Those are the most flattering images of the bus station I've ever seen :P
Btw, the Oakleigh development got the all clear, despite developers having to pay towards transport improvements in the areas. The NIMBY's lost :)

I think i'm starting to miss the bus station even though it hasn't gone yet. Can we keep it? ;)

Nice pics! cheers.

Bit of news on the Queen Street apartment/retail development today and generally, it seems to have had a warm reception. The developers are meeting with the planning committee in April/May and construction should begin in June. Some of the councillors expressed concern that there may not be the demand for so many apartments but I think there will be, especially with it's proximity to the city centre and motorway and with Tithebarn due soon.

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

Well spotted! That should be good as it would reduce the impact of knocking down the bus station by keeping one of the existing car parks and not having to rely on new ones and should also look pretty good (or at least a lot better than it does now!).

Those new apartments look good too so it will be good if they do go ahead. Just a pity that the bus station can't be integrated into the plans with a refurbishment and a different use rather than knocking down one of Preston's most memorable and original buildings (and I'm not being sarcastic!). :)

Some of the councillors expressed concern that there may not be the demand for so many apartments but I think there will be, especially with it's proximity to the city centre and motorway and with Tithebarn due soon.

It always winds me up a bit when councillors say things like this. Anyone who is planning on investing in such a big project faces huge losses if there isn't the demand, and so I'm sure they will have done lots of research and be pretty sure of success. Why do the councillors think they know any better? Even if they were right it's not like the council loses anything!

I'm pretty sure they wont turn this one down, I'm just concerned that it will take them ages to make a decision. The developers want to begin construction in June ( :D ). Lets hope we arnt let down by the planners.

I saw this on the frontpage of the L.E.P today, ended up buyin it (I always do.. stupid boy that I am spendin money on 'new developments' that we already know about thanks to this site months in advance, lol) ...I'm not sure if I'm keen or not, I think they could of been a little more adventurous.. Good height in the tallest tower, would work well... just wish they'd put a bit more into it, especially considering the look of the nearby Tithebarn stuff...

Yes, the LEP's headline was somewhat decieving considering that its already been unveiled.

Ferge, I see your point about the Queen Street towers. But if the glass tower goes ahead, I think these will complement it nicely. The council have been considering the glass tower for almost a year so a decision must be due soon. If for any reason it didn't go ahead, I'd like to see the Queen Street apartments redesigned to be a bit more stylish. Otherwise, I think they will accompany the glass tower to make for a big impact on the skyline. Also, Accura has seen the plans at the planning office and said they look far better than what the scabby render in the LEP would lead us to believe.

A render of the new apartments going up shortly just off Blackpool Road. I really like the look of these, especially the sloped roofs. Looks a bit similar to the Gold Thread works.
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/7105/brook6yb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And the bandstand is gone! With all that's going on, I think this year is going to be a very interesting one...

I was hoping you would scan that in ;) Thanks :)
I'll get it on the projects list ASAP.

Where abouts exactly on Blackpool Road are these? I have a feeling my brother is going to have his martial arts centre demolished for them ;)

No, this will be add a floor to the karate place I think so it's building over it rather than through it. The karate place isn't closing down as originally planned. D'oh!

2 floors! :D

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/5362/guildhall9qm.jpg (http://imageshack.us) :D

Excellent news :) I found out in tonights LEP that somebody set fire to my old school on Sunday morning!

I know, that's really awful. Little tw*ts.

A THOUSAND new jobs could be created in Preston – but the plans could cause a problem for the city's £450m Tithebarn project.
An unnamed US company wants to create the jobs – and its European HQ – in the city.
It wants to open a call centre in the former Tradex building, off Ring Way.
These new plans appear to conflict with what Preston City Council and the Tithebarn scheme's mastermind, Grosvenor Estates, have previously had in mind.
The building was recently vacated by the cash and carry firm, leaving it free to be bulldozed. But now, advisers to the US company are submitting a plan to Preston Council to modify the 42,500 sq ft building into offices. Preston Council owns the freehold of the site.
It has emerged that a planning application for the Tithebarn scheme, which includes housing, shops and leisure, is not expected until 2007.
Chartered surveyors, Parker and Company, based on Winckley Square, Preston, are acting as agents for the application.
Roger Parker pointed out there were no offices planned for the Tithebarn scheme.
He said: "The Tithebarn scheme has changed so many times with so many of the components dropping out, it seems incredible to think they can't incorporate in the scheme a building employing 1,000 people.
"This is a $1bn American co-operation with an existing small office in Preston which they wish to grow, and when they first came to see me they said unless they could find the right place in Preston quickly, they would go to Solihull or they could go to Leeds.
"They want to create a long-term business in Preston and grow in Preston."
The building would need £500,000-worth of internal works and upgrades to turn it into a call centre.
Under the Tithebarn development, Grosvenor is promising to change the face of Preston by 2011 and create 5,000 jobs.
After six years of negotiation, city council bosses shook hands with the developers on a deal last October, subject to a number of conditions.
If all goes according to plan, Preston will get a department store, a 12-screen cinema, leisure facilities, food store, hotel, refurbished market and 85 shops.
In addition, there will be 400 new homes, restaurants and bars and a health and fitness centre. Work is due to start in 2008 and will take three years, but no planning applications have been submitted to date.
But ward councillor, Coun Michael Lavalette, said: "There have been a number of very significant job losses in Preston so if somebody's talking about bringing 1,000 jobs to Preston we should be biting their hand off.
"I'm sure people would rather have good, sound jobs than the promise of large shops for the wealthy sections of the community."
Jim Carr, the council's chief executive, said: "There's an agreed masterplan for the Tithebarn area which is bigger than what we're going to do with Grosvenor.
"Any planning application for Tradex will be considered on its merits. If it's consistent with the masterplan then there's every chance it will get planning permission."

It beggars belief! Why not just have Lowthian House? Tradex is another eyesore on the edge of Ringway, tasty refurb or not it's crap and I don't want to see it around any longer than it already has been.

I would love for them to create 1000 jobs in Preston, but not there. Its a terrible building in the middle of a masterplan.

1,000 jobs satisfies demand for the Corporation Street gateway offices - get 'em built!

Jesus, I'd completely forgotten about that development! Yeah! Get em in there!

The images from tonight's L.E.P. of the Guildhall Street hotel. Should look pretty good, just hope we see construction soon!

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7757/guild15cp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6320/guild27al.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Do double yellow lines not mean anything in Preston?

LOL evidently not, well spotted! The parking wardens must have had a field day...

I'm quite pleased with the design. Guildhall Street is a mix of nice historic buildings and shitty sixties ones. This should improve the face of the street quite nicely.
I'm getting these renders on the projects list! Thanks for scanning them in.

Nice renders, looks quite smart, the sort of unassuming modern buildings that make a city. That whole area is ripe for redevelopment, hopefully this will spark things off!

Regarding the tradex thing i'm in two minds. I think they should be able to find them a site elsewhere that doesn't have such implications for tithebarn but at the same time in the long term, for Preston to keep going, we can't afford to say goodbye to 1000 jobs and a company HQ! Hopefully it doesn't have to be an either or situation between this and tithebarn, I'm sure they could be accommodated short term and the site developed later once we find a better home for them.

It's a fantastic opportunity for Preston and like you say, a temporary lease would be great until another location is sought. Like the eight-storey offices that were proposed for Corporation St ;) But the L.E.P. said the Tradex building needs £500,000 spent on it before it can be a call centre, and I can't see the company spending that kind of money on the place unless they're going to set up home there. So hopefully we'll see the company set up home in Preston, without jeopardising Tithebarn.

I want to see the new commercial quarter plans eforev makiin hny decidisomns... there might be spome rea;;y hpfffd [;alces in theat sdcheme. Hopefully wee should ashee s0eme plans for it thins iyesart.

This is an interesting article I found while routing around Google a few days ago. It's recent (this month) and mentions Riverworks and the new commercial quarter so it's good to see things must be happening with these two, even though not a lot has been said yet.

http://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/preston.htm

I want to see the new commercial quarter plans eforev makiin hny decidisomns... there might be spome rea;;y hpfffd [;alces in theat sdcheme. Hopefully wee should ashee s0eme plans for it thins iyesart.

Were you drunk when you typed that? ;)

Agreed that the £500k they want to spend on tradex seems significant and so perhaps non too short term. However is it too small a sum to mean they may be interested in a project like corporation street?

Great article. Full of big ambition! Lets hope it is all or mostly fulfilled.

In todays paper, it said a new Art and Design exhibition centre is opening on Church Street. Hopefully, this should add to the revival in that part of the centre and give it some vibrancy :)

Were you drunk when you typed that? ;)
Yes, I spent last night in some pub on Moor Lane celebrating St Patricks Day. Trying to type up a proper sentence afterwards was not easy :P

Says in tonights LEP that Preston Station is on Network Rail's high priorities for an upgrade. About bloody time! :D

Good news on the station, i think the money Virgin (who i thought owned it) spent a little while ago made a big improvement but the passenger information screens and tannoy system could do with a spruce up. I'm actually quite surprised it is given high priority, i can thin of many grotier stations. No complaints though! :)

I hope we get a cool new big screen with all the departures/arrivals on it, like the one at Piccadilly or Sheffield (which is also currently being refurbished)
I hope all the platforms are resurfaced and the waiting room should be tripled in size. The platform areas are freezing. The ironwork needs sprucing up and the lighting needs to be improved :)
They have a lot of work to do ;)

I agree that a lot needs doing, it is a very dingy place. Unfortunately I had to use the toilet there the other day - safe to say I wish I hadn't, as they are really horrible. Not as bad as the bus station, though!

As for the bus station, I think it is a landmark building and should definetely not go, as for Preston it actuall has a fairly interesting design!

anyone seen the new cladding on the side of the holiday Inn? its now silver! its only taken them, what... about a year to do that? That scaffolding had been ther for ages. and on close inspection it seems that one of the panels has a dent in it already!

Well at the rate the Tithebarn Project is progressing (thanks to the squabbling between PCC and LCC), you will be able to enjoy the bus station for a lot longer than expected. As for the Holiday Inn reclad, it's weird. It worked for the building next door but this just looks dumb. Hopefully they'll do something about the rest of the building before long.

Anyway, good news about the train station. It's a great station but needs bringing into the 21st century and pronto!

A planning application was submitted today for change of use of the Tradex building to office... It's not the American HQ company though. Great news about the fibre-glass cow exhibition that will be taking place, though! I think they're really cool!

I've been lurking around this forum for some time now. Interesting to note that the Farmers Market development has started in earnest, I believe Strutt and Parker in Harrogate are the agents for it.

I currently live in Centenary Mill and must say that it is without equal the worst development I have ever had the misfortune of being in. From day one there have been nothing but problems, with poor quality finishes to apartments, major issues with water supplies and completely incompetent management of the Mill by all concerned parties.

I really feel it is a missed opportunity and could have been all that was promised at the start. The Mill itself is open to the elements, i.e. it rains and snows into the central part due to the fact that the developer never put a roof on the place. It looks and feels like a penal colony and sound insulation on the apartments is crap. You hear everything, and the fact that a minority of imbeciles live there disturbing everyone else doesn't help matters.

It was originally touted as luxury apartments, with a £1 million residents gym. That was a pile of excrement. The gym is a waste of space and is never maintained, and I'm sure the UCLAN halls of residence are more luxury then the Mill.

Its such a shame that Urban Splash never got their hands on the place as then maybe it might have been something special. In my opinion the place will be full of DSS within 18 months, and will probably need to be revamped in 10 years once the rest of New Hall Lane has been developed further.

The idea of a supermarket and bingo hall opposite will just make the traffic problems worse. We still have a healthy population of whores around the corner which just adds to the overall ambience of the place. I could go on but if I did I'd be here for another week.

The happenings at the Mill sound absolutely dreadful, I'm sorry to hear you've (all) had such a rough time. I've said this before, but it was Preston's chance to show it could compete with Manchester and Liverpool as a place for "young professionals" (though what one of these actually is, I don't know!) to enjoy luxury living but it failed. Miserably. The problem with Preston's planners is they often seem to jump at the first offer, whereas if they waited they may have gotten a better deal from a better developer. I think the Mill will 'decline' slowly and as you've said, a better developer will do it up all over again properly in a few years. There should be greater interest from better quality developers over the coming years as all the major projects start construction. And I have to say, I have some friends living in UCLan's student halls and they are almost luxury, and not just by student standards. So the Mill had better pull its act together.

Preston has "turned the corner after years of decline", according to a report by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott.

It has one of the fastest rates of employment growth in the North West, according to the Cities Paper, with a ten per cent increase in the number of jobs available over a six year period from 1997.

Businesses, computing services and the financial and public administration sectors, all play a part in the city's booming employment trend, according to the report.

The University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire County Council headquarters and Preston's role as a major shopping centre have all contributed to this growth, according to the document.

President of the Preston and District Chamber of Trade, Julia Horn, said the report would be a welcome boost for city centre traders.

She said: "It is good news for Preston and the city centre in particular. Inward investment into Preston has been very good but anything that highlights Preston as a place to invest can only benefit the city."

The report, published by the Treasury, details a sharp drop in unemployment in Preston since the late 1990s and states that the city has benefited from an increase in the number of pupils achieving five or more GCSE A-C grades between 1997 and 2004.

The city has also seen a "marked rise" in the proportion of graduates in their workforces, according to the document, and it mentions Preston's ambitions on being the North West's third city.

It also contains details about the city's Tithebarn development.

The Deputy Prime Minister said: "We have seen an urban renaissance take shape in the North West, with unemployment falling significantly, with a marked rise in the proportion of graduates in the workforce supporting the growth of dynamic new economic sectors on the local economies.

"The message is that our cities are back as successful places to live and work."

:)

Excellent :D

Preston could be on track to get a new multi-million pound train station to help combat city centre gridlock and motorway congestion.

It is hoped the station, earmarked for Tom Benson Way, Cottam, near Preston Sports Arena, would allow commuters to park up and make the one-stop train journey to the city's main railway station off Fishergate.

The proposal, drawn up by Lancashire County Council (LCC), is estimated to cost £2-3 million and would include an unmanned station with disabled access.

Sites around Tom Benson Way are being considered for car parks.

Richard Watts, rail projects manager at LCC, said: "It could provide a quick hop to Preston for people living in that area, and for the increasing number of commuters in Preston who work away from the city.

"We have a wider responsibility to try and relieve the number of cars on the roads as well as in Preston."

The proposed site, situated where the Ribble Link crosses with the train line, was initially looked at about two years ago but the idea was shelved, and plans for a station at Buckshaw Village, Chorley, and the relocation of Preston's bus station took precedence.

Mr Watts said the station would also be dependent on funding.

Assistant director of planning at Preston council, Phil Davis, said: "There are major costs associated with developing new stations and we will continue to work with the county council and others to overcome this issue."

Network Rail, which maintains and renews the existing railway in that area, said they would support the council to prove the viability of any proposed new station but said there were many obstacles to overcome before a new station could be approved.

The scheme is one of many being tabled to help cut the number of cars on the city's roads.

The city council is looking at introducing seven-seater electric cars to ferry people around the congested city centre when the Tithebarn Regeneration Scheme has been completed.

There have also been plans for a new supertram to connect Preston with Blackpool and Lytham, and a scheme to open up surrounding canals for a possible sail and ride scheme for canal boats to ferry people into Preston.

The news has been welcomed by the Ormskirk Preston and Southport Travellers Association (OPSTA) which has been campaigning to re-open Midge Hall railway station, near Leyland, since 1982.

Campaigner John Blinkhorn said: "Obviously the group will be disappointed that Midge Hall hasn't been put on the list but any new station is a good idea."

I hope this gets the go ahead. There is good potential for Preston to develop its own commuter rail. There is already Park and Ride at Leyland and Lostock Hall. This should help develop it further :) Good news about Buckshaw Village too.

Isn't the planning application for the new bus station supposed to be submitted this month as well?

Really?! I cant wait to see the designs for that. I recently saw new comments on CABEs website. Fingers crossed eh? :)

LOL From August last year:

Okay guys, good news :) I have FINALLY got a response from Lancashire County Council about the new bus station on Manchester Road.

Dear All

I have spoken this morning with my Group Manager, Chris Anslow,
re the above and I can now confirm the following;-

The Final Planning Application will be submitted as part of the Grosvenor
Tithebarn redevelopment in April 2006.

A draft version is available now (As was requested by the Lancashire Evening
Post and duly provided under the FOI Act) but Chris has asked me to stress
that this is only a preliminary draft version and is almost certainly
subject to alteration.

Chris has said that if anymore information is required, he would be more
than happy to set up a meeting to discuss the project further on return
from his annual leave. (After 8th September)

Thank you.

Andy Ray
Excellent news. This means we could see the designs very soon in the LEP. If its not in by next week, I'll goto the planning office and view them (and try to sneak some photo's in). And if they set up a meeting, I will most definately be going! At last, progress!

But I'm not going to hold my breath. Anyway, great news about the 10 storey block of student flats/retail unit getting approval. I'm quite surprised by how fast they went through. Maybe there is a God afterall. And I think this month see's 12 months since the 24 storey tower plans were submitted so a decision is due soon...

Hehe, I was just running on here to post that news myself! Beat me to it :P
Great news. That site is a dump. I go in the pub just opposite every Friday night and its pretty nasty lol.

Hello Prestonians, spent a bit of time in your town recently since my Mum's boyfriend lives in a nearby village and she's thinking of moving down from the north to Garstand (which very impressed me, reminds me of a Buckinghamshire village), also seen a few gigs at 53 degrees which is a nice venue inside and out. Preston strikes me as a bit of an ugly town but with a buzz about it. Maybe not as blessed as Manchester, Liverpool or even Bolton architectually but definitely a place on the up and it will be interesting to see how it develops over the years. I think the great transport links definitely help. If I dont get into my first choice uni (salford) then I might even come to uni up there in 17 months time. Anyway keep up the good work on this forum. Hopefully we'll see a lot of changes in Preston over the next few years.

Glad you enjoyed your trip IBEH, Preston isn't as bad as people make out. And re: the architecture, I'm deeply ashamed when I look at old pictures of some of the grand buildings that were torn down to leave behind what is left today. But anyway, there's a very exciting future ahead so I'm looking forward to seeing it in the flesh.

Preston is a wierd place. It doesn't always seem to have that much going for it at first glance but people gradually realise, when they spend time here, that it is a nice place to live. I think one of the best things about it is that in general the people who live here quite like it.

I have a big soft spot for Garstang IBEH, I agree its a lovely little place and very conveniently located.


Not seen that news on the Cottam station before, I'm all for that, can't harm house prices any ;) Would be very convenient for a Tesco store if one gets built too. A canal taxi from Cottam has been mentioned too in relation to the canal extension, could become a real hub of activity :). Probably some news on the bus station in the next days too cos i'm going away ;)

The problem with preston is its location, it is pure Lancashire territory and the people there are generally stubborn about sticking to their way of life which died out about 100 years ago.. I can't blame them for wanting to keep that, its unique and full of character but it can be preserved without stagnating an entire city.. Its like the grim outdoor market, its just... filthy and oppressive with Lowthian house's nasty black cladding and the indoor market podiums and concrete stairwells all looming around you and it just feels like a poverty area...

It would be so much nicer if the people just realised that they wont lose their charm if they allow a bit of redevelopment and master planning to give them some clean space! I feel you can be in certain parts of the city and feel the city vibe about it, but it has a lot to do and until people allow it to happen, it will never be as good as it deserves.. One thing you can't take away from it is the Harris museum area, facing those few fancy buildings on a sunny day is as close to bein a Parisian as anyone in Lancashire could be, lol.. Its one of the most beautiful urban areas in the NW I feel, just a pity its blighted by Guild, Crystal House and then litte shitty shops facing it.

I think attitudes towards change are becoming more and more postive as the Lancastrian preservation generation dies out. There has been talk recently of Preston's appeal to become a unitary authority (which is going extremely well from what I've heard). I cant imagine it happening for another few years cos the presevationists will just claim that they are destroying Lancashire. Lancashire is already destroyed, it was cut up decades ago.

Got this today:
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/2574/matalanpr4ge.jpg

The home of cheap clothing!

The news about the Cottam train station is brilliant if it gets the go ahead.

I just came across an article about the bus station that people might be interested in: http://www.riskybuildings.org.uk/docs/28preston/index.html#

Got a few pics on my way home from hospital today.

Reclad these beasts!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00550.jpg

Lets hope they continue to reclad the tower
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00549.jpg

Looks like Ribblesdale House is getting a reclad
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00548.jpg

Still standing tall
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00547.jpg

Progress on the 8-storey Manchester Road apartments
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00545.jpg

Work has started on the Farmers Market
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00542.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00541.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00540.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00539.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Accura/DSC00537.jpg

Got this today:
http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/2574/matalanpr4ge.jpg

The home of cheap clothing!

LOL I'm off to Matalan in a bit! Also noticed round town that some of the cladding at the City One development on Moor Lane is being taken down, site prep is well underway on New Hall Lane and St Georges Shopping Centre is a bit of a building site too! Also, the public art (metal tree things) has been put up on Friargate which should hopefully speed up the projects in that area. Friargate is looking a lot better recently.

^Gah.... stole the limelight! :D
Looks like things are picking up pace a bit. Hopefully, with the arrival of good weather, we should see construction starting on quite a few more various things.

Lowthian could look rather swish if they had that all the way up

I agree. I hope they continue that theme.

Traffic pretty much everywhere in the city is mad tonight. All the motorways are gridlocked, the A6 is in turmoil, the A59 isnt much better... all the smaller arteries are packed too. What a mess :(

Surely they will finish the rest of the [Lowthian House] tower, but then again look at how the Holiday Inn has been left! :hammer: I would like to see some nice glass panels on Lowthian House, but this would be better than nothing. And the traffic was awful yesterday, took me well over an hour to get from good ol' Matalan back to Penwortham.

Buy anything?

Of course! 31 quid to be precise - some new bed sheets, pillows and bathroom storage... I love Matalan! lol

Can you remember who served you at tills? Sorry. These questions must all seem stupid lol.

LOL it was a 'middle-aged' woman who looked a bit like Sissy Spacek in Carrie! Minus the pig's blood... She was very pleasant! Why do you ask?
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1495/carrie4rh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Just seeing if I know them lol. I work there :P

Avenham and Miller Parks were packed today, wish I'd had my cam to take some pics!

Nice to see old traditions still going strong :)

We've lost the snooker guys :( Big blow especially since it is not due to a problem with our facilities but a desire to take the grand prix to new locations. It'll be held in scotland instead :(

Shit :(

Can't say I'm surprised. The Guild Hall could be totally redeveloped and expanded. It must be at least 30 years old, Preston needs a proper theatre and entertainment venue - before it's too late! lol
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/4857/guildhall81743wv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99585382@N00/sets/72057594109587975/

Some great photo's on there from yesterday's events at the parks. Was really weird because the city centre was fairly quiet then you walked 5 mins from Fishergate and all these people appeared!

Yeh, the LEP suggested that the Guild Hall should be replaced and put that down as being the reason for the snooker going. Its true. The Guildhall has been good for us, but its very outdated. Over the past decade, its slowly being losing big events. A growing city like Preston should have a venue that GAINS them. They're gonna have to do something soon. With the popularity of the new SU and the coming Avenham Park Pavillion venue, its going to start losing more local events too.
That ariel shows just how badly the Guildhall impacts on all the streets it fronts on to.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99585382@N00/sets/72057594109587975/

Some great photo's on there from yesterday's events at the parks. Was really weird because the city centre was fairly quiet then you walked 5 mins from Fishergate and all these people appeared!
:D
Nice to see the park so busy!

Yeah I read that article about the fortunes of the Guild Hall. I don't think it is a particularly bad venue and I think it could be effectively modernised rather than replaced (though I'd naturally love a replacement). When I watch the snooker on TV it is a few little things that give it a bad image. The signage in the hall that can be seen on TV is really old fashioned. The flooring is that horid plastic stuff and the lighting and general maintainance is a little shabby. I reckon you could spend a couple of million on it (get it from Grosvenor?) and have a considerably more attractive venue.

I think too little emphasis is placed on the guildhall as an asset to the city, especially in the Tithebarn plans. The only thing in Tithebarn in relation to the hall is a new entrance of the bus station side, hardly a massive improvment. This place brings thousands of visitors and gets us some much needed publicity of the TV (for free!). The "Flock to the city" idea is great and if we get the snooker back they always troll out into town a bit and have a look round, I'm sure 300 fibreglass sheep would be of interest! I in part think they should sell it off, or at least get greater private involvement, councils tend to make a hash of running these things. I'm sure a commercial developer could revive its fortunes, perhaps using the retail element to prop up the hall?

Alternatively i've always thought this would be a superb location/venue type for a Gehry or Calatrava ;)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99585382@N00/sets/72057594109587975/

Nice selection of pics. The park is gorgeous!

Yeah I read that article about the fortunes of the Guild Hall. I don't think it is a particularly bad venue and I think it could be effectively modernised rather than replaced (though I'd naturally love a replacement). When I watch the snooker on TV it is a few little things that give it a bad image. The signage in the hall that can be seen on TV is really old fashioned. The flooring is that horid plastic stuff and the lighting and general maintainance is a little shabby. I reckon you could spend a couple of million on it (get it from Grosvenor?) and have a considerably more attractive venue.

I think too little emphasis is placed on the guildhall as an asset to the city, especially in the Tithebarn plans. The only thing in Tithebarn in relation to the hall is a new entrance of the bus station side, hardly a massive improvment. This place brings thousands of visitors and gets us some much needed publicity of the TV (for free!). The "Flock to the city" idea is great and if we get the snooker back they always troll out into town a bit and have a look round, I'm sure 300 fibreglass sheep would be of interest! I in part think they should sell it off, or at least get greater private involvement, councils tend to make a hash of running these things. I'm sure a commercial developer could revive its fortunes, perhaps using the retail element to prop up the hall?

Alternatively i've always thought this would be a superb location/venue type for a Gehry or Calatrava ;)
I agree with everything you have said there. Internally, I believe that the entire Guild Hall complex is pretty impressive, including the Charter Theatre and most of the Arcade (the glass roof is superb). Obviously, certain aspects of it will need updating (I agree with you about the signage) but I believe that the main problem with the Guild Hall is on the outside. The way it relates with Lancaster Road is especially terrible. That overhang and stairs should be completely demolished, and the entire facade and entrance should have a massive redevelopment.
When the new entrance is added on the bus station side, it will certainly help matters over there :)

Nice selection of pics. The park is gorgeous!
Thanks for the compliment :) IMO, Avenham Park is one of the finest city centre parks in the whole of the UK. You've got the Ribble flowing by with a beautiful riverside walk, 2 impressive railway bridges and the old wooden tram bridge, the gorgeous collonade buildings around Winckley Square looking over the park, the fountains, the gardens, the victorian architecture... simply perfect :)

2 very interesting articles in todays papers.
In the Citizen there is an article on how good the progress is for getting a Preston/South Dribble/Chortles unitary authority.
In the LEP's business page there is an article about the Yorkshire Bank helping to move forward Preston's regeneration :)

and on another point...

The Lancashire flag has been REMOVED from County Hall and replaced with a Union Flag :rant:
To my knowledge, that leaves only one Lancashire flag left flying in the whole county... in Colne....

Unless Colne can save the day, this county is well and truly dead.

Despicable! We have lost our identity in recent years, I think so anyway. I think Lancashire (and the whole North West) is being grouped as being part of the Manchester region (I've even seen Preston described as being in Manchester! Grrr). We need to get the Red Rose back!

Anyhoo, PCC website says plans to turn the old Tommy Ball's shop into a restaurant have been approved. I'm looking forward to seeing this one!

well Manchester is in Lancashire.

But Manchester isnt Lancashire ;)

*sigh* More bad news today with that UCLan thing. Its been a while now since we've had some really good news... its depressing. We need a big morale boosting announcement from the LEP...
Funding for Tithebarn Secured
Bus Station Plans Unveiled
New $300m Commercial Quarter Revealed

so... ummm... whenever your ready!

I've just been taking a look on the FG2 website to see if that construction timetable has been done yet. No luck, but the main Fishergate website has the render of the new centre. I hate to sound cynical, but what is the point?!

New $300m Commercial Quarter Revealed


Thats interesting. What is it accura?

To be honest, I'm losing the faith. I think I'll just move LOL

Insignia: the commercial quarter is in planning (like every other project grrr) and is supposedly going to be on the edge of Ringway. Possibly down North Rd which is currently a dump despite being one of the main routes into the Tithebarn area.

I knwo what you mean about it being frustrating that there is no progres on any of the new big projects, despite the council's rhetoric. If thiiings don't speed up Preston will miss the boat and suffer in the future. At least Beetham Tower Manchester topped out today - good news for the region! And yes, Manchester techniccaly isn't in lancashire but the majority of people, including me, still regard it as being so - it is simply a matter of the government changing the county borders arbitrarily in 1974. As far as I'm concerned, both Liverpooll and Manchester are still in Lancashire.

Yeah, its getting boring isn't it. Once my exams are done i'm going to start my Durham thread. Seems to be more going on here, and thats saying something!

I'm sure things will happen soon enough. Hopefully all this planning will have some great results. All of a sudden we'll find we have a wave of activity on our hands :D

What would you say to calling Mr Beetham and asking for a Beetham Riversway? ;)

I think a mini-Beetham would be great for the Docks, it would have a great impact especially when arriving on the train from Blackpool as Tustin Court/Harbour House looks HUGE from there.

Considering how big Preston is I really think they could do better with the Docks - not so much the residential which is done qite tastefully but it is the retail that does my head in :bash: every time I see it. The strangest thing is that all the offices are out of sight down Lockside Rd etc, which would really be better for retail considering the prime space that DFS/Morrisons occupies at Riversway. If they swopped round it would be fine!

06/2006/0396 Extensions to 2no retail units on the Fishergate Centre frontage,
including new shop fronts and alterations to existing elevations at first
floor level.
Type: Invalid application
Officer: Mr P Cocks
Ward: Town Centre
Parish:
Units 3.2a And 3.2b Fishergate Centre
Fishergate Preston
Applicant /Agent
Warner Estate Holdings Plc Nations House 103 Wigmore Street London W1V 1AE
DLG Architects Marshall Mill Marshall Street Leeds LS11 9YJ

Is this the beginning of FG2?

God I hope so...

Fantastic skyline picture taken by someone on the Preston Found group of flickr:
http://static.flickr.com/44/134275599_86f5bb5bc2_b.jpg

And another one
http://static.flickr.com/49/134270365_ca2c5c472a_b.jpg

The scaffolding from the City One development on Moor Lane has been taken down and I'm really happy with the result. Approaching the roundabout from Moor Lane, it looks a lot brighter. With the new student accommodation, a reclad of the BT tower and redevelopment of the scumholes in the surrounding area and on the opposite side of the road, it could be a great area.

i took these the other week. just thought i'd share them
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/2360/10004460ia.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/5751/10004495nm.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
(http://imageshack.us)
[IMG]http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/6564/10004520dh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Very nice! Where were they taken from?

top ones houghton, bottom ones near roach bridge. i've got some where you can see blackpool tower

Nice on northender, cracking shots. I always like how Preston looks from the surrounding areas.

A rather nice pic of part of the city centre and beyond. Looking from the top of the bus station out towards Lowthian House. Taken from http://www.flickr.com/groups/prestonfound/pool/
http://img273.imageshack.us/img273/6375/skyline0px.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This one is a good one from the same site

http://static.flickr.com/56/139768328_0c95b175d3_b.jpg

It shows just how big the bus station really is! How are they going to replace all those lost car parking spaces?

Two cracking pics! I'm actually starting to regret that the bus station is going, it is an amazing peice of architecture that should be so much more respected. I'd love to have seen someone like Urban Splash try to draw up alternative use proposals. Sadly I don't think anyone was ever given the chance :(.

I was also having second thoughts about the bus station... until Tuesday, when I actually used it... then I thought... no, get rid, now, please, where is my bus, I want out! :eek:

I too am concerned about how they will replace the parking spaces. The parking situation in Preston isnt great even with all these, so how we will manage without is beyond me. All the bus and rail park and rides are being used to capacity so theres no more room there, and as far as I'm aware, only one car park is planned for Tithebarn, and its not that big, smaller than the Market one. The solution IMO is to build 2 multi storeys just on the other side of the Ringway.

Even if the bus station was refurbished, it would either mean only using the ground floor or losing all those parking spaces so I think it's the better option to blow the f*cker up. Though at this time, it feels like it will never happen. An underground car park would be the best option IMO, if well staffed with security with a modern design and good lighting. Also, the market street car park could have floors added to it if it was glazed in to look modern and more like a building. These ideas plus the improved Fishergate Centre car park and the new one built as part of Tithebarn should help with this shortage of spaces. Yet we're supposed to be discouraging the use of cars. A tram system and improved bus services would help this. Although the reality of a tram system is unlikely at this time. Building too many multi-storeys is using up much needed land for development, especially on Ringway, and bad for the skyline. New car parks in Avenham (opposite the Queen Street developments) are a possibility, as part of wider development schemes.

An article in Thursday's Reporter says the public consultation about the Queen Street development will be held at the Holiday Inn on the 25th of May between 3pm and 8pm. Good to see Countryside Properties are standing by their word and are eager to start development. We should hopefully hear a decision on this within the next month!
EDIT: And according to their website, the buildings have been christened - the Linen Buildings! http://www.countryside-properties.com/homes/new-homes/main-details/lancashire/preston/queenstreet.aspx

Yeah the car parking situation is quite poor at busy times, tithebarn will need good provision, esp as the development is likely to attract yet more ppl to the city centre.

I really do want to see an architect come up with something for the bus station, mostly out of curiosity to see what could be done. I just love seeing old buildings getting overhauled, its like preserving history and creating cool features at the same time. If I had the choice, as i've said above somewhere, I'd open up the ground floor leaving just the supporting bits necessary to hold up the upper levels (ie: remove the shops cafes and toilets etc from the middle) so it would be easily permeable. Keep and refurb the 3 lift shafts etc and retain the middle floors as very handy car parking space (seems unusable for much else due to very low ceilings, perhaps residential with balconies?) and then create something cool on the uppermost deck, outdoor bars restaurants garden etc which would have a great view of the city. Could have little glass pavillions up there etc. May well be unviable commercially but then I think it would be a pretty cool attraction. Could have buildings built all around it where the bus apron is now. Make the links underneath it clear enough and it should feel intimidating or confusing, perhaps some sort of canal/water feature. Can improve access to the top by adding to the guild hall side of the bus station where the overpass is now. Voila, an amazing feature in the centre of new development, distinguish us from everywhere else and preserves what I think is important heritage. I'd email urban splash or someone if it wasn't so late in the day, interventions like this now would knock back the whole process. Will try and do an illustration at some point.

For fun what would anyone else do if, say it had been successfully listed?

They should chop it in half, add a 22-storey glass hotel at one end, demolish the Guild Complex, completely gut the interior and make it into something resembling a world class airport terminal, make the site of St Johns into a public square with the beautiful historic facades of Lancaster Road facing onto it and the new glazed market, with some new buildings around the side, replace Preston Office Centre with one tall, sleek tower, have a short tree lined boulevard leading from the square to a new styled entrance to the bus station... oh how I could go on.

There was an interesting letter in the LEP today about bringing back the old trams along their origional routes. That would cause chaos IMO. New Hall Lane? Garstang Road? Imagine the traffic! As if its not bad enough already. Best to stick to the current plan and run them down old railway tracks!

Garstang Road is quite wide in parts and is certainly one of the cities busiest routes. That one I think might make sense.

NOOOO! you can't chop the bus station in half, for me the best part is the long clean straight lines that it has. Chopping it up would ruin them! Don't think I'd keep it as a bus station either, well maybe part of it I guess (10 stands?) its big enough for some sort of terminal I suppose.

The trams could work down some of the original routes because good tram services = fewer cars, right? Plus, a lot of the old railway lines are below the road levels, so access to boarding stations could be an issue there.
As for this bus station business, I suppose it is something quite unique in Preston BUT it has cost us dearly over the years dissecting our city centre and leading to the decline of the Church Street end of town. In theory, it could have a huge redevelopment and brought into the 21st century, but this is no gracious Victorian building or Warehouse. It's a 60s block of concrete. Thus, unlike the old Post Office Building or the Miller Arcade, we can't leave the outside while converting the interior because it's hideous and changing it would rob it of it's identity. And unlike many older buildings, you can't restore the bus station because it's too plain and simple! There's nothing to restore! Plus, this sort of project (including the TRA) would probably equal the cost of Tithebarn and frankly, I'd rather see something new and modern.

Oh I know full well that the bus station is just a stupid romantic vision i've got stuck in and that the only realistic option is demolition but i'm feeling a bit sad and nostaligic :(

Indeed. I would be sad to see Matalan get knocked down, but its a terrible building! Piece of history. The first AND the LARGEST Matalan store in the UK! :D
Just got a lot busier today too. Matalan Blackpool has closed for 12 weeks while they get a mezzanine floor installed. So they have sent 15 of their part timers as cover for all the extra customers we're taking on. They ummmm... arnt really that clever. While we were slaving away doing availability, they were trying out the buzzers on the tills! Gah! Lazy sods!

I would probably do something with the Tradex site included as it is right next door, ie convert it for office use and possibly add more floors while retaining the bus station underneath with a completely modern interior. Don't you think it's interesting how that whole area just seems like one big building because they're all linked with walkkways/subways - bus staion, guild hall, guild hose, St Johns Centre etc... jst like one big transport/entertainment/commercial development really!

It will be a shame to lose the strangely attractive curves of the bus station when it goes, it really is one example of distinguishable architecture here.

BTW did you all know that New City House is now Loans.co.uk? One call centre to another, how long before this one moves to india?

Preston what are the chances?!!!

my dad is from preston! and the entire family apart from me. I was there last month when i went up to see preston v. Ipswich, and it turned out that it was snowed off.

so i went round town for a bit, nice it is...........i guess. i went to the football museem as well.

Good luck in the footie game tonight lads. :)

Thank You :)

Preston were robbed. My dad was so wissed off and so was i. i hate leeds and PNE played so well in the first half especially, despite poor ormerod breaking his leg after only 10 minutes.

Ah well, maybe next time. According to the Lancashire Evening Post, we're getting our new stand anyway bringing the capacity to 30,000! So that's something positive!

PNE played crap in the second half. Neither team deserved to win.
We didnt because we didnt play so well.
Leeds definitely didnt because their team is made up of fouling scumbags!
Come on Watford!

Wrong! :)

QUOTE=Accura_Preston

No, the current bus station is structurally sound (I think).

It might be a unique piece of architecture, but its still utterly crap.
It is unique. Why is it crap?

Reasons to demolish bus station (hard to know where to begin):
-Stinks of piss No it doesn't. And if it did; you don't fix that by demolishing the building. You buy some bleach.
-Out of date
In what way?
-Way too big
It is not excessively large. There is plenty of space which is better than not having enough.

-Hindering development in that area of town
True. Although there is no reason why the Tithebarn scheme couldn't adapt and update parts of the bus station if they wanted to.

-Lots of crime in the network of subways beneath it
Do you have any evidence of that? There are loads of cameras, security, and they are usually pretty busy. I've never seen anything dodgy (although I'm sure there probably have been incidents, as in many places)

-Gives a bad impression to visitors
How? By bring unique and memorable? Better than bland and forgettable surely.

-Generally looks crap!
I disagree

I think it is a pity Preston is going to lose one of its few unique, memorable, worthwhile buildings. Say what you want about they bus station, but it works!

The debate is pointless, because in all likelihood the bus station will go anyway, but I think it is a shame. If I was in charge of the scheme I would cut the bus waiting bays to just one side, add some more shops on the ground and possibly first floors and modernise the interior. Cutting the actual apron to just one side would make public access much easier - getting rid of the need for subways and allowing a new square to be built outside with new buildings on the other three sides (where the St' John's centre is now - a building that truely is crap; but unsurprisingly recieves no critisism because it is boring, bland and not noticed by people).

None of this is going to happen though.

Pity.

We'll have to wait and see as to whether they Grosvener project will be a worthy replacement. The council have made the mistake in the past of thinking new is always better. I just hope we don't get another Crystal House.

Noticed this post by NCN on the first page, he said exactly what I NOW think about the bus station and what should be done to develop it. Bet I slagged him off earlier too ;)

Noticed this post by NCN on the first page, he said exactly what I NOW think about the bus station and what should be done to develop it. Bet I slagged him off earlier too ;)

:)

Theres been some 'suited man' walking outside of my flat window for a bit this morning with a big plan in his hands... I duno if he's just doing some small job or maybe Brunel are thinking of getting a new neighbour... theres some space by the road opposite the Darwin Faculty of Science building that is just closed off wasteland... could fit a few new flats in there me thinks.. Also those 8 storey flats near to the Harris building (the Uclan Harris not the Harris museum).. I duno why but I got a feeling today that things are gonna start on that pretty soon.. just a vibe, lol.. If they are 8 storeys? (maybe I'm wrong) than its gonna be quite a dominating presence..

Thanks ferge, sounds promising! Yeah, I think the whole project on Marsh Lane is two storeys added to Brunel Court, a new 4 storey block of student flats, the 7 storey hotel and the seven storey building at the Marsh Lane/Corporation Street junction. The decision on this last one is still pending but I think it is likely to get the go-ahead soon. Should add some life to the area. I think the other side of the train tracks leading to Strand Road and the Docks holds a lot of potential if those industrial units were cleared. Although the Penwortham flyover is a bit of an obstacle...

And a bit of a surprise in the LEP telling us UCLan's digital media centre has already begun construction. Especially with its proximity to the above projects on Marsh Lane and the planned water taxi scheme in the area, this should really spur things on around there.

Yeah the media factory looks cool, will add some nice vibrancy to the area. Hope the canal link gets approved/proposed built some time soon too!

Great news.

Also in tonights LEP is a render of the back of the new Pavillion Stand. Its much more complex than the other 3. There is a lot more extras included. The tenant for the building in there is going to be an NHS drop in centre. Glad to see things moving ahead quickly with this one. Its odd to think that the Tom Finney Stand first begun construction in 1995 and now here we are in 2006 gearing up for the final piece of the development.
And also, the development for Sharoe Green has got the go ahead and the developers say they plan to begin very soon. Good day today :)

Even more good news, developers show spectacular plans for redevelopment of bus station!!!!! :omg: :omg:

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Prestonian1986/HPIM0257.jpg

Well, I had a little too much time on my hands. ;)

Very impressive! You should be an architect ;)

Did you like the person flying the kite and the big Preston sign? (got my inspiration from fort dunlop) ;)

And yes, I should be an architect but I sadly never thought my drawing skills were up to scratch, how wrong I was eh! :laugh:

Still think somebody proper should have a go at it tho!

Preston's Flag Market will be transformed into a water wonderland as part of a summer arts festival.

This spectacular square fountain, will provide the centrepiece of the Here + Now project, organised by the city's Harris Museum and Art Gallery.

The project will also include sound shows in cafes and billboard displays.

It will run from June 8-20, although the fountain will remain in situ until late July.

James Green, project manager for the Harris's public art initiative, In Certain Places, said: "This is unique to Preston and arguably unique to the country.

"It's a great thing because we're a new city and we're trying to create our own identity separate to other cities in the North West like Liverpool and Manchester. It certainly will attract a lot of attention."

He said the water fountain was a massive coup for the city, the first major UK showing of the work of internationally acclaimed artist, Jeppe Hein.

Mr Hein, who is from Denmark but based in Berlin, has shown work throughout Europe and the US, and has recently been commissioned to produce a piece for the Pompidou Centre, Paris.

The project also features the work of former UCLan student Patricia Walsh, from Lancaster. Her sound artwork will be piped through speakers in some of the city centre cafes.

It lasts seven minutes and is made up of an instrumental piece of music and extracts from conversations about spiritual themes.

Listeners will be able to read a short text with a paranormal element while they enjoy their coffee.

The Here + Now project also extends into Strand Road, Fylde Road and New Hall Lane, Preston, where billboards will feature photographs of various locations in Blackpool with black and mixed race actors to give a contemporary vision of our diverse culture within a typically English setting like the seaside.

The festival, which is costing £38,000, is funded by Lancashire County Council and the Arts Council England, North West, and is supported by Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire.

It forms part of the Art06 event organised by the Arts Council which aims to showcase talent in the region.

The Here + Now art project will be the first major UK showing of this water work by internationally-acclaimed artist, Jeppe Hein

Arts Council England, North West has today announced its third annual spotlight on the arts will take place in Preston on Thursday 8 June 2006.

As with art04 and art05, held in Manchester and Liverpool respectively, art06 in Preston will provide a focus on the arts in the North West and will showcase the strength and diversity of the arts in the region. Packed into one full day of exciting and stimulating events, including the art06 x.change and the art06 debate, the day will culminate with an awards party in the evening which will see the announcement of the winners of two £10,000 art06 awards.

The awards are a crucial element of the day, held each year to celebrate outstanding achievements in the arts in the North West. This year, the two categories cover Arts and Communities, and Children and Young People.

Michael Eakin, Executive Director of the Arts Council England, North West said:

“We are lucky to have artists and arts organisations in the region that produce such high quality and innovative work. These categories have been chosen to reflect the excellent work which is going on across the region, often at grass roots level, and to reflect Arts Council England's own core campaigns.
“art06 in Preston will provide the perfect platform for everybody to celebrate the arts in the region and to act as an inspiration to enjoy and experience the arts in every possible way.”

Aside from the many activities that will line the streets of Preston throughout the day including visual artists and street dancers, Arts Council England, North West will be staging three events which will form the core activity for art06.

Between 11am and 4pm in ‘The Market’, the art06 x.change will take place, offering the general public the opportunity to experience all elements of the arts in an exciting and visual manner including live performances by the much acclaimed Horse and Bamboo and other leading community led music projects. This unmissable event will present new ideas and initiatives within the arts and promote a variety of projects from all over the region. With both visual and performing arts being displayed, it is guaranteed to provide fun activities for both children and adults alike.

The Debate is set to take place in the afternoon at The Harris Museum and will also be a key feature of art06 as it will provide a platform for topical discussion surrounding the arts, before heading to Preston University’s 53 Degrees where art06 will reach its climax. Fronted with a glitzy awards party, this is where the winners of the £10,000 art06 awards will be revealed.

As with art05, Arts Council England, North West will once again be working in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the BBC and in association with Preston City Council to deliver art06.

Peter Mearns, NWDA Director of Marketing, said:

“England’s Northwest is home to some of the best creative talent anywhere in the UK and this inspiring event presents us with a great opportunity to celebrate the outstanding artistic strength of the Northwest. The NWDA is once again delighted to be a major partner in art06, which is a unique way to showcase the work of some of the region’s most talented artists and highlights why the Northwest is one of the UK’s leading regions for the cultural and creative industries.”

They should make a permanent fountain. It would be perfect for the Flag Market.

Yeah, the flag market is very under-furnished at present. I imagine its because they want to preserve it as a usable open space (for markets fairs etc). I'd like to see something attempted though, perhaps infront of the harris.

I think a fountain and a bit of a garden in front of the Harris (with seating) would be a good idea. I know it's called the Flag Market but when it's flags and nothing else, it's pretty dull! There's still plenty of room there and down the sides of the Old Post Office and down Lancaster Road (when it's partly pedestrianised under Tithebarn) for fairs etc. Even Friargate could be used.

They should have the fairs and stuff in Winckley Square. There is much more space. It looks too cramped (and tacky) on the Flag Market.

Good point. Then it could also be used to further events held on Avenham Park and it's still accessible from the city centre via Winckley Street, Chapel Street, Cannon Street, Guildhall Street etc. But with much of Winckley Square now being used as residential, there may be some objections.
I really like the idea of a permanent fountain on the flag market. It could really revitalise it and hopefully lead to the scummy shops opposite (Home Bargain and the like) being redeveloped. The Mall could be extended to include that area with a new entrance. Oh well, you got to keep dreaming!

Went in The Mall St Georges today (ffs, get rid of that title...)
They arnt wasting anytime with their refurbishment. 3 massive holes in the floor of the bullring, piled too, so they are putting something pretty sunstantial there.

The Fishergate Centre is rather depressing these days with quite a few empty units so unless it pulls its finger out and makes a move on FG2, I'd rather shop at The Mall! Apart from Primark of course ;)

That initial entry from Fishergate into the FG centre does feel very empty at the moment. The length of the Primark store all boarded up at the moment doesnt help. And the recently emptied Allsports store doesnt help either. When Primark opens, it will certainly help liven up that part of the centre.

In todays Business Post, it says that the Moor Lane Windmill has been put on the market for development. I suspect this will be snapped up pretty quickley. I would love it if they turned it into some kind of entertainment venue.

I went around town today. City One is looking fab, and 75% of the land is yet to be developed! :D Checked out the Oakleigh site... still no activity. The UCLAN Media Centre is well U/C as the LEP said, but it is very difficult to get a good vantage point for any camera shots :( Went past Sharoe Green also. The 60's buildings are being demolished in a spectacular fashion, and hoardings are up. There is also a crane gone up in the centre somewhere off Church Street. I'm guessing its for the 8-storey apartment development on Grimshaw Street, I could be wrong. It may be one of the other apartment developments around there. Also, it looks like the disgusting east facade of Telephone House is being reclad (thank god). West Strand is a hive of activity. Three buildings going up at a good pace :)

What is City One? I've never heard of it.

^Moor Lane apartments

Well, things are slowly picking up. I also noticed work has begun on one of the new businesses on Friargate, next to the Chinese Buffet. Also, it's the public consultation for the Queen Street apartments on Thursday so we should hopefully see something in the papers this week shedding some light on where the project is heading.
And my brother who works in the Fishergate Centre told me there is a dispute over the renting of some of the new units in FG2 and this is what is causing the delay. Let's hope it's sorted soon!

Do you know what time the consultation is? And where its at?

An article in Thursday's Reporter says the public consultation about the Queen Street development will be held at the Holiday Inn on the 25th of May between 3pm and 8pm. Good to see Countryside Properties are standing by their word and are eager to start development. We should hopefully hear a decision on this within the next month!
EDIT: And according to their website, the buildings have been christened - the Linen Buildings! http://www.countryside-properties.com/homes/new-homes/main-details/lancashire/preston/queenstreet.aspx

Hope this helps!

Routing around again lol and managed to find this! The first glimpse of the new business district! It's only a rough draft and as you can see, it kinda involves obliterating Friargate?! So can't see this getting far unless the affected businesses are given new properties on the other side of Ringway? But gives us an idea of things to come. That said, Friargate is in a mess as its apparently sinking and was closed off last week! :runaway:
http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/4824/businessdistrict9ng.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Anyway, the article can be found here: http://www.preston.gov.uk/Documents/General/Regeneration/Exec%20Summary%2019.10.05%20final.pdf

Blimey! thats a bit of a radical overhaul! I'm guessing that must be a very long term plan. The idea of offices on the corner where office world is obvious but obliterating friargate!???? can't see that happening. Nice find though :)

edit: actually I note it does say indicitative location only...

I think it's more likely it could be built around Friargate, on the land opposite Lowthian House, right up towards the uni running behind Friargate, on the Office World/Car Park and hopefully on the vile Aldi/Blockbuster area. This would obviously help the ongoing regeneration of Friargate, if it doesn't sink that is lol. North Road is in need of development but the Courts cut it off from the city centre so I don't think that's going to happen. I'd also like to see the Greyfriars/Job Centre building replaced with a signature office block.

Edit: Also, tonight's LEP says Lowthian's House £1 million refurbishment is complete and they are expecting high demand for the office space. No mention of a reclad - yet!

Wierd... a bit dissappointing. No real signature buildings, but I'm guessing this is just a concept sketch. It looks like there is some kind of canal basin in the top left. Maybe they plan to extend the canal right back down Corporation Street like it was back in the day?

Nice find anyway :)

I'm sure it's just a suggested 'masterplan'. Like Tithebarn, crappy sketches and wooden blocks but (hopefully!) the real thing will look a lot better. But at least we know something's going on in the background while fuck all else is happening. I quite like the location, just a shame about Friargate standing in the way.

They wont get rid of Friargate :) Since the university got bigger, that street has become a hell of a lot livelier. I dont see why it cant be closed to traffic though. Only buses use it at the moment? With some improvements to Lawson Street, there is no reason why they cant go down there.

Now they won't but unless it is pedestrianised, I'd have no hang-ups about getting rid of it altogether. Cutting it in two has ruined it. I was crossing from one side to the other last week and realised how dangerous and hard work it can be. I'd like to see an underpass at Friargate/Ringway so that Friargate could be 'reconnected' and some new buildings put up to sew it back together. Then it could be pedestrianised and would be more popular.

I noticed a while ago in the planning applications that Kendal Building at the University is due to be demolished and a temporary car park put there. Perhaps another univeristy development is to go there in the near future? The site is ideal for a tall structure (10 storeys or so).

LEP today reports that James Hall (the big Spar place) in deepdale is to relocate to Bluebell Way in fulwood (where is that btw? near asda?). This frees up a rather large and attractive site next to West View leisure centre and off Blackpool road. Hopefully this will allow West view to expand and to new retail and residential proposals for the site. Personally I think any more retail in that area would be asking for trouble, i'd rather see a new residential community to regenerate the area.

I think Bluebell Way is near Red Scar, off the roundabout there where the new Booths Depot is. This James Hall thing sounds pretty cool. I'd also rather see residential developments on the freed up land, Deepdale Retail Park is already planned to get expanded anyway! And I'm not keen on these out of town retail developments.

I hope that the new Spar HQ will be like the cool Booths one which recently opened around there. Great news anyway.

preston_guy, where abouts is the Kendal Building?

Accura, here's a map of the campus showing Kendal Building.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5517/3dcampusmap9xg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go to the consultation about the Queen Street apartments yesterday but hopefully, there should be something in the papers soon.

Edit: I saw City One today and I must say, the blue down the sides is too blue and looks a bit cheap and tacky if I'm being honest!

Cheers prestonguy. You're right, great place for a tallish building. Fingers crossed eh.

I didnt make the consultation either sadly :( I ended up working a 10-10 instead. Wonder how it went?

Well, it seems the Caribbean Carnival went down well yesterday. Here's a few pics on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/99585382@N00/sets/72157594147740995/

Superb pics :) Nice to see they had the weather for it too.

http://static.flickr.com/49/153722635_59efaa53db.jpg?v=0
Anybody know what this is for on the end of the bus station? I've never noticed it before :?

Its from the Tithebarn Regeneration Set I've just been looking through on Flickr.
Truly great selection. Well worth a look.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/istirland/sets/72057594112059780/

Anybody know what this is for on the end of the bus station? I've never noticed it before :?


It's a taxi rank, but I don't think it is used anymore.

over the past couple of days the white derelict building on the road opposite staples has been surrounded in scaffolding and they're taking out the windows, so something happening there..

Also, as I mentioned a week or two ago with Brunel Court (having a man with a clipboard looking around) woke up this morning to see the garden court has now got a perimeter fence going around it.. me thinks they're just re-landscaping it.. but could be wrong.

Cheers for the answer NCN :) Looks very dodgy.

Re: White building opposite Staples:
Cheers ferge. Prep works for the Fox Street apartment development maybe?

Piece in tonights LEP about public consultation on Riverworks. If they hold a meeting, I plan to be there.

over the past couple of days the white derelict building on the road opposite staples has been surrounded in scaffolding and they're taking out the windows, so something happening there

Do you mean that little odd-looking type building at the Heatley Street/Corporation Street junction? I think it used to be a club. Would make a great little coffee shop, if the Staples area gets redeveloped anyway.

Yet another planning application for Marsh Lane! Unfortunately, it's more student accommodation so nothing major but better than nothing! That old pub is an eyesore.
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3643/planningapplication7ij.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Is that the pub with the archway which says 'Good Stabling' on it?

Oh yes, I went for a drive around town today. New Hall Lane is coming on really well. There is now framework up for the buildings. And the adjacent pub which they are doing something with has been surrounded with scaffold.

That's the one!

Cheers mate :)

Oh yes, I went for a drive around town today. New Hall Lane is coming on really well. There is now framework up for the buildings. And the adjacent pub which they are doing something with has been surrounded with scaffold.

Good news, I haven't been that way for a while. How big is the main building?
Edit: Not that size matters! :|

Its hard to tell at the moment. Its either the supermarket or the bingo hall which is taking shape. It has a pretty big footprint, but the New Hall Lane street frontage isnt very large (good thing IMO).

In todays LEP, it mentioned 2 things:

The Corporation Street halls that preston_guy mentioned yesterday (nice to see we're ahead of the LEP as per usual ;) )

and...

That boarded up pub at the junction of North Road, Moor Lane, Garstang Road is to be demolished to make way for student accomodation. I think we all knew thats what it would be. 5-storeys according to the LEP. Nothing too major, but that site REALLY needs developing. Having such an eyesore on what is arguably the city centre's main gateway is a disgrace. Hopefully, the Canterbury Hall development will begin soon also, as well as the 10 storey student flats on the other side of Moor Lane on the site of that run down industrial unit.

I found the article in the L.E.P. a bit confusing. But unfortunately, the pub on Moor Lane is actually possibly going to be a vet's surgery, which means it's likely to be staying as it is. I'd rather see student accommodation than a bloomin' vets! Unless it was demolished and a modern building put in its place. Which, as it says below, is not going to happen. They're just doing the inside up. Hopefully, the Council will realise the potential for the area and refuse the plans...

Meanwhile, a Guernsey-based company has submitted plans for big changes at another derelict Preston pub.

The Mitre Tavern, on Moor Lane, has been boarded-up for several months and now the council is considering allowing it to be changed into a vet's practise.

Vets4pets, which has 28 surgeries across the UK, wants to open its latest venture in Preston.

Peter Haggitt, commercial manager at Vets4pets, said: "We will be spending a good amount of money putting a hospital-standard veterinary surgery inside.

"Traditionally, vets have been in old houses up a side street, but we're about modernising veterinary surgery and we think there's an opportunity for a modern practise in Preston that offers good value and modern facilities."

As I said, Brunel court's private courtyard been fenced off and this week the diggers came in, they've dug deep enough for foundations so looks like something substantial could be going up? Not got a clue what (nice to see they tell us!) I have some pics but forgot my camera n left it at uni (DOH!) I'll get em on as soon as I get it back..

I found the article in the L.E.P. a bit confusing. But unfortunately, the pub on Moor Lane is actually possibly going to be a vet's surgery, which means it's likely to be staying as it is. I'd rather see student accommodation than a bloomin' vets! Unless it was demolished and a modern building put in its place. Which, as it says below, is not going to happen. They're just doing the inside up. Hopefully, the Council will realise the potential for the area and refuse the plans...

Meanwhile, a Guernsey-based company has submitted plans for big changes at another derelict Preston pub.

The Mitre Tavern, on Moor Lane, has been boarded-up for several months and now the council is considering allowing it to be changed into a vet's practise.

Vets4pets, which has 28 surgeries across the UK, wants to open its latest venture in Preston.

Peter Haggitt, commercial manager at Vets4pets, said: "We will be spending a good amount of money putting a hospital-standard veterinary surgery inside.

"Traditionally, vets have been in old houses up a side street, but we're about modernising veterinary surgery and we think there's an opportunity for a modern practise in Preston that offers good value and modern facilities."
Ahh... I see I fell victim to a confusing article.
What an utterly crap place for a vets! They should have it further up Garstang Road. Having it there would be a nightmare. I cant really see suburbanites wanting to travel into town to send their pets to a vets :no:

As I said, Brunel court's private courtyard been fenced off and this week the diggers came in, they've dug deep enough for foundations so looks like something substantial could be going up? Not got a clue what (nice to see they tell us!) I have some pics but forgot my camera n left it at uni (DOH!) I'll get em on as soon as I get it back..

Thanks Ferge, I look forward to seeing the pics!

And I agree Accura about that vet business, there's parking for maybe 5 cars (i.e. the vets themselves) and it's right on the edge of the Uni campus where parking is bad as it is. So hopefully an alternative location will be found. There is a vacant building on Aqeduct Street next to The Mill, and it's about the same size... I think that used to be a pub as well, actually!

New story in the LEP this week about the so called 'commercial quarter' planned for around fishergate and a residential quarter at the prison end of ringway. Was accompanied by the render Preston guy posted last week of the area around fishergate.

http://www.prestontoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=73&ArticleID=1544818

£300m vision for Preston
Parts of Preston city centre have been earmarked for business and housing developments in ambitious £300m plans.
Preston Council bosses have plans for a commercial centre off Ring Way, between Corporation Street and Market Street West, to provide high quality office space for new and existing businesses.

And, as part of the same ambitious regeneration plan, they want to create a residential quarter less than a mile along Ring Way, opposite the prison.

The information has emerged from the Preston Economic Regeneration Strategy, which is "unashamedly ambitious" with the aim to "propel Preston towards its true European status".

And the plans, which would take 10 to 15 years to come to fruition, would change the face of a city already in line for a revolution as part of the £450m Tithebarn regeneration scheme.

However, the two earmarked areas, which flank the Tithebarn area, are not finalised locations and the council has said the artist's impressions only represent hypothetical examples.

But plans for the commercial district have already taken a step forward with the council and Preston Vision joining forces with the Northwest Regional Development Agency, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and consultants GVA Grimley.

The organisations want to work with the private sector and have recently met 38 private sector developers and agents.

Malcolm McVicar, chairman of Preston Vision Board and vice- chancellor of UCLan, told the developers: "I run a £120m business in Preston, which spends tens of thousands of pounds a year on developing property in the city centre and contributes £300m a year indirectly to the city's economy.

"This investment has seen the university grow into one of the largest in the country. Preston is a real success story which is only beginning to be recognised and the commercial quarter offers a major opportunity for developers to shape and capitalise on that success."

Read more about this story in Monday's Lancashire Evening Post.

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/4325/commquarter9hn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/6092/resiquarter2ky.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thanks Prestonian. Ahead of the papers again ;) lol. Anyway, I'm glad to see Grosvenor have expressed some kind of interest. If they took this on as well, we'd be looking at something huge. However, I quite like Amec's work as well. And despite being indicative, that residential quarter looks more like student accommodation! But hopefully the Queen Street apartments and glass tower (are we EVER going to get a decision on this?!) will form part of a wider, even more ambitious area.
Anyway, let's hope the Council have learned (sorry, are learning) from the Tithebarn fiasco and that we'll see this in 10 years (or less! lol) instead of 20.

Good news... kinda. Have they just totally disregarded Brookhouse's plans? I think a few emails might be in order... Ta for all the info anyways.

I think these drawings are truly just an indication of things to come. The Queen Street apartments have over 600 flats so that must amount to about the same as the plans above. Plus, they look a lot better. The glass tower has been pending a decision for more than a year, which is encouraging in some ways but just plain annoying at the same time. This with the Linen Buildings and continued regeneration of Church Street, Grimshaw Street and the opposite side of Queen Street should help start building up a residential quarter.

The owners of a theme park in Lancashire want to close it down and build houses on the site.

The owners of Camelot at Charnock Richard in Chorley say it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the competition.

Prime Resorts wants to create a new village with 1,000 homes, school, pub and health and fitness facilities.

Chief Executive Roy Page said the park "would not exist much past the next seven to 10 years".

He said Camelot, which was built more than 20 years ago, "was finding it increasingly difficult to meet the aspirations of younger people".

Mr Page said the new proposals would offer more all-year-round jobs, rather than Camelot's seasonal posts.

Camelot was great! But last time I went, it wasn't as good as it used to be. I can't believe they got rid of The Beast! lol

Camelot does seem to fail in comparison to other theme parks these days. The unique aspects of it are really good though. I loved the Jousting Tournament part :D If they are going to close the park down, they should definitely keep the jousting and the little mock village next to it. And 1000 homes... woah... that would certainly be a significant increase in the population.

Shitty masterplanning me thinks, looks like a retail outlet cross student accomodation zone.. very uninspiring and bland, when will they learn?

I think these drawings are truly just an indication of things to come. The Queen Street apartments have over 600 flats so that must amount to about the same as the plans above. Plus, they look a lot better. The glass tower has been pending a decision for more than a year, which is encouraging in some ways but just plain annoying at the same time. This with the Linen Buildings and continued regeneration of Church Street, Grimshaw Street and the opposite side of Queen Street should help start building up a residential quarter.
And lets not forget that Church Street is next year due to be submitted as a location for (BID) Business Improvement District. That should also bring in a hell of a lot of money.

Shitty masterplanning me thinks, looks like a retail outlet cross student accomodation zone.. very uninspiring and bland, when will they learn?

Thankfully it's only a rough outline of the scale of the thing. And if Grosvenor/BDP are on board, we should be able to expect some nice buildings...

Well they're both big in terms of the land they take up, some towers the same size as what Preston already have (although hopefully bigger) would fit in well.. The office zoned one is meant to have the 8 storey 'gateway' in the corner of it, So if everything was to that height it would be impressive, but it needs something of at least 10 floors I'd say just to give it that bit of umpf.. being that the BT building is nearby, its not like any tall buildings would be completely isolated..

Anything 8-15 storeys would have a large impact on the skyline within that commercial quarter, especially from Penwortham. I dont know if anybody else has noticed, but Marshall House, although only 8-storeys, has a large impact when coming in on the Pen Flyover, simply because there is nothing else tall in the void between BT and Lowthian House. It would definitely be nice to see some tall midrises in that development to fill the gap between the CBD talls and the midrises around the Uni. Its reasonable to assume that we will be seeing some taller buildings going up around the uni over the coming years. There is already a 10-storey building proposed for Moor Lane.

I agree about the vets location, you need lots of parking spaces for that type of business and there sure aint lots around that junction.

I was in town after work and saw the new fountain that is on display as part of Art06. It seems to be very popular! The Flag Market seemed far more alive with the fountain, without it it looks drab and boring. I hope they will seek a permanent one. However, when I was buying an ice cream (lol) the lady there was telling me that there is no security at the fountain... I hope we don't see a repeat of the ice rink incident at christmas!

Bin back upto Uni today, brought me camera back this time.. so after tea will post my pics of the construction going on at Brunel Court.. wanted to get a pic or two of the white building (now that its roof has been stripped off) but I had about 5 bags of clothes and a suitcase in a rush to get the train so, I didn't :D

Be back after tea with pics :D

Cheers fergie :)

preston_guy: I havnt seen the fountain myself yet, but looking at prestonlancs pics and the pics in yesterdays LEP, it looks really good, even for a temporary fountain. This is evidence that there should be a permanent water feature in the Flag Market.

Heres how the courtyard used to look like before development (trust em to start when the sun comes out!!!!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0006.jpg

then they've started developing it, not told us what its going to be :S

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0160.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0168.jpg

Ahh... that looks pretty promising :)

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8199/planapp1qn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
More good news for the Marsh Lane area :happy:

lol. You preston people are like the economists of this forum...

^eh?

lol. You preston people are like the economists of this forum...
I'm an economist!

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3111/img0222uk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Looks a lot better than I expected. As the site is derelict, construction should start soon.

Uhm... I'm just a little unsure, it looks too imposing for the road, I'm presuming this is the building with the little round windows a few floors up? Just a bit of a rut I suppose, the road all matches, but some of the buildings are crappy.. at the same time, I don't know if I'd want them all replacing with buildings on this scale.. because then, will just look.. I duno, it would be out of character with the opposing buildings and its a weird spot being a up and down road between the uni and city centre, I just duno..it looks a lil clumsy and out of proportion..

It is a little imposing I suppose. At the moment. But hopefully the Office World and VILE Blockbuster sites will be redeveloped and the ugly car park at the end of Corporation St. will be built on and with all the new buildings down Marsh Lane standing at 4-7 storeys, this should fit in.

Are they retail units on the lower floor as that would be a big improvement to the street which would have plenty of passing student trade. I think they look good, many of the older buildings along there are quite large so I think it can take it.

Are they retail units on the lower floor as that would be a big improvement to the street which would have plenty of passing student trade. I think they look good, many of the older buildings along there are quite large so I think it can take it.
Yes, there are 5 retail units on the ground floor. I would hope they would include a coffee shop, cafe etc. With all this student accommodation going up in the area, there needs to be places for the students and passing public as well as University staff to eat. Corporation Street currently hasn't got a single place to eat or drink!

Its just the way they've framed the double storey glazed areas makes them look like 1 big window, so it looks more like a 3 floor building thats been blown up in size.. thats what makes the building look bulky and too big.. they need to break up the floor levels in the glazed area..

eh nice!

I'm presuming this is the building with the little round windows a few floors up?

I think I know the building you mean but this isn't it. This covers the building directly in front of you when coming out of Marsh Lane, and both buildings to the left of it. The building *I think* you mean is to the right of the red.

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/1658/lancashireuniversity81628fv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Right, I'm off to bed lol

HeeHee my halls are on that pic :D

Right am with ya now... I was thinking of nextdoor, don't want them get rid of that one cos thats a modest n decent building, still cant visualise which these buildings are, dunno why cos i can remember the lil gym right of what I was on about, and Granthams to the edge of the left..Is one of those in the area the call centre place? Nevermind am up Preston on monday/tuesday to move out my halls so It'll come to me, lol..

Corporation Street currently hasn't got a single place to eat or drink!
Very true, in fact, the whole street level retail scene on Corporation Street is well... ummm... pretty much non existant! Apart from that computer shop, and a gym, theres nowt! This being despite the fact it is one of 2 roads where students are going up and down all the time between town and the uni. This has potential to compete with Friargate.

Well in that case just open a Best One store..or three

Preston Bus Station has been nominated as one of the worst designed buildings in the country.
The government's architecture watchdog - the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) - has launched the search.

Other contenders include London's Centrepoint, where people have to walk into a bus lane and the Liverpool flyover.

Preston's bus station was built in 1968 and is the largest bus station in Western Europe.

However, it has been criticised because in order to get to the building, people have to dodge buses and climb an enormous curb.

Although there is an underpass, many people choose not to use it.

In October 2005, Preston City Council and developer Grosvenor Holdings signed an agreement to go ahead with the Tithebarn redevelopment project.

It called for the demolition of the current bus station but strong local opposition to the demolition in 2000 led to an application for listed building status.

Preston Borough Council strongly opposed the application and listing was subsequently rejected.

They did a feature on it this morning. Hopefully this will increase the incentive to demolish it ASAP.

They did a feature on it this morning. Hopefully this will increase the incentive to demolish it ASAP.

:(

Gah... shurrup! Stop getting all emotional :P You'll be glad when its gone.

I'll be there to watch the f*cker explode, laughing like a lunatic... lol

I just got an email from PCC after I asked them about the glass tower. They say they're still waiting for information from the applicant before they can proceed with the application... after a year? But anyhoo, doesn't look like we're gonna get a decision soon.

Ambitious plans which could lead to people sailing' into Preston city centre are to be unveiled at a public exhibition.

Preston City Canal Link Trust has clinched Lottery funding over the last two years totalling £10,000, in order to put on the exhibition at Preston Minster, Church Street.

People will be able to take a virtual reality boat ride at the exhibition from the outskirts of the city to a proposed marina near the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Trust members hope their plan will lead to the Lancaster Canal being extended from its current basin terminus, near Shelley Road, Preston.

The proposal includes building an aqueduct over Aqueduct Street and then follow the old route under Fylde Road to Miley Green and on to the proposed Maudland Bank marina, bound by Maudland Road, Maudland Bank and Cold Bath Street.

A small branch of the aqueduct will then stretch onto UCLan's main Fylde Road building.

Members of the public will get the chance to take a virtual reality boat ride from the outskirts of Preston across the proposed aqueduct and into the proposed marina.

The plans have been drawn up following talks with Lancaster Canal Trust, UCLan, British Waterways, the Inland Waterways Association, Network Rail and both the city and county councils.

Trust chairman, Colin Barnes, a retired architect, said: "There is a lot of excitement over the possibility of being able to sail into the city centre and a whole new environment will be created which will be a great benefit for Preston."

The plan also includes a rail link from the proposed marina to a former railway station at Deepdale and is part of the £800million re-development of the city's waterways.

The free exhibition runs from Monday, June 26 to Saturday, July 1, 10am-4pm.

http://www.prestoncitizen.co.uk/news/headlines/display.var.803269.0.set_sail_for_preston_city_centre.php

A rail link to the former Deepdale station? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ;)

Yeah, sounds like a good plan. And its encouraging that Riverworks is being explored despite the objections. I thought I should add that anyone thinking of going to the new Primark should leave it a few days because I was there today and was in the queue for over 30 mins! I think most of Preston was in there lol. Nice big, modern store though!

And here are Mr Barnes with his models, hopefully only indicative, would prefer a more modern look ;)

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/PRES/TH0_266200657colin%20barnes.JPG

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/PRES/TH0_266200626aquaduct%20plans.JPG

must admit I have some trouble placing this marina, where abouts is it. If somebody could do a google earth thing of it or something i'd be grateful!

A bold vision for future of canal
These bold images show how Preston could look in 2012 with canal boats floating over the heads of pedestrians into the heart of the city.
Residents can now experience the journey for themselves via a virtual reality trip created by the Preston City Canal Link Trust to show what it would be like if the waterway's old route through Preston was recreated.

The Trust is campaigning for the reconstruction of the historic Lancaster Canal, which now ends at Ashton Basin, and for the building of a new marina at Maudland Bank, near the University of Central Lancashire.

It is staging a free exhibition to show the history of the canal and give people an exciting glimpse of how its future could be.

The Trust's chairman, retired architect Colin Barnes, said: "The journey starts at Ashton Basin on Shelley Road, and follows the old route right into the city as far as Maudland Bank.

"As the original aqueduct was demolished in 1964, this would require the building of a new one. I have designed a new aqueduct which would be over Aqueduct Street."

From there, the waterway would follow its old route under Fylde Road to Miley Green and on to currently derelict land between Maudland Road, Maudland Bank and Cold Bath Street, where the planned marina would be built.

The plan, part of an £800m re-development of the city's waterways, also includes a rail link from the marina to a disused railway station at Deepdale.

Figured it out now, google earth shows the route of the canal (blue) very clearly as well as the old railway line which would be superb for a tram. Doesn't look like there is much land for development around it though which is a shame as it would be prime stuff next to water. I suppose there is the GUS site depending on what happens there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Prestonian/marina2.jpg

Great looking plan. Love that little obo tower!

I think the model shows a pretty poor space to be honest. The architecture should be much more dynamic and frankly much better. Make or a similar practice would have created a much more dynamic place. Infact I'd give Alsop a shot :P

Dunno if anyone has noticed, but a new 'kangeroo' crane has appeared at Moor Lane. It looks like they are about to start the second phase. There are actually quite a few kangaroo cranes appearing around the city at the moment over the past few weeks.
There is one somewhere around Grimshaw Street (and its not the Manc Rd apartments because they already have one of those mini tower cranes)
There is one at the prison.
One at the West Strand development.
One at the UCLAN Media Centre.
And there is another one further over towards St Walburges, I havnt got a clue what its for though.
I'm guessing there is probably one at New Hall Lane as well.

There have been a few small cranes popping up recently and at least we've got the weather for work to move ahead. There's quite a big apartment scheme on Grimshaw Street (opposite the now demolished Byron hotel) and it sits directly behind the Manchester Rd apartments so perhaps that's the crane you're referring to Accura. Also I saw today that City One is open for viewing and there were quite a few people there. Overall I'm happy with it although, the blue is a lot bluer than I thought! And I also noticed that demolition of that old pub has already started on Marsh Lane. And I used the bus station (and lived to tell the tale) and was rather surprised that the toilets have been refurbished... Doesn't exactly sell it to me that it's being demolished anytime soon...
EDIT: I had a quick look at the planning decisions and that application to extend some of the Fishergate Centre's retail units and new shop fronts was approved this week. So with a bit of luck, this could mean FG2 will FINALLY get started soon.

And I used the bus station (and lived to tell the tale) and was rather surprised that the toilets have been refurbished... Doesn't exactly sell it to me that it's being demolished anytime soon...
IIRC, the council were forced to do that (and a few other things) because the bus station failed a health and safety report. The same thing happened with the indoor markets.

^
Why am I not suprised... lol, Hate the market area, one of the rankest, dirtiest places I've been to... Why people snub themselves at a revamped area I fail to tell, What they worried about, having a place to put all their wooden tables?

There was a letter the other day in the LEP saying how the indoor markets should be saved because of the independant and diverse retail they offer. I'm all for independant retailers (with one exception ;) ) but not in those sorts of conditions. Its like something in a third world city. Much worse than the bus station.

I wouldn't mind though if it they just spruced the place up.. I mean it wouldn't take that much should the locals want to save it to do it up without it losing its 'character' (or grime, i think is another term).. Its just all the pissed stained steps and ramps on that side, really dark and ...shit...

second thoughts, sod it...tear it down, build a starbucks...

Yeah, the indoor market is a disgrace, these sort of places should be saved IMO as the can actually be quite trendy places (for food at least) esp given a slight resurgence in interest in cooking. Hopefully the glazed in market will accommodate them all plus if the library doesn't go ahead they could use the fish market too.

The £800m Riverworks project has been dealt a major blow, it has emerged.
A bid for Lottery funding to help further the River Ribble barrage project has failed.

Preston Council had applied for cash from the Big Lottery Living Landmarks Fund to pay for a feasibility study into building a weir across the Ribble.

News of the stumbling block was welcomed by members of the Save The Ribble campaign who have been campaigning against the barrage, saying it would destroy wildlife in the area.

Jane Brunning, campaign spokesman, said: "If they'd been successful then they would have stood the chance of winning an enormous amount of money.

"They would have had to move very quickly to meet all the lottery criteria and we felt people should be consulted first.

"They'd put in their bids without really consulting local people or getting local people involved.

"Hopefully now Preston Council will sit down and talk to local people, other councils along the Ribble corridor, and environmental organisations, and work out a strategy for the future of this internationally important ecosystem."

The barrage is one element of the Riverworks project which the council hopes will turn Preston into the third city of the North West.

It would also bring homes, new leisure uses on the river and, at the dock, offices, shops and a central park.

Well, they didn't get their way with Tithebarn, or they sort of did as nothing is happening on that front.But they may get their wish with Riverworks.

lol... as it always the case in Lancashiresville

lol... as it always the case in Lancashiresville

Exactly! "Getting local people involved"... Jesus, I dread to think what THEIR Riverworks vision would be! Building park benches and yet more sh*tebag "nature walks" along the muddy banks of the Ribble! Wow wee haven't we done well!? I just think it's selfish. There's more than enough of the Ribble to go around and I hardly think Riverworks is the equivalent of what's happening to Rainforests everyday. Half of these protestors will be in their graves by the time Riverworks comes, sorry came, to be so they should at least allow future generations to make the most of their surroundings instead of leaving them the legacy of a David f*cking Attenborough special!

Bugger. I imagine this is only a minor stumble though, i'm sure we'll find a way round it!

We knew that the bid had failed 2 months ago. We always knew that this was going to be an unstable method of gaining finances due to it being in competition with other projects around the country. The Riverworks campaigners havnt got a clue. Most of them dont give a shit about losing their local dogwalking territory, they are just protesting because they can. The usual biddies from Broughton and Callon who have probably never even been walking along the Ribble. One of them on PrestonLancs.com is really acting like a child. Somebody died in a car crash on London Road the other day, and he took the opportunity to have a pot at the project saying that it would increase traffic on this road. Bollocks. Most of these people wont NEED to commute into the centre because it will be quicker to walk! Not to mention the inclusion of the rapid transit system. He never tells the full story, only the parts that play to his advantage. For example, he used GONW stats from 2 YEARS AGO saying that there was a housing oversupply in Preston. If I remember rightly, the GONW withdrew these stats saying that the Lancashire oversupply of housing did not affect Preston! And there was incredible demand for housing, especially in the city centre.

This bulk of this project is still in the VERY early stages. We are talking about 20 years here. Despite this, some aspects are well advanced. An example being London Rd park which is already under construction, and the canal extension which I can see beginning in the next 3 years of which British Waterways have said they will provide the bulk of the funding for :yes:

I just had a look at Miller Homes website and they've updated it to include City One on Moor Lane. Looks good, I like the plan but I'm still not too keen on the blue on the sides. Anyway, let's hope it speeds up the apartment scheme on Lawson Street.
http://img489.imageshack.us/img489/6771/millerhomesplan8kh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://www.millerhomes.co.uk/explore/NorthWest/10490/index

I'm guessing the Linen Buildings have got planning permission, they now have their own website with a video :) Looks enormous!
http://www.linenbuildings.co.uk/

Ah! Excellent find! The designs look much better in those renderings than in the intial renders. I'm very excited now! :D

Still not sure, I mean.. thats a great fly over of the development.. but I'm just still unsure.. it could look great, and it would be good for any city to have this little city within a city vibe-orientated development where its just a mass amount of housing in one area. Yet with all the blocks looking the same and being the colour they are, I think they'll look just like those 15 or so storey blocks already near the park, so... I'm sceptical at present.

Yet with all the blocks looking the same and being the colour they are, I think they'll look just like those 15 or so storey blocks already near the park, so... I'm sceptical at present.
I see where you're coming from, ferge. The design is not quite up to the standard of some of their other developments but I really think this project will work. I think it would look most effective with the glass tower which is literally on the same site. I got an email back from the council stating they are waiting for some more information from the Brookhouse Group before a decision will be made on that. And the planning application (for the Linen Buildings) includes a retail development (I think it's for a supermarket?) though we haven't had any details about that. I'm also glad to see the land earmarked for a new public square we saw in the original sketches for the glass tower has been left untouched by the Countryside Properties buildings. I think these towers will look better than those things in Avenham you're referring to, at least these are ordered whereas those other 3 are a bit skew wiff. So it should all tie together to make for a great new area. And according to the recently published Regeneration Summary, this area only makes up part of a new residential quarter. So... we should see construction start on this soon, it should give us a tase of things to come and if we're really lucky, encourage some more development of the surrounding area.

I will be relieved to see some major development going on. I'm bored of photographing new 5/6 storey apartment blocks, conversions of old buildings, shitty reclads of shitty 60's towers, and mundane retail developments like West Strand! (thank god we have the uni to give us some extra stuff)
I wanna see some proper action! Like this, FG2, Queen Street, or God forbid... Tithebarn.

I will be relieved to see some major development going on
I'll drink to that. I recently posted two rather p*ssed off letters to the Fishergate Centre manager and Grosvenor demanding some answers about FG2 and Tithebarn. I have contacted Agora, Laing O Rourke, BDP, Terry Farrell, Grosvenor (via the website), PCC and LCC with no success so I'm going to try this route. I 'threatened' them with the Freedom of Information Act (lol) so I expect some feckin' answers. Of course, the driving force behind both letters was, will this ever happen?! With my luck, there'll be news in the LEP next week! :bash: I'll keep you posted.

Those arnt the only things I'm tired of waiting for. Fox Street apartments? Got the nod 3 months ago(?), no action yet. Royal Locks? Due to start construction this year. When?
Ah well... patience is a virtue I suppose.
Btw ferge, I saw what you were on about with that ex-pub on Corporation Street. Looks like its going to be student accomodation. Shame. It could be a really good pub.

Fox Street just p*sses me off lol. But there may be light at the end of the tunnel if we're lucky. Fleet Street (leading to Lune St from Ringway) has been closed off because that barrier at the end of Fox Street is being removed to make it into a one way street (I think). Remember the developers had to contribute to improving the street, maybe this has something to do with it. Anyways, might as well just add these that I found a few weeks ago of New Hall Lane. Not all new but hey ho. Looks pretty grim but better than what was there before!
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9617/gatewaypark2xt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8788/gatewaypark26nr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4284/gatewaypark39vd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thats a total waste. Look how unnecessarily big that car park is. Not that many people shop at LIDL (and not that many go Bingoing either). The car park at the West Strand LIDL is never that busy.

Supporters of the controversial central Lancashire city region have moved a step closer to realising their goal with the publication of a new "blueprint for action."
Cities Northwest, which is being launched today, explains how the city region can act as driver of the North West economy along with partners Manchester and Liverpool.

The plan would give Preston, Chorley, Fylde, Wyre and South Ribble new powers over areas like transport and finance.

But the news received a cautious welcome from Preston Council leader Coun John Collins after recent reports that the local authorities may need to provide an elected mayor.

Coun Collins said: "I'm very much against an elected mayor – there is a danger people will elect the Deepdale Duck."

And he said the town hall would not support any moves to create a directly-elected super unitary authority. The council is currently working on its own plans to become a unitary authority.

However, Coun Collins added that the city region system could benefit Preston by giving it a greater voice and platform in the region.

Today's document has been produced by the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Centre for Cities at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). It examines the importance of cities and city regions to the growth of the wider regional economy.

One speaker at today's launch event is Dermot Finch, director of the Centre for Cities at the IPPR. He said: "Manchester, Liverpool and Central Lancashire are the drivers of the North West's economy.

"Cities Northwest sets out a blueprint for action. Working together, the city-regions and the NWDA can deliver economic growth and greater prosperity for the region." Last month local government minister Phil Woolas said Whitehall was determined to push ahead with its plans for a the city region but that there must be a "visible public figure" at the helm.

I'd much rather have the Deepdale Duck as our mayor than Bikhu Patel...

I forgot to mention that the planning application for the retail units on North Road in that infamous 'grot spot' has been withdrawn. Bit of a shame really, it would have brightened the place up. I suppose it wasn't really necessary though with the other retail projects (if they ever happen lol) and Deepdale Retail Park's expansion.
I also noticed today that demolition of the old Fighting Cock pub on Marsh Lane is well underway so we should see some construction within the next month or two with a bit of luck. I think it will be the student block rather than the hotel.

I think the hotel is a little further down the road.

Shame about the North Road retail project.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0156.jpg

Nothing much, just thought I'd share this, lol.. Stopped at a mate's house last night and took a pic of the church, not the greatest pic but I just liked the way it appeared between the gap and having all the really northern, worn down terraced yards in the foreground..

Jesus, that pic has reminded me how much I love terraced housing. That spire is a beauty also. One of the hidden treasures of Preston. Its a pity its in the shadow of St Walburges.

Setback for £450m project

The chainstore which holds the key to the £450m Tithebarn development is considering alternative locations elsewhere in England, it has emerged.
Preston Council is still waiting to hear if it has secured the preferred store to anchor and kickstart a major re-development of the city.

Without a big name, the deal with Grosvenor Estates would be in serious doubt.

Now, it has come to light that the store, understood to be John Lewis, is going through a number-crunching exercise to decide where it would be best to open up any new stores.

The council and Grosvenor have put forward their case and evidence to suggest the chain would enjoy a successful and profitable time in the city. They expect to hear whether or not they have been successful by the end of the summer.

Retail and city leaders said the council needed to put its case forward to ensure Preston can move forward.

Even once the chainstore is secured, it could then take up to another 12 months to submit a planning application for the whole scheme.

Richard Sullivan, chief executive of the Preston and District Chamber of Trade, said uncertainty over the Tithebarn development was having a "ripple effect" on traders all over the city.

He issued a rallying call to the council to get a top store on board.

Are you concerned about Tithebarn? Vote now in the poll on our homepage.

Will the regeneration project be a success? Have your say on our forum.
12 July 2006

Not such good news really. Whist it isn't an outright rejection by John Lewis its not really a positive backing either. Without an anchor scheme the project will struggle and we could be set back quite a bit. Fingers crossed for a positive result at the end of summer. At least we know more or less who the proposed tennent is now. I guess this doesn't look too helpful for FG2 and a possible department store for them.

ffs, I wish they would pull their finger out...

I'm not surprised John Lewis is wary when we haven't even got any 'proper' plans of the development. It's a shambles I tell you! lol I'm trying to remain optimistic *insert fake smile here*
Failing this, I think they ought to look at Next

There's a video on this page giving a preview of the proposed canal extension:
http://www.prestontoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=4011&ArticleID=1625841