can hold out no hope of a library development on the former Post Office site."
Following a decision by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport not to include the Preston scheme in its list of PFI projects, Lancashire County Council had discussions with other partners. But, it says for a commercial operation to turn the £25m project into reality would mean annual payments of £3.5m.
This compares to annual payments of £1.5m a year under a PFI scheme.
Details of the commercial bodies the county council has contacted have not been revealed.
Preston MP Mark Hendrick, who has supported the bid, was unavailable to comment.
The news leaves a huge question mark over what use will now be made of the massive site on Birley Street.
In February last year, the Evening Post revealed the first images of the ambitious plans for the new library and knowledge centre. The plans were for a six-storey centre in the 19th Century Post Office and fish market buildings on Birley Street.
The glass-fronted centre was described by councillors as a 21st Century information centre acting as a gateway to the region.
The project which was due to open by 2008 was designed by London and Cardiff based Gaunt Francis architects and was set to host a range of facilities, including community and business development, on all floors.
The existing central library is currently based at the Harris Museum and any new library would free up space for more exhibitions.
Today's news comes at the same time Lancashire County Council announced nine libraries in other parts of the county, including Chorley and Lancaster, could be closed. A decision on this will be made tomorrow.

:omg: Absolutely horrific! This is the worst possible news at the worst possible time. I dread to think what the council could approve for that building now (a Bingo Hall was considered at one time!). As I've said, this was my favourite project and I'm gobsmacked this has happened. The 'revitalised' market will be a waste of time if it's sat next to a vacant building which should have been the hub of activity. Of course, this dashes the whole cultural quarter. If funding can't be found for a worthwhile development, no doubt a crappy one will replace it. I guess it's possible funding could be found somehow, someway from somewhere but MORE delays is the last thing we need. At the end of the day, Liverpool and Manchester etc all have excellent central libraries and Preston loses out again. Gutted.

Absolutely gutted.
To be honest, I'm not too dissappointed about the fact that the Library is delayed, at least we know we'll get one by 2012. I'm far more dissappointed about the fact that Dean Court Chambers have lost out. It was an absolutely PERFECT set up... located right on the central square, beautiful old building, the smaller covered market redeveloped...
I would LOVE to hear if the council can possibly think of a better use for that building.
I hope they sort this out soon. I'm fed up of waiting around and the council keeping Prestonians in the dark :(

Also note how LCC have basically shrugged Preston off yet again... as helpful as always :sleepy:

Yeah, the actual delay isn't too much of a problem. It's the location. It's perfect! And think: where else could it possibly go? Shoving it in Tithebarn is a half-assed and now likely course of action. Other than that, I can't really think of anywhere for it to go. I'm not gonna give up on it yet until I see construction on a library at a different site. But it is a major let down. It was what will, sorry, would have pinned Tithebarn to the existing centre.

Hi Prestonians, I have found a link that I think will interest you, it is quite old and has not been posted on for a while.

http://groups.msn.com/TheSavePrestonBusStationCampaign/caseforkeeping.msnw

Re library: SHIT!

Double shit! lol If only the Duke of Westminster would save us with his magical bank balance...

A [resubmitted?] planning application for Moor Lane - more student accommodation (for 633 students!). Maybe this means another University development is on the way... 4-10 storeys is quite decent though. I could be wrong, but I think it's on the site that's currently occupied by that ugly abandoned petrol station and warehouses so to see those gone, I'm all for it!

And the planning application has been resubmitted for the Guildhall Street hotel. Now the amendments have been made, we should see work on this very soon! In an ideal world, anyhow.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9519/plannmoor2ba.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Over this weekend, I will be out with the camera, is there anywhere you guys particulary would like to see photographed?

Some photos around the collonades would be nice.
I go there sometimes but your photographic skills are better than mine. Photos of that beautiful area of the city centre are rare. Would be much appreciated.

Great news (if a little odd) about the 4-10 storey block on Moor Lane. Should work well with the other collection of developments down that way. I wonder when the Canterbury Hall development will begin?

Did anyone see that thing in yesterdays LEP about how Tradex would not be occupied between when it closes and when Tithebarn begins. And the council said instead of trying to get a tenant for the doomed retail unit, they said Tithebarn cant come soon enough.
I find that very encouraging ;)

Yes it is encouraging, it should be demolished and site prep started IMO. Every little helps!

I'm not sure if this is good or bad news. More Seddon Construction hoardings have gone up at the docks, this time in between Homebase and McDonalds. Also, there is a sign up which says Mariners Way Retail Park :(

Oh well. But then again, if the council said Riverworks will take 20 years, it will actually take 40 so I suppose it will do for now.

Yeah, riveworks is very much a long term thing, it will get watered down considerably tho some elements may be worked in around existing businesses/activity.

Another crappy part of the city centre to be revitalised:

Tip-top plan for the biggest tip in Preston
Preston's biggest rubbish dump is to be transformed.
Developers want to build a parade of shops off Broomfield Mill Street – named and shamed in the North West's top 10 fly-tipping hotspots in 2004.
Marcus Worthington Properties Ltd, based in Claughton-on-Brock, near Preston, wants to tackle the area of land bounded by North Road, Southgate and Frank Street in the city.
The company wants to build seven shops, housed in two single storey buildings, under plans drawn up by Preston-based Wood Associates.
Part of Broomfield Mill Street will be closed off and the remainder as a car park with access from Frank Street. There will be a service yard with access from Southgate and pedestrian access to Garstang Road.
Peter Wood, of Wood Associates, said the development would be "high quality" to replace the "uninspiring buildings" currently there.
He said: "It will greatly enhance this major route into Preston.
"The building itself is set back from North Road behind a dramatic tensile structure which curves along the front creating a landscaped public area and a sculptural landmark for the area.
High quality materials, including natural stone cladding, will ensure that it is a retail development of unusually high quality ."
For several years, the industrial area off North Road has been a dumping ground for dozens of binbags, rolls of old carpet, mattresses, televisions, tyres, fridges and washing machines.
It was also identified as a fly-tipping hotspot by Preston Council in 2002.
The surrounding wall even crumbled under the pressure of the rubbish. However, a row over land ownership delayed enforcement action.
The Environment Agency has taken several unsuccessful steps to cure the problem, even rigging up tiny cameras in the area to catch the culprits.
Today, a spokesman said surveillance had been carried out at the site since last June.
She said: "We are supportive of this planning application, but we do have concerns that fly-tipping may be displaced elsewhere and we will be monitoring other sites closely to ensure this does not happen.
"We have run targeted campaigns in Preston that highlighted the issue of waste crime and raised awareness among the local business communities.
"We also carried out successful surveillance and enforcement work and are now preparing to take a number of illegal waste operators to court.
"By cracking down on waste crime, in partnership with the police and local authorities, we are working to create a level playing field for legitimate businesses."
01 February 2006
I'm very pleased about this. The area is currently a dump. I'm hoping that this will lead to the regeneration of the rest of North Road. Its mostly horrible old council houses at the moment, but there are some nice old buildings down there. With its proximity to Tithebarn and the university, its bound to improve :cool: There were some renders in the paper, but not great quality. From what I've seen though, this is going to be a great project.

Yes it is good news. I would prefer a taller structure and the rest of the land mixed use but this sounds interesting. I like the sound of the canopy thing at the front. I just hope it won't look like another warehouse.

Nice render in tonights LEP of a new apartment block on Grimshaw Street. When my camera has charged up, I'll post it on and stick it on the projects list :)
Good render of the new Maternity Centre (Sharoe Green replacement) at RPH too. I'll stick that on as well.

Yeah I think those Grimshaw Street apartments look OK. That street is a hell hole at the mo and deserves some new life. With the Queen Street complex, it should be pretty good. However, browsing through the new planning applications today, it looks as though the 24 storey hotel won't be making an appearance:

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7868/queenstreet4lx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

605 apartments is one hell of a lot! And at least the blocks are of decent height. As long as its tasteful (glass and steel please!) it should still be great. Maybe the Tithebarn's hotel will be bigger than anticipated to compensate for it. They were always p*ssed off with the scheme, anyway. Either way, I hope we see this move along quicker than other stuff.

Also, plans for the five storey building approved for Manchester Road have been amended (even though previously approved) and the planning application submitted. So at least that end of town is seeing lots going on. Fishergate (i.e. FG2) seems to have come to a standstill.

Preston City Council’s Planning service has shown considerable improvements to its performance in dealing with planning applications.

From a position of being a named poor performer it is now amongst the best in the country. It has received extra money from the government through the Planning Delivery Grant in recognition of this.

Through a process of improvement planning under the guidance of central government it has changed the way it deals with planning applications both under a scheme of delegation to Officers and for those which go to Planning Committee.

The way people access the service via the Council’s Web Page has also been extended to include electronic submission and the ability to monitor planning applications.

Cllr. John Swindells, the Executive Member responsible for Planning said:

“I am pleased that both officers and members faced up to the challenge of radically improving the service and have successfully put in place a series of actions to sustain this level of performance.”

... Good news. Let's hope they live up to their new reputation!

Preston has joined the race to secure a lucrative casino licence, the Citizen can reveal.

The city council has expressed an interest in opening a casino and council chiefs now have until March 31 to submit a formal proposal to the Casino Advisory Panel (CAP).

It comes as licences for one regional Las Vegas style super casino, eight large, and eight small ones are up for grabs nationally.

Preston has registered an interest in opening a large or small casino while Blackpool is one of the front runners in the competition for a super casino.

Jim Carr, chief executive of the city council, said: "All local authorities were contacted by the Gambling Commission to see whether they might have an interest at some point in the future to have a casino in their area."

He said the council registered a positive interest to protect Preston's future interests.

"However, we recognise the importance of a regional casino to Blackpool's regeneration plan," he added. "And we have told the Gambling Commission that we would never wish to do anything that would undermine Blackpool's position. Blackpool are aware of this."

Council chiefs have not revealed where a casino might be built. And although there is a leisure allocation in the £450million Tithebarn regeneration plan, they could not say whether this might include a casino.

Licensing of new casinos has been facilitated by the Gambling Act 2005, which liberalises and overhauls gambling rules.

In November last year, all councils were contacted by the Gambling Commission seeking indications of interest for a casino -- 75 were interested, 52 ruled themselves out, including South Ribble Borough Council.

Large casinos will have a minimum floor space of 1,500sq metres, about the size of five tennis courts. They will be allowed to offer bingo and up to 150 category B slot machines which have a maximum jackpot of £4,000.

Small casinos will be at least half the size, with up to 80 category B machines.

Both will be allowed to offer betting games like blackjack and roulette.

The CAP will make a decision which towns and cities it thinks are suitable for one of the licences, and is due to make recommendations to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by the end of the year.

Changes in the gambling laws have also affected the University of Central Lancashire, where bosses are currently looking into setting up a casino management course from September 2007.

The university's longstanding international hospitality management programme will have a casino management route from this September.


Casinos in Preston, who'd ever have thought it? Also, great news about the Carphone Warehouse call centre at Tulketh Mill which could create around 1,500 jobs, a great boost for the economy. Also, in the LEP tonight was a small article about the new hotel and student accommodation on Marsh Lane. A report to the planning committee was very positive so this should go-ahead. And also, unsurprisingly UCLan's new media factory is expected to get the green light. Great news, but I'm still not convinced about the location.

Yeah I think those Grimshaw Street apartments look OK. That street is a hell hole at the mo and deserves some new life. With the Queen Street complex, it should be pretty good. However, browsing through the new planning applications today, it looks as though the 24 storey hotel won't be making an appearance:
Shame about the hotel. It was such a great design too. I'm very pleased that the apartment blocks are still a decent height, and if the hotel was anything to go by, they will hopefully live up to the same standard of architecture.

Maybe the Tithebarn's hotel will be bigger than anticipated to compensate for it. They were always p*ssed off with the scheme, anyway.
With new architects on the scene, seeing highrises in the Tithebarn plan is more likely than ever.

Fishergate (i.e. FG2) seems to have come to a standstill.
We thought this early last year too, but then they posted that thing on their website. At least we know works are going on in the background, if taking a little longer than we had hoped.

About the casino. I would love to see a casino in the Tithebarn scheme, but its clear that Blackpool has already won the thing. If big cities like Manchester and London cant beat Blackpool for it, I doubt we can. Maybe when the law opens up a little, but not yet.

Actress Jane Horrocks got more than she bargained for when she delved into her family's past.

Viewers will see her discover a link to Preston's cotton king, John Horrocks, on the popular BBC2 show, Who Do You Think You Are? on Wednesday at 9pm.

The actress, who won acclaim for her role in Little Voice and as scatty secretary, Bubbles, in Absolutely Fabulous, finds out her great grandfather Jacob Horrocks was related to Adam Horrocks, who has a direct line to the Preston cotton king and his family.

In the programme she is guided by Emma Heslewood, keeper of social history, at Preston's Harris Museum, through the history of the Horrocks family and their empire.

Miss Heslewood, who set up the Follow the Yarn website which tells the story of Preston, said: "She was particularly interested in the children who worked for the Horrockses.

"I told her about how influential they were in shaping the cotton industry. It was funny because it is as if they made Preston famous back then and now with her links with Preston and being a celebrity she is making it famous again."

Miss Heslewood told Rawtenstall-born Jane about Thomas Miller who walked from Whitehaven, in the Lake District, to Preston because someone had told him John Horrocks could offer him employment.

Miller rose through the ranks and eventually became chief partner in the firm after Samuel Horrocks junior died in 1846 and he ran the company until his death in 1865.

The programme reflects a recent boom in public interest in genealogy.

Three weeks ago Preston College started a new course, Tracing Your Family History.

Catherine Reed, course leader, said: "We started it because of the number of people interested in doing it and anticipate with programmes like this there'll be a lot more."


Just an interesting little piece! I think Jane is excellent as Bubble in Absolutely Fabulous!
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/6583/bubbletubby3sm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

She wants to make Preston famous... good for her :)
Every little helps!

Here's the render of the new 'masterplan' for Queen Street. I'm quite impressed, not so vulgar as I imagined! One of the blocks contains a large retail unit and it does say construction would start this year... Heard that before! But the company behind it (Countryside Properties) is also behind the NV Buildings at Salford Quays and some of their other developments are also impressive so this looks like it's in good hands. To be honest, I prefer this masterplan to the hotel one because this looks a bit more lively and not as bland. However, I will reserve judgement until I've seen the wider plans and how it will look on the skyline. Should look pretty impressive though I think.

http://img422.imageshack.us/img422/7493/img0090or.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Oh, and the proposed 'electric taxis' are cute! I think they're a good idea and something a little different.

...

preston_guy, This is NOT replacement tower for the Ringway tower! I'm very sure its a completely new plan, albeit very close to the Queens Retail Park plans. Here is why:
1. The architect is different. I e-mailed Cassidy + Ashton a few weeks ago, and they are still doing the Queens Retail park scheme.
2. Developer is different. Architects for schemes sometimes change, but never developers!
3. It does not mention the supermarket or anything else in the application. Just the tower. Even in the backup plan for QRP, the plans still include the supermarket etc.
4. We have already seen the planning application for the alternative plan for QRP late last year!

This IS a different plan for a different site! :D

Yes this isn't the whole site, it's more over to the Grimshaw Street side so there may be a tower yet :) I was thinking that before as I was reading the article in the paper. It really would be a fabulous area if the whole lot got the go-ahead!

The developer sounds really confident about this. They already have a page up ready to start marketing these:
http://www.countryside-properties.com/homes/new-homes/main-details/lancashire/preston/queenstreet.aspx
and if their performance with the NV Buildings is anything to go by, they dont hang around. I've followed the NV's since they were first planned and there was no delays.
Time for a projects list update methinks!

I love the idea of those electric taxis. Radio Lancashire did a feature on them, but if anybody knows how to fuck up an interview, its Radio Lancs... :no:

Yeah they must be confident marketing such a huge scheme so early. I can't see there being any problems, it's too good a project to refuse. And the large retail unit (providing a suitable retailer is found) should help resuscitate the area while Tithebarn and the elusive hotel get underway. My only 'concern' is that on one side of Queen Street will be this development and on the other, scummy council houses (an area rife with drug use and prostitution). Hopefully, Bob the Builder will pay that area a visit in the near future. But either way, it's good to see such big interest in Preston :)

Look what I found!
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/4355/tithebarn12rh.jpg
Tithebarn render! I dont believe this has been seen before. Its taken from Market Street (Dean Court Chambers on the right)
You can see the markets with the glazing on them. And look at the mini Times Sqaure! Looks like Lowthian House is gonna get a full refurb too.
Looking good. Whether or not its out of date (change in architects), we dont know...

http://www.marketsquared.co.uk/projects/preston.html

I think I posted the link a while ago but must have gone unnoticed! Thanks for putting the image up, though. The area has enormous potential and with a good refurb & reclad, Lowthian House will actually help enhance it. I looked at the markets when I was last in town and realised how huge they are, those upper mezzanine floors should be excellent! I think it's planned for a food market on the ground floor and cafe's/coffee places on the upper floors.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4158/market5eh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

*Holds back tears* I just hope the library will somehow miraculously be a part of the area! Apparently, Grosvenor aren't interested in funding it but someone might! :master:

Ahh... apologies. I remember now.
If not the library, I hope Dean Court Chambers gets a use which is just as good (not apartments).

Quite liking that render of the apartment scheme, looks pretty good. I certainly think that anything that attempts to raise the calibre of that area is a good thing. Avenham used to be a very popular and smart city centre area and i'd love to see it become so again. The park is just such a hidden gem.

What are these electric taxi things? sound fun :D

Liking very much that tithebarn shot too, I think i remember it from before but I confess to not noticng the "times square" bit before.

Here's the first real render of the New Hall Lane development. The image shows the building that will contain the supermarket with apartments above. I think it looks quite decent, although a view of how it would look next to the Mill would have been good. I'm still p*ssed off that the supermarket is a Lidl lol Still, the render is a lot better than what I was expecting and should breathe some life into the area. Also, a spokesman for the development said he'd like to see New Hall Lane turned into a bit of a Boulevard which would be cool!

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6207/img0106sa.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The article said construction could begin as early as next month. Also, I have a friend who works at the Bingo place in St John's Centre and they are moving to the New Hall Lane development (apparently by October) so it's good to see Tithebarn approaching! And the idea about water taxi's in the LEP is interesting!

Thanks for scanning that in preston_guy, ill get it stuck in the Projects List :) Its better than I'd expected and I'm somewhat relieved to see things getting underway. The idea about turning New Hall Lane into a boulevard is great. I've often thought about the idea. Its a very wide road, but its only 1 lane of traffic each way so it would be excellent.

The waterbus idea is interesting, but a long way off IMO. Lancaster run such a scheme so its not completely unrealistic :)

looking at the big new development a couple of pages back it looks like all the tall blocks are infact one stepped block, am i the only one to think that?

looking at the big new development a couple of pages back it looks like all the tall blocks are infact one stepped block, am i the only one to think that?

Looking closely, it looks like they are separate but quite close together (you can see it looks like the windows of the building in the middle continue down but could just be corner of front building). But we won't know more until the plans are more detailed (when/if planning permission is granted).

If I get a chance, I'll go to the planning office next Tuesday and find out.

please do accura. ill add them to ssn once i know if its one block or three :)

Great news about the Marsh Lane hotel (and student accommodation) getting the go-ahead. The LEP says it will go on the old railway office site, but hasn't student accommodation been on that site for a couple of years?! So I'm not quite sure where it's going, but it's good news and something else for the expanding projects list!

Also, the Positron Emission Tomography scanner getting approval is excellent as this will be one of the only ones in the North and improve the care of many cancer patients.

There is still quite a bit of wasteland around Brunel Court, especially at the Marsh Lane end (which is where I assume its going)
They also said they would be adding 2-storeys onto Brunel Court. It already has a pretty big impact on the skyline.

I don't know why such a big fuss has been made in the LEP about Preston not making it into the 4 best cities of the North West, we've still a long way to go and hell, maybe we were no.5! What's interesting about that article is that it says there will be special reports in the LEP next week called the Regeneration Game looking at Preston's future, and maybe some new renders!

More news today about yet another block of student accomodation on the corner of Corporation Street and Marsh Lane. And again, 7-storeys! I think we have already got this one noted, but its the first news we've heard on it for ages.
Also gave a mention to the 10-storey student accomodation plans for Moor Lane. Bring em on!

Just found these on a marketing site for Centenary Mill:

With its blue lights at night
http://www.pinnacle-property.com/opps/images/Prestonxl.jpg

Why the farmers site must be developed ASAP! What a crappy view!
http://www.pinnacle-property.com/opps/images/PRESTINT2.jpg

Great news about the student accommoation, it's encouraging to see developers building up (i.e. higher than the bog-standard 4/5 storeys). I especially like the sound of the corporation street halls. Having 5 new retail units at ground level will help strengthen the link between the uni and centre. It sounds as though the 10 storey development is amended from the proposal given for the Moor Lane flats site a few years ago as that was also a 'student village'. But anyway, I wanna see them both under construction asap, the uni developments always tend to go up fast and now our planning dept is apparently one of the best...? lol
Thanks for the pic of Centenary Mill, it looks really cool at night. Should look even better by the end of the year with a bit of life in the area! You can see how the render of the new building kind of looks similar to the mill.

There is virtually zero retail fronting onto Corporation Street. The only one I can think of is that Euro Kitchens store close to the shitty retail park. Its very busy pedestrian wise, so I've never understood why. Hopefully these units will let pretty quickly.

Good (if only re-hashed) news on the Tithebarn anchor store. I'd much rather see a John Lewis or House of Fraser than Selfridges (the store I'm convinced only employs anorexics with attitude problems). Looking on the John Lewis site, their new stores are all planned for developments similar to Tithebarn, some of which are only half the size. So I think we're in with a good chance.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSShop.aspx?Id=36

But I seriously despise the idea of simply having another Marks & Spencers or Debenhams! I can't believe they would even consider it. That would really jeopardise the entire development.

They should put a giant Matalan in FG2 lol.
I have a feeling this news will raise support for Tithebarn among Prestons female elite :P

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that I went to view the Queen Street plans yesterday. The 3 tall blocks are all separate. The plans were really impressive. LOOOOOAAAAAADSSSSS of renders (as opposed to the mere 1 for Queens Retail Park).

Good (if only re-hashed) news on the Tithebarn anchor store. I'd much rather see a John Lewis or House of Fraser than Selfridges (the store I'm convinced only employs anorexics with attitude problems). Looking on the John Lewis site, their new stores are all planned for developments similar to Tithebarn, some of which are only half the size. So I think we're in with a good chance.

http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSShop.aspx?Id=36

But I seriously despise the idea of simply having another Marks & Spencers or Debenhams! I can't believe they would even consider it. That would really jeopardise the entire development.

Have I missed something here? has some sort of announcement been made regarding an anchor store for either Tithebarn of FG2?

Cheers Guys :)

Cheers for the update on the Queen Street apartments Accura, it's bizarre why we are shown the blandest of renders when there are evidently more attractive ones.

Prestonian, all week there is a special in the LEP about Preston's future and last nights headline was about the Tithebarn anchor. Apparently, the council are in talks with John Lewis and House of Fraser but Selfridges aren't interested. Absolutely bugger all has been said about retailers coming to FG2 which is ridiculous as work should be starting very soon although it will probably take well into next year to complete. How's about a House of Fraser in FG2 and John Lewis in Tithebarn? ;)

There is a timetable of construction for the council's big projects in tonights LEP.
Also news of a refurb for St Georges Centre. Funny, as it was almost completely rebuilt in the late 90's.

True, St. Georges wasn't done up that long ago (I remember the old Friargate entrance was across from McDonalds!) but the Lune Street entrance is in desperate need of a facelift.
Also in the LEP, it is sad to see Goss leaving their Fylde Road site but it will be interesting what replaces it as the canal used to run there and we know there are plans to reinstate it at some stage. I think that entire area, down Fylde Road and towards the Strand and also right back towards The Mill on Aqueduct Street is terribly underutilised and would like to some mixed use developments in the future.

They should develop that entire area around the arches and St Walburges Church. And to have a small railway station on the viaduct with steps leading down to a new public plaza on next to the arches :)

Cheers for the update on the Queen Street apartments Accura, it's bizarre why we are shown the blandest of renders when there are evidently more attractive ones.

Prestonian, all week there is a special in the LEP about Preston's future and last nights headline was about the Tithebarn anchor. Apparently, the council are in talks with John Lewis and House of Fraser but Selfridges aren't interested. Absolutely bugger all has been said about retailers coming to FG2 which is ridiculous as work should be starting very soon although it will probably take well into next year to complete. How's about a House of Fraser in FG2 and John Lewis in Tithebarn? ;)

Ahh, I see, thanks Preston guy :). Can't say i'm surprised about selfridges not being interested, would have been a huge coup for us but I don't think there would be the market for it. They still lack a presence in the east, i'd expect Leeds, or even sheffield, to be a better target for them. Besides we already have 2 in the NW: Trafford and Manchester. I expect John Lewis would be interested, I think they were in blackpool many many years ago under the Lewis's name. House of Fraser I guess is another possibility tho I feel less so than JL. If we get a dept store each for FG2 and Tithebarn plus Debenhams do you think there will be enough trade for them all? I understand it would attract others into Preston but the last thing we'd want would be a major flop :(.

Here's a StGeorges article too, noticed when i was last home it had been taken over by the Mall group. Sounds good :)

Centre of attention:New manager prepares for £2million Mall facelift
Millions of pounds of investment and the arrival of major High Street names are top of the agenda for the new chief of a major Preston shopping centre.

Ken Williams spent his first day as the general manager of The Mall St George's yesterday preparing for the first phases of a £2million facelift which will transform the inside of the centre.
Hoardings are due to go up at the Lune Street entrance today which will see the lift shaft and escalators in the centre come down and moved to a more central position inside the rotunda.
The new manager, who replaces the long-serving Carol Lowde, says this will be the first stage in a transformation of the centre which will also see more retail units created, which he hopes will attract more retailers.
He said: "We are always talking to the retail world and when we see an opportunity to extend the range of stores we have available in the centre with a big High Street name, we will be looking to do that.
"We have to recognise what our customers need and act upon that and I think the diverse range of big names, like H&M and New Look, alongside the smaller, independent retailers reflects we are doing that."
Mr Williams hopes the development of the Lune Street entrance will create a "very dramatic" setting for the centre which he hopes will be complete by August, in time for the push towards Christmas 2006.
He realises the challenge The Mall St George's faces from the arrival of the Tithebarn development which the Evening Post yesterday revealed is seeking a major High Street name as its flagship store.
But not even the possible arrival of department store giants John Lewis and the House of Fraser in the next four years worries Mr Williams.
He said: "I have seen developments like that come in the past and it often manages to complement what already exists and only attract more people to the city.
"We are perfectly positioned to benefit from any higher profile store Tithebarn brings to Preston, and I am excited about what is happening and what is going to happen in the city."
Mr Williams's 15-year career in retail began as store manager of Littlewoods in his native Chester. He progressed to regional manager and eventually became Head of Product Marketing and Trade Planning for the firm's Index brand in 2004.
At The Mall St George's, he will be working with marketing manager Sarah Horrobin and operations manager Jim Brotherston, who both joined last year.
Is the The Mall St George's the future of retailing in Preston? Tell us what you think by e-mailing

Realistically, the Fishergate Centre will always be limited by it's ridiculous road access. I think Primark should have taken the largest new unit in FG2 as that will probably become one of the most popular stores in Preston.
And about St Georges, I hope the new escaltor layout won't mean getting rid of that coffee place in the rotunda as that really gives the centre some life, unlike the Fishergate Centre which seems quite bland by comaprison.

I dunno why Primark thought that the unit they are moving into was the best. Its fairly big, but not that big. No competition for M&S, BHS, TK Maxx, TJ Hughes etc...

Yeah that store isn't the biggest but the upper floor is apparently being extended quite a bit to include the old Index stockroom. And escalators have been installed so it must be fairly big upstairs for them to include those. But with allsports vacant next door, they should have that as well!

This is only a little something I just noticed. Looking at the Tithebarn masterplan (if it's worthy of being called that, give us some real f*cking renders! lol) is half of Preston Office Centre being demolished? It certainly looks like it is. Maybe its just a mistake or I've missed this before. Either way, someone please tell me what's going on!

Duchy and Paletine Houses are going to be demolished. Red Rose and Elizabeth are remaining, but shall stay where they are. My mum works in Red Rose House so she has access to such info :yes:

Some news on the cottam brickworks project. An important one for me cos I live near there. Huge potential to make good use of a brownfield site with good road access and situated next to the ribble link canal thing. My mum will also be pleased as she really wants a Preston Tesco! ;)

Brickworks set for development
A masterplan has been drawn up for the long-awaited development of a former Preston brickworks site.
Members of the public are to be asked for their views on a blueprint for the future of undeveloped land at Cottam and Ingol, which could include a supermarket and other shops, homes overlooking a marina, businesses, a care home, place of worship, and health centre.
It will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs and will provide residents with some much-needed local facilities.
The future of the Cottam Brickworks and the Cottam Local Centre, known together as the Cottam Development Area, has been in limbo since 2002, when the council threw out an £18m shopping and leisure plan for the Brickworks, saying it would conflict with similar proposals for the other site.
An "interim planning statement" has now been drawn up which suggests the proposed Tesco supermarket be built on the Brickworks, instead of the local centre site on the opposite side of Tom Benson Way.
And English Partnerships, the owners of the greenfield local centre site, agree that focusing the first phase of development on the landfilled and contaminated Brickworks site is the best option.
But any development at the Brickworks, which is owned by Grimsargh-based builders John Turner and Sons and operated as a brickworks until 1960, must have regard for wildlife. Therefore, a nature reserve will also be created.
Lancashire County Council is currently in talks over plans for a 45-bed care home on the site.
There is also the potential to create a small marina off the canal, to serve as a mooring for pleasure craft.
Meanwhile, the local centre site could house shops, a pub or restaurant, offices and leisure uses.
Today, councillors for the Ingol and Cottam wards welcomed the news that the plans are due to go to public consultation.
Coun Christine Abram, for Cottam, said: "This is an important stage in a project which has dragged on for far too long.
"We support the transfer of the proposed supermarket to the Brickworks site – and we hope that phase two, which will involve a quality mixed-use development of the Cottam Local Centre, will not be far behind.
"Obviously though, there must be safeguards in any development on this scale, and we as councillors will be keeping a close eye on things as both projects progress.
"My main area of concern is the transport and access from Cottam. We need to be able to walk from Cottam to the centre with toddlers, prams and small children on bikes, without any fear of dangerous traffic problems.
"We need a safe crossing over Tom Benson Way and some assurance of a bus service for Cottam going down this route."
And Coun Bill Shannon, who represents the people of Ingol, said: "This is the best news we could have for Ingol and we are fully behind the plans.
"Ingol has waited 20 years for something to be done about the Brickworks.
"This plan, involving a nature reserve, a supermarket, other shops and offices, a marina on the canal, and a good mix of housing, including affordable housing for key workers – plus opportunities for hundreds of new jobs, is exactly what we need.
"It's really going to lift the whole area, and will do much to counter the negative image some people still have of Ingol.
"The sooner the works start, the better."
The decision to go out to public consultation was rubber-stamped by members of the council's cabinet last night.
Coun John Swindells, executive member for environment and sustainability, said the site was a "key area" in the city.
He said: "It's important that the public gets a say on what happens in this area.
"The aim is to get together with some of the groups that don't always attend meetings and make sure their voice is heard.
"It's important we get it right."

That's excellent news, it will be great to breathe some life into that area as it's such a waste as it is.

And the Evening Post's 'special' on Preston's future came to a close tonight although it was quite disappointing overall. With the lack of new information/renders and even Julia Horn (general manager of Preston and District Chamber of Trade) concerned over progress with Tithebarn, it does worry me! Things are happening far too slowly. I suppose there are other projects to keep things moving in the meantime but speeding things up wouldn't hurt. If work is only just finished in time for the Guild, people won't have had time to see the changes and Preston's profile won't really have changed. Ideally, it should have been finished by 2010 but of course they piss about and here we are without a single render or building design! And as BDP haven't so much as mentioned Tithebarn on their website, I doubt that much progress has been made. I hope I'm proved wrong.

At least we got the timetable. We found out that the refurb of Winckley Sqaure gardens begins next year which was unexpected ;)

Two of my favourite views taken this glorious evening :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00449.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00451.jpg

According to the PNE Forum, the Avenham bandstand is being demolished on Friday 10th March at 4p.m. I'm looking forward to seeing the new Pavilion!

lol, thats a very specific time and date for demolishing a bandstand :P
I hope it just doesnt remain empty for the next two years. According to the timetable, construction isnt supposed to start on the new one until next year.

Is this thread only supported by Accura & Preston_guy?


but anyway... Preston is Improving. :okay:

Is this thread only supported by Accura & Preston_guy?


but anyway... Preston is Improving. :okay:

...and me, tho I admit i've been a bit part time of late :(

Thanks to you both for keeping it up and running tho, tis an encyclopedia of Preston development knowledge and I bet we have lots of Preston guests reading through (WHO ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN if they like ;))

Is this thread only supported by Accura & Preston_guy?


but anyway... Preston is Improving. :okay:
There are about 10 other members in Preston who sometimes make contributions. Plus as he said, Prestonian chips in pretty reguarly. He was in fact Preston's first forumer on SSC! He's got uni responsibilities though.

I can proudly say that despite being one of the smaller cities on SSC, the Preston thread has been running successfully for just over 2 years now. Thanks to good and regular forumer contributions and a good feeding of new projects.
The same cant be said for Nottingham.

Good news about the new skate park, will be a good project for the Penwortham Holme area. And I found this while routing around on google:

http://www.msa.mmu.ac.uk/ciastudent/rachela/PLANNING%20PRESTON.pdf

It makes for a very interesting read - there were some rather insane designs for Preston in the past!

How many Projects in Preston are U/C already???

Got an email a couple of days ago from a channel 4 TV researcher asking if I would be interested in contributing to a follow up programme to the Demolition series. I think I emailed someone or other after the shows aired regarding Crystal House. I'll email her back moaning about the new lease of life its had and the impending refurb of the tower and see what she says. Don't think i'd go on telley if I was asked though ;).

LOL I don't blame you! Mind you, all they'll need to do is stand around the flag market and ask anyone and they'd be more than happy to slag off Crystal House. Should have been called Turd House...

Insignia - there's around 10 projects that are under construction at the moment. FG2 is in site preparation at the moment according to the developer, The Mall St George's refurb, the Farmer's Market development has got the hotel nearing completion and the next phase will begin next month, the Moor Lane development is progressing, West Strand is approaching the next phase (albeit a rather dull project), Winkley Square is seeing constant investment, South Rings business park is still U/C i think, the London Road sports park is U/C, the Gold Thread works is also U/C, the Byron Apartment scheme is in site preparation and the Oakleigh Apartments are under construction. We won't be seeing work on Tithebarn til 2008 although the businesses in that area are slowly starting to vacate in preparation.
A few have been given planning permission and should start construction soon: Marsh Lane hotel, Crystal House refurb (grrr), Fishergate interchange, the PETCT building, the Avenham Park pavilion and Avenham and Miller Parks regeneration, Lawson St. apartments, Friargate apartments, Fox Street apartments, Tickled Trout development, Miller Arcade development, Magistrates Chmaber, Royal Locks and Riverworks is hoping to start this year. I think that's all of it for now.

Any pictures of the London Road sports park?

Why do you want to see pictures of that? Its still U/C.

Why do you want to see pictures of that? Its still U/C.

You said it yourself.. any renders?

Good news in the LEP today about PNE possibly having found funding to complete the stadium project. Plans are to have it opened in 2012 so it will be good to have at least one project complete by then... :|

Also, good(?) news about the deepdale retail park expansion moving closer to being approved although there's likely to be tough opposition. At least they want to address the traffic problems which is desperately needed.

Edit: Just to add those bastard ugly residents complaining over the Oakleigh apartment scheme's basement car park being a hazard to their children as they have 'nowhere else to play'? Avenham Park is only a short walk away! Anyway, good to see the work is progressing.

Thats a crap excuse by those residents. I have NEVER seen children playing on Lawson Street... what a load of bollocks.

Great news about Deepdale.

Some renders of the Moor Lane development from tonight's LEP. While it looks good and I'm pleased with the building design I can't help but think that green looks rather bland! Still, will give somewhere for them little demons from Lawson Street to play ;)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/2928/moor25jl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/56/moor15if.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I have been taking pictures of the progress of the London rd site, I'll get them online and I'll post the link up.

In the meantime, I've uploaded some recent pics of the Moor lane progress.

Moor lane progress. (http://www.prestonlancs.com/gallery/index.php?action=showgal&cat=1)

Thanks for that Prestonlancs, great pics.

Also just seen the article in the LEP saying the new UCLan Media Centre will not impact on the Lancaster Canal extension and water taxi plans. So both plans are likely to go ahead! Still, the location of the Media Centre doesn't seem right... But then again, if we can build a ringroad through the centre of town, we can build a media centre on Cold Bath Street! :laugh:

Great news on all fronts then :) I just find it a little odd that the first renders we see of Moor Lane are months into the construction :P
The media centre could be better placed but as the uni continues to grow, the area should open up a bit.

Ooh them little monkeys at PCC haven't updated their planning applications! LOL But I forgot to mention that there was a planning application about 2 weeks ago to change that old Tommy Ball's shoe shop opposite the train station into a restaurant. Judging by the name of the applicant (Sakura Tepanyaki) it may be a Japanese restaurant. Anyway, should be a good thing if it's done tastefully as it's quite a large building and what with our large foreign student population.

That building is ideal for a restaurant with its complete glass frontage :yes:

Had a quick look at PCC website, only one interesting application this week. For a new 4/5 storey building on Cannon Street to house 1 retail unit and 15 apartments with a roof terrace on the 4th floor. Sounds like a good development, especially with the Guildhall Street hotel only across the way. That whole area (i.e. Guildhall Street, Cannon Street, Old Cock Yard, Glover's Court) is crying out for development and we're finally starting to see some!

A man with learning difficulties was the victim of a terrifying robbery at Preston bus station.
The 35-year-old from Chorley was walking through the subway to the Guild Hall when he was attacked near Tithebarn Street.

The attacker, who wore dark jeans and a black woolly hat, yanked down the victim’s hood and threw him to the floor before searching his pockets.

Det Sgt John Crichton, from Preston CID, said: “The offender first asked for money before snatching cash from the victim who has learning difficulties. He searched through his pockets before taking his wallet. It was an afternoon attack and there would have been a lot of people passing by who may have seen what happened.

“The attacker, who picked on someone who is vulnerable, ran off back towards the Guild Hall after throwing the wallet to the floor. He was not picked up by CCTV cameras.”

He said CCTV evidence showed the victim walking towards the Guild Hall shortly after the robbery at around 1.30pm on Wednesday. The offender was around 6ft and had dark brown, scruffy hair.

The following day, a 23-year-old woman from Ingol was forced to hand over her bag in a street robbery near Preston Prison. The robbery happened at around 6pm. The offender had acne and wore a long jacket.

The victim was at The King William pub nearby with a friend before she was approached by the offender near the bottom of Deepdale Road.

Anyone with information should contact Sgt Crichton at Preston CID on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

Yet more confirmation of the need to demolish the bus station and those ridiculous subways!

Great news about the UCLan media centre getting planning permission, let's hope we see construction soon.
As for the Deepdale Retail Park expansion, I have mixed feelings. I don't think it will impact on the city centre's retail too much but I'm not a big fan of retail parks, especially one's which take half an hour to get out of!

Good news about the media centre. Nice to see them having a positive attitude on the canal extension too. When this was first proposed, I was sceptical about its chances of being built. Over recent months I have become much more confident :)
I sense interesting times ahead.

Hey guys! I'm stuck for something to do so just thought I'd post to say keep up the good work - it is interesting to read about everything going on back in Preston.

The Moor Lane site looks pretty good and the new Media Centre should be impressive!

I was back in Preston for the weekend from Leeds to see The Futureheads at 53 degrees. Was going to go on PNE v Ipswich too with 3 Uni friends before it was postponed. First time I'd been in 53 degrees and it was pretty impressive - the gig was in the club room and it seemed pretty smart - a lot nicer than Leeds Uni or Leeds Met anyway!

Anyway - some pictures from the "match" the other day, and some older more general ones...

Full album here (http://photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/?start=0)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/DSCN2023.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/DSCN2018.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/DSCN2017.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/DSCN2011.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/DSCN2010.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/DSCN1997.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/VictoriaHouseedited.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/Union5cropped.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/Union2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/Offices4.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/LawCourts2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/Harris4.jpg

Never mind the bus station, someone should sort out the market car park... (do you know if there are any plans for this in Tithebarn?)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/FishMarket1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/BusStation5.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/BusStation4.jpg

Thanks for that NCN, some good pictures there. I especially like the one of the Harris. I'm pretty sure there are plans to refurbish the market car park as the indoor market, which IMO makes the car park look even worse, is being demolished and replaced with new buildings and a public square. Judging from this early sketch, the car park may be glazed in: http://www.marketsquared.co.uk/projects/preston.html