hehe, pretty cool :P I love the idea of making the viaduct a tribute to the Guild. That should play very well for getting this scheme off the ground. The council and the heritage nazi's will love it.

Here's a new planning application submitted today:

Land and buildings at 106 - 109 Friargate and VIP Cabs Great Shaw Street:

Mixed use development incorporating 13no residential units and 3no
retail units, cafe/bar and health club with associated service and plant
facilities (3 storeys on Friargate frontage and 6 storeys at rear).

I think this covers the shops on the junction of Friargate and Great Shaw St. Retro Rags, a computer shop and a bakery I think? It doesn't actually say whether the existing buildings would be demolished but they are a bit haggard so I guess they would be going...

Cool video. I wish the viaduct was a little more striking and a little less pastiche. Though I guess 'original' features add value ;) Like the name of it though.

Also a bit of news in the LEP about restoring some of the areas buildinga such as Bank Hall. Apparently the friends of Bank Hall are talking to Urban Splash about turning it into apartments. Better than nothing I suppose and rather them than anyone else!

They were on about the unitary authority again in the LEP tonight. It looks like its only going to be Preston and South Ribble at first. Lancashire CC were spouting their usual lies to try and save their corrupt little party.

Protestors have spoken out about plans to re-open a section of the Lancaster Canal in Preston.
People living in the shadow of proposals to create a marina behind the university, off Maudland Bank, say they have not been consulted about how it will affect their quality of life.

A public meeting has been arranged for Wednesday evening so that residents can vent their concerns about the loss of public open space, rats and a canal at the end of their gardens. The meeting, at St Walburge's Church in Pedder Street, will be chaired by former Preston councillor and Respect party member, Elaine Abbot.

She said: "They're applying for money to press ahead with this project but they've not gone to the residents first.

"It's as though they're pressing ahead and it's going to have a major impact on the people in the area. For years that's been a grassed area which the children use as a play area.

"Then there is the danger for people with young children who have bought their property and who are now going to find they've a canal at the bottom of their gardens. There could be other problems with rats."

Plans for the canal project were unveiled in 2004 and could see water taxis taking people through Ashton to a marina at Maudland Bank.

A public exhibition of the plans, held at Preston Minster, was well-received last month.

This was to be expected as the extension/marina would sit alongside these peoples homes. It could be a major stumbling block, though :bash:

Oh my God!

It wouldn't suprise me If these people complained about having a field behind their house because it would infringe on their tiny lives as they may see a rabbit during the early morning or hear a bird singing a morning chorus... fucking tit features they are

What I dont understand is why they would prefer to have their house back onto wasteland which is used every Friday night by people drinking cheap beer.

A leading property company is on the look-out for potential investment opportunities in Preston.
Hollins Murray Group (HMG) has identified the city as an area to plough part of its £20m war chest into and is now researching opportunities in individual retail properties and shopping centres in the local area.

The Cheshire-based group also has up to £50m to invest into both large and small companies with retail and commercial property portfolios in the Lancashire area.

HMG director Nick Casson believes the arrival of city status in Preston has placed it on the North West map in terms of big-money property deals. He said: "We have already invested more than £100m already and we are now at the stage of planning a policy for strategic expansion and investment right across the North of England.

"As a result of this, we are now on the look-out for potential investment opportunities in Preston and we believe commercial and retail investment in the city represents excellent value for money.

"The property market is otherwise heated, offering real opportunities for rental and capital growth, and we hope to announce further investments in the Preston area soon."

HMG is particularly interested in targeting owner-managed businesses, which may not realise the advantages to be gained from a friendly acquisition, including payments of only 10% on capital gains tax.

The group, which has its headquarters in Altrincham, already has a portfolio of properties across the North West, Yorkshire and North Wales.

It was recently involved in the £6m redevelopment of the West Heath Shopping Centre in Cheshire and a planned 10,650 sq ft retail development on Henblas Street, Wrexham.

HMG's current strategy is based upon investing for growth through hands-on proactive management and identifying opportunities for adding real value.

It has been extremely active throughout the north under both its HMG and Matrix brands.

Something a bit more positive (just for a change!) from yesterday's LEP

Second bit of news sounds good and the first bit really p****d me right off! honestly NIMBYS!!! I'd imagine the canal would increase the value of their bloody homes as, if they hadn't noticed yet, waterside living is very very fashionable! Jeez!

Good news about that investment company.

To be honest, I dont think that the residents objections to the canal scheme are going to do too much damage. We could possibly see a few alterations and perhaps a delay, but we've got to remember that everybody else is heavily in favour of this scheme.

This may sound monstrous (lol) but unless those people move and the land is redeveloped (waterside cafes/apartments/bars etc) I think this whole canal extension would be a waste of time, backing onto a bunch of crappy semi's.
Edit: I noticed that Brookhouse Group's website has been updated (or I just missed it last time I had a butchers) to say that there are plans for a major redevelopment of the entire Queen's retail park site which is somewhat encouraging! At least we know something is happening with it.

Yes, that is encouraging. Thanks for that, and being on the ball in general.

I wouldnt call the canal a waste of time. Yes, the houses are a hinderance, but in addition to the residential bits, there is a lot of free land along this route which is ripe for waterside development. A lot of the houses will be demolished in time anyway. They are mostly old terraces and shitty 60's ex-council houses.

While I was sunning myself on Avenham Park :horse: I saw the area where the pavilion will be was fenced off and there was a Balfour Beatty van and some workers there. Maybe work is starting on the new pavilion?

Excellent news on the pavillion. For me this is one of Preston's most important projects as it makes better use of an fantastic asset and asserts a more arty, cultrual side of the city and its future regeneration. Plus its a neat looking little thing too!

Excellent news on the pavillion. For me this is one of Preston's most important projects as it makes better use of an fantastic asset and asserts a more arty, cultrual side of the city and its future regeneration. Plus its a neat looking little thing too!

I agree, while I was sat on the park I thought, "now here's something Preston has that Manchester and Liverpool DON'T have two minutes from the city centre"! :D It was pretty busy as well with people relaxing, playing music, reading, sunbathing, playing games etc. Just goes to show what an asset it is.

I'm going into Preston tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping the weather holds as the city looks much nicer to take pics when the weather is good. I'll try and get down to the park.

Beginning to seem like Preston is being left far behind everyone else.. they're really not grasping the nation wide boom at the moment, just really wish something would move forward other than small student blocks..

I think this is the building planned for the Staples site :D
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/5120/corpstez0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
A scaled down version was also submitted but I'm fairly confident the larger application would be accepted considering that firm wanted to create 1,000 office jobs at the Tradex site.

Also this was submitted and should make a much needed improvement to the area as it's currently pretty gross:
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/5732/corpst2of6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Edit: Also, I was in town again and walking home I'm positive work is starting on the pavilion. A digger was on site and a few foundations had been laid.

Edit 2: And from Saturday's LEP:
Plans are on the table for a £30m office and hotel development in Preston city centre. The council has received an application for work on the corner of Ringway and Corporation Street.

When the Evening Post unveiled the plans last November, it emerged that Staples, Maplins and Sleepmasters would all need to be bulldozed to make way.

Rhodi Group has now submitted two applications, both for a hotel with up to 130 bedrooms and office space. A larger amount of office space could be developed if the 70-space Hill Street car park, owned by Preston Council, was included in the site, say Rhodi.

The outline applications also ask for ground floor and basement car parking.

As the Evening Post previously reported, the entire development would be able to cater for up to 1,000 workers and could tower up to eight storeys high.

Went to Preston last saturday on the way to Warton, to see if there were any remains of a transit camp i stayed at many years ago (1972)...first time id seen the place since 1989-and its really improved. Town centre is pleasant and far busier than i remember it, with more "posh" shops than it used to. The Harris museum is always a delight. Saw the dockside developments too, looks good.

As for the camp, now part land register and the north site a Country and Western camping/caravan resort...

^Glad you liked it. The good weather helps.

I'm surprised they have submitted an application (even an outline one) for that office building already. At least we know this project is on the move. Good news about Corp Street as well.

I've just been looking through flickr and found this gem which is located somewhere in our fine city apparently...

http://static.flickr.com/57/194999383_ddd3111733.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/65/194995989_28cf810511.jpg?v=0

Does anybody know where this is?!

are you sure they're preston? I mean ok the crest could say so but.. still, surely something like THAT would be known and talked about!

I dont know!

that's the amphitheatre at preston college in fulwood

If its at Preston College then it cant be that good :D

Thx for the info northender

2 new cranes have appeared. There is another one down Church Street, much closer to the town centre this time, near the minster. And one has popped up in Broadgate, probably for one of AvenCentrals projects.

Not sure what the crane on Church Street is for but the one on Broadgate is for the new sports club near the Continental pub.

^ahh thank you :)

Only one interesting application was submitted today but it sounds pretty cool. Preston needs to make the most of the few side streets it has to compensate for all those it lost to RINGWAY :rant:
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2266/gloverscourtco7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I think the application refers to the large building behind Waterstones.

Its a great old building. Something really needs to be done with it. Whatever they do, I hope they keep the bridge. I think it might be listed anyway.
Good news.

AvenQuest have announced they will be building an affordable 6-storey apartment development close to the two talls in Avenham. Bout bloody time. A lot of trash has been demolished around there (which is good), but they need to build on it again to make sure the area isnt full of vacant wasteland.

LOL my hate of ringway does not end there... I did this ages ago one night just messing about but totally forgot about it. If they insisted on building a road through the middle of town why couldn't it have been like this?! At least then we wouldn't have lost the public hall at the corn exchange! And look at all that space under that roundabout... central business district anyone?! Well... we can dream.
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/3109/ringway2bt4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

THE next stage of a £5 million project to re-develop Preston’s Avenham and Miller Parks is now underway.

This week, builders will complete work to divert a sewer to make way for the new state-of-the-art pavilion and outdoor performance area on Avenham Park.

When complete, the pavilion will form a major part of the redevelopment project and include facilities such as a café, exhibition space, toilets, park ranger base and drop-in centre for the local police ‘On the Beat’ scheme.

The outdoor performance area will be located next to the pavilion and will be used to host concerts and other outdoor events.

Other improvements that will form part of the project are:

>> Refurbishment of historic features including the Swiss Chalet and Belvedere

>> Improvements to the entrance gates, boundary walls, railings and cycle routes

>> Improved lighting and signage

Councillor Veronica Afrin, Executive Member for Regeneration, Community and Leisure, said: “This project will breathe new life into Avenham and Miller Parks and restore them to their former glory. The new pavilion and performance area form an important part of the scheme and the next few months will be very exciting as they start to take shape.

“The improvements to Avenham and Miller parks are a key part of our plans to put Preston on the map as the north west’s third city and bring more people into the city’s parks.

“We’re pleased to work with the Friends Of Avenham and Miller Parks and all our partners on this exciting project.”

Father Timothy Lipscomb, Chair of the Friends of Avenham and Miller Park, said: “A lot of planning and preparation has gone into this project and we’re pleased to see that the developments are moving forward. Both Avenham and Miller Parks are already superb places to visit, but the improvements will provide important community facilities and restore the historic features of the parks to their former glory.”

A large proportion of the project is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Tony Jones, the Heritage Lottery Fund’s regional manager, said: “We’ve committed £2.8 million towards the restoration of the parks and are pleased to see work progressing to ensure the parks reach their full potential as a haven for local people.”

Finally. One of the council's regeneration initiatives is U/C. Not the one we wanted the most, but its a start :)

Those clever devils at the Council have approved that vet's surgery at the former Mitre Tavern on Moor Lane...

This should be fun to watch... :P

Another planning application submitted today for the Avenham area. It sounds quite good and should help the continual regeneration of the area.
http://img415.imageshack.us/img415/2163/avstplanappke7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8749/avestdevelxo8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Edit: Also, Cassidy+Ashton's website has been updated to include this plus a few other bits: http://www.cassidyashton.co.uk/PROJECTS/RETAIL/PDF/Queens%20Retail%20Park.pdf

Some interesting bits of news while i've been away. Those planning apps have reminded me to contact the planners regarding the possible Tesco at Cottam. I want them to put a bit of effort into the design of the store. I was reading the staff news letter today and it talked about plans for new environmentaly friendly stores using cool new materials and I want one in Preston! The standard Tesco Extra retail sheds are dull dull dull. With it being a brickworks a bit of brick might be cool. I'll think about it...

Another planning application submitted today for the Avenham area. It sounds quite good and should help the continual regeneration of the area.
http://img415.imageshack.us/img415/2163/avstplanappke7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8749/avestdevelxo8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Edit: Also, Cassidy+Ashton's website has been updated to include this plus a few other bits: http://www.cassidyashton.co.uk/PROJECTS/RETAIL/PDF/Queens%20Retail%20Park.pdf
13 storeys :yes: Not bad at all. Its good that most of our 'tall' developments are being concentrated in this area of the city centre.
Also good to know that Cassidy and Ashton are still very much active with the Queens retail park scheme.

Some interesting bits of news while i've been away. Those planning apps have reminded me to contact the planners regarding the possible Tesco at Cottam. I want them to put a bit of effort into the design of the store. I was reading the staff news letter today and it talked about plans for new environmentaly friendly stores using cool new materials and I want one in Preston! The standard Tesco Extra retail sheds are dull dull dull. With it being a brickworks a bit of brick might be cool. I'll think about it...
You are a Tesco slave while in Durham then eh? Nice food, but your clothing and homeware ranges suck :P I share your feelings about the Cottam Tesco. Its a nice area at the moment and it would be a shame to see its spoilt with an overpowering Tesco Extra like the one smack bang in the middle of Leyland.

This is the first Blog entry by Preston Chamber of Trade. I confess, I am a Blog Virgin. I hope this first entry meets with your approval!

The current 'hot' topic within the business community of Preston centres on the eagerly (?) awaited Tithebarn development which is set to re-energise Preston City Centre.

I am sure that many of you will have been following the progress of the Tithebarn Development keenly over the past few years, more so when Preston was awarded City status in 2002.

Big ideas, big plans. The Tithebarn Development being the jewel in the crown. A 30-acre mixed-use project with a major retail store to anchor it.

Only it hasn't quite gone to plan which is causing consternation within the business community of Preston and of course the consumers who would benefit from a bigger and more varied retail offer. Meanwhile those consumers continue to flock to Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.

Talks about redeveloping the Tithebarn area of Preston began back in the 1990s, with some saying even before that. In 1999 it was finally agreed that a Masterplan was to be created which would set out a vision and timeline for a new look Tithebarn area encompassing retail units, cinema, gym, luxury apartments etc.

Grosvenor were appointed as the property developers and partnered up with Preston City Council to deliver the project.

Various figures have been bandied about as to the cost of the project. With these figures varying from document to document. Let's say £400-450m would not be too far off the mark.

During 1999, Liverpool also embarked on a retail-led regeneration project with Grosvenor on board again, called 'Liverpool One', which is being delivered by ‘bigger picture’ Paradise Project regeneration of the city. Liverpool One calls for a £900m investment covering 42 acres and is set for completion in 2008, in time for the Captial of Culture.

Let's now examine the contrasting scenarios in Preston and Liverpool.

Preston appoint Grosvenor and set their sights on landing a major retailer to anchor Tithebarn project, setting a completion deadline of 2012 - in time for the next Guild. According to reports, the retailer of choice to anchor the development is John Lewis.

Back to Liverpool, they too appoint Grosvenor and successfully secure John Lewis, an existing version already resides in the City Centre, as one of their twin anchor stores and is on track for their stated 2008 completion date. The latest press release from Liverpool One states they have already sold over 55% of retail space at the development.

In seven years, Liverpool working with the same partners as Preston, has written a Masterplan, secured funding and planning consents and delivered the majority of the project. Preston's only milestone of note was to sign a 'conditional' development agreement with Grosvenor to get the ball rolling.

That's six years after the project was conceived. The conditions are funding, planning and securing an anchor store. These are big issues to resolve, not trifling details, which are yet to be broached.

Preston does face a myriad of issues which has delayed its progress. But so do many other towns/cities embarking upon change. The Bus Station has been a prickly issue. It’s always been there and been needed to be discussed and dealt with. Yet still in 2006, we appear no nearer a definitive course of action on this.

Meanwhile back in Liverpool, things are motoring ahead to a swift conclusion in time for 2008.

Why is that Liverpool managed to conceive, plan and deliver a project having started the same time as Preston?

One very salient reason is that of marketing. Put yourselves in the shoes of a property developer and a major retailer who wishes to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in your city.

They don’t only want to see a plot of empty/occupied land ripe for re-development. They want action, ideas and results i.e. footfall increases, spend per head, events etc.

These juicy facts and figures are the results of strong, creative and savvy marketing which draw visitors, investment and related benefits into a town or city.

Liverpool was on its knees during the 80’s and early 90’s but through policy change, commitment to marketing and utilisation of its assets, it was able to transform itself. The cherry on their cake arrived earlier this decade with the Captial of Culture win.

Preston meanwhile is still living off its ‘New City’ status and worrying, but not insurmountable, fault lines remain throughout the city’s landscape. It’s little things which don’t quite add up.

For example, why is there no web site for the Tithebarn development? Simply having a web presence which stakeholders, businesses and shoppers could browse would assuage fears and excite hearts and minds.

Detail is available on the City Council web site but surely for a development of this value and magnitude, a dedicated ‘go to’ online resource would be an advisable way to keep people on track.

Assets in the City such as the Guildhall are, seemingly, being left to wither on the vine. Put simply, more can be done and done in a more creative way. It also doesn’t necessarily need a war chest of tens of millions to market the City.

Although if you are looking nail down an investment worth somewhere in the region of £400m, you will need a substantial marketing budget to sustain the Tithebarn development. Remember Preston isn’t the only town/city in the region looking to pull in both retailers and shoppers.

The Tithebarn development represents a wonderful opportunity to enhance Preston’s standing regionally and move it ahead of its nearest rivals to take its place as the 3rd City in the North West.

Job creation. Enhanced shopping experience. Substantial economic impact. The benefits are rolling off the tongue. But enough talk. We need decisive action and leadership to bring about the ideas, strategies and master plans.

It will need a team effort to pull this off. It can be done. The Public and Private Sector working together to produce results that benefit the entire community.

Clear and pro-active communications would be a good starting point.

I look forward to your comments.

Kind regards,

Richard Sullivan
Joint Chief Executive
Preston Chamber of Trade.

Taken from: http://www.blogstoday.co.uk/bloghome.aspx?username=Preston%20Chamber%20of%20Trade :scouserd:

Developers want to plough £50m into transforming a city centre car park into towering 13-storey high homes and businesses.
The Avenham Street Car Park in Avenham will become Preston's latest city living apartment quarter – if planners agree.

Jersey-based developers, Sligo Properties, want to build 256 one and two-bedroomed flats, some with roof gardens, above 15 shops and office units.

The outline plans, submitted to Preston Council last week after more than 12 months of work, are for a U-shaped building which would vary in height between three, six, seven and 13 storeys on the sloped site.

The site was previously earmarked as a possible site for Preston's new bus station before the location on Manchester Road and Church Street was picked.

The proposals have been welcomed for contributing to the continued regeneration of an area named as one of the most deprived in the country in 2002. The designs, by architects at Wood Associates in Ribblesdale Place, Preston, are for 2,196 square metres of office space below the apartments, with an underground car park.

A new street would be created through the centre of the development to enable access to and from Church Street.

Alban Cassidy is director of planning and environment at CA Planning in East Cliff, Preston, the town planning consultants handling the application.

He said there was an "overwhelming need" for new office space in the city centre.

This should be an interesting one to watch, along with the various other projects in the area. If the whole bus station thing goes according to plan, this area is going to be unrecogniseable in a few years. Avenham is gradually being transformed from a run down council estate and into a quality area of the city centre. What has surprised me about this one is that it has got full on support right from the word go. I'm not sure about the 15 shops though. Thats a lot of space to fill for this location.

I think what they meant was 15 combined retail/office units, most likely cafe/coffee house/restaurant and some offices. I'd love to see the 2 Avenham Towers opposite demolished if this goes ahead. They're too bulky and will overshadow this development. Even a reclad will not change my feelings on this! Those other 3 smaller towers are bad enough as it is! They don't follow the road pattern and seem too 'plonked'.
Edit: Also, look here: http://www.preston.gov.uk/General.asp?id=SX9452-A7801E44 The Council have updated some of their supplementary planning guidance documents, some of which are rather interesting! Especially the Avenham Street one; on page 15 the suggested building type for the Avenham St car park is also U-shaped so it is in keeping with these plans.

The two grey Avenham towers are earmarked for demolition I think. It explains why AvenCentral only refurbished the 3 12-storey buildings and not these two. And these are in much worse condition. AvenQuest have already demolished 2 towers in Avenham (York and Lancaster House) but they were much cheaper to demolish at 11-storeys as opposed to 19.

I'm glad to hear of the proposals for avenham car park, always had a lot of potential that area what with its proximity to the park and city centre. Nice find regarding the Queen Street development, I really do love the glass tower, as a tesco slave I also can't help but notice that the supermarket is very muc in the generoc tesco style!

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

^hmmm, resized that a bit small, will try again later

Did anybody get a picture of the Avenham Street car park building? The LEP's website has an article on it but I can't find anything in my paper! lol http://www.prestontoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=73&ArticleID=1686268 Maybe they'll put it in tomorrow's instead.

:lol: There were no images. Such liars! :P

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/8283/avenhamcarparkgs2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1313/avenham2fz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

These are the first images of a new apartment complex which could be built on a Preston city centre car park.
Developers are hoping to build 15 shops and office units with 256 apartments on the site of the Avenham Street car park.

Sligo Properties, based in Jersey, wants to pump £50m into the site by transforming the car park into a 13-storey block.

The flats would each have one or two bedrooms, some with their own roof terraces.

The building would be set out in a U-shape, with the total height of the building varying between three and
13 storeys on the sloping site.

An underground car park would also be constructed for residents and staff working in the 2,196 square metres of office space.

The Evening Post reported earlier this week how outline plans were submitted to Preston Council after more than a year of work by city architects Wood Associates.

The land was previously earmarked as a site for the city's new bus station before the land on Manchester Road was selected.

The proposed development has been welcomed as it is hoped it will continue to regenerate an area identified as one of the most deprived in the country by the Government.

Claire Senior, of CA Planning Consultants, described the development as a "wonderful opportunity" for the city.

She added: "This development would be a real asset for Preston city centre.

"It will help towards the regeneration of one of the city's most deprived areas as well as providing some quality new housing and office space."

The proposals are set to be considered by the council's planning committee later this year.

Wow that looks excellent, will be an absolutely massive improvement to the area and will surely lead to wider regeneration. :)

Looks like a fantastic scheme. The street level consideration is fantastic, and the architecture is pretty origional too :) Nice to see a scheme labelled 'mixed use' actually getting the balance right. It would be a massive disappointment if this didnt happen. This would be vital for taking Avenham off the ground.

There was a hard hitting letter by somebody from Garstang in todays letter page. It was nice to see a cynic in the paper for once who actually supported the vision. He was in a similar position to us on SSC. He had a positive attitude to the schemes but was questioning why proposals were not being delivered. Some things he explained were a little overdramatic, but he obviously doenst keep track of these things as much as we do.

I'm very pleased with the look of this new building, it would really lift the area and provide all these people who are moving into new apartments with somewhere new to go. I can't see any reason why this wouldn't get the go-ahead, although this and many of the big apartment schemes are hinged on Tithebarn going ahead. But an answer on the anchor retailer should be made in the next few weeks. I also read that article in the LEP, and I can understand his frustration. There always seems to be a big (BIG!) gap between planning permission being granted and construction beginning. And there's always a lot of articles in the paper saying these grand plans will never happen. I think most of them will, but maybe not half as fast as they should. But something positive, the Fighting Cock pub on Marsh Lane has been totally taken down now so whatever ends up there should be going up soon. The site isn't big enough for the hotel so it'll most likely be the student block like you said, Accura.

I contacted Brookhouse Group a while back re: the Queen's Retail Park development and I got a reply today:
We are currently undergoing a significant design review following observations from CABE the architectural/urban design focus group. Following this process we will be resubmitting an amended scheme but this will still incoporate significant tall buildings in what is an important city location. I anticipate we will be able to resubmit towards the end of September 06.
Well, at least something's happening and we should see the amended plans in the coming month!

Ahh excellent :) I hope they dont delay too much on re-releasing the plans.

Building is now officially underway with the digital media centre at UCLan. They were erecting the frames today. Crane count: 1 lol

If no news is good news then we must be doing really well! :tongue3:

double post

Sorry about my unexplained absence. I went to Ireland for 2 weeks, but now I'm back to... not much it seems! Ahh well, I'm sure things will pick up soon.

What do we think of Preston Bus' new livery?
http://static.flickr.com/59/217850883_05ff021aa3_o.jpg

Thats quite pleasant, a little fresher and more up to date, like to see one fully done up with adverts and Preston bus logos though as this will finish it off properly. Nice to see some new single deckers too!

Welcome back Accy! sorry not much news for you :(

Ahh, not to worry! :)
I was just on the LEP site and I saw an article which brought warmth to my heart! The Art06 festival was heralded as a superb success. This is fantastic news after the blunder that was the Preston International City Festival. Proud to be Prestonian once again :)

The £450m development to transform Preston city centre is in limbo, according to the chief executive of Preston Council.
Jim Carr has revealed that developers Grosvenor are refusing to move forward on the Tithebarn development project until a major retailer has agreed to become the "anchor store" of the plans.

The council has still not tied up its preferred partner, thought to be John Lewis, after the arrival of a new finance director who is insisting on reviewing all its commercial activities, including Tithebarn.

However, Mr Carr told the council's Regeneration, Community and Leisure Services Review Board last night (Wednesday), there was a meeting planned for tomorrow with Grosvenor which he hoped would bring "good news" for the project.

He said: "At this point, Grosvenor is not willing to press the button until the anchor store signs up.

"We have done everything we can by giving them all the stats we can to drive home Preston's ambition to become the North West's third city."

The chief executive said tomorrow's meeting would not be the signing of an anchor store.

He added that plans to revitalise the Guild Hall to make it "a gateway to the Tithebarn" could also see the building still under construction when the Preston Guild celebrations kick off in 2012.

When asked by Coun Taalib Shamsuddin about plans to create walkways from the new development to the Guild Hall Arcade and Charter Theatre, Mr Carr said the work would take "three or four years" to complete – after the Tithebarn development was completed.

Well, this was to be expected. But I like the sound of the Guild Hall being a gateway to the Tithebarn area. However, with plans for the Tradex building being approved this week Tithebarn is facing yet more delays. Not looking good.

Not exactly encouraging... Grosvenor dont seem to give a fuck about this development. I'm beginning to regret Preston choosing them to take on this. I cant see this being done by the Guild.

Some great news in todays LEP:

Store firm plans massive move

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/PRES//TH1_25920067spar(2).jpg
http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/PRES/TH0_259200634James%20Hall%203(2).jpg

The £30m relocation of a major Lancashire employer would see the development of Preston's biggest building.
James Hall and Co, which distributes to Spar stores across the north of England, wants to move out of its Blackpool Road base in Ribbleton to a huge site off Bluebell Way – three times the size of its current base.

Measuring 300m long and 150m wide, the planned building would dwarf Preston North End's Deepdale stadium, which will be 180m long and 140m wide when complete.

Members of Preston Council's planning committee will have the final say on whether the development goes ahead when they meet to discuss the application on October 2.

The firm has been asked to stump up £165,300 towards the orbital bus route which will serve the site, £10,000 for a bus stop on Bluebell Way, £55,591 for the Preston to Grimsargh cycleway, and £21,070 to the footway and cycleway on Bluebell Way.

The Bluebell Way development will take up more than 18 hectares of agricultural land just east of Little Rough Hey Farm. There will also be a Spar shop and petrol filling station, alongside offices, a training building, garage and maintenance workshop, creche, security hut and 409 parking spaces.

In his report on the application, David Linley, Preston Council principal planning officer, said the scheme would have many benefits for the city, which would outweigh the visual impact of the large building and the "substantial loss of local countryside and hedgerows".

Subject to planning approval, James Hall hopes to move into Bluebell Way within the next two years.
25 September 2006

Although I'm no fan of these big out of town developments, this certainly is welcome news. Spar's expansion will bring yet more jobs and fill up a huge amount of the vacant land at J31a :yes:

There was also good news about plans for 200 homes and businesses on the former gas works in Lostock Hall.

Honestly, you go on holiday for two weeks expecting to come back and find at least some good news only to find none :( Oh well!

I suppose the spar project is good news and one large project like this is often enough to catalyse the growth of the surrounding area which could see some more good news (like an ikea!). Bad news regarding tithebarn, I'm thinking they should pursue other options unless they have some sort of legal agreement in tithebarn. Gives them plenty of time to get the plans right though I bet they haven't used the time that wisely!

...actually, having mentioned ikea it would be cool to see them as a part anchor of tithebarn with one of their new high street stores. The market is definately there for them (if not for a luxury department store) and they would surely have a large requirement. The architecture of these new stores (at least the cov one) is OK too. Hardly prestigous tho :(

I was thinking that Dunnes might be an option. They dont have a very large presence in the UK and they are a fantastic store. Not anything too classy but not at all bad either. A lot like M&S to be honest.
Speaking of retail, the 3 new units at Deepdale look pretty good, well... as far as retail sheds go. I was surprised to find that the former Curry's/PC World isnt all going to be an M&S Home. 2/3 of the units are New Look and Clarks. New Look isnt far from opening, and Clarks is already open. M&S on the other hand havnt even got their signage up yet.

Here's a little find: http://www.cubicpreston.co.uk/index.html

It's the website for the crystal house apartments. There is a sales centre set up so we should see progress soon hopefully. I still wish it had been knocked down though :(

Interesting bit in the evening post the other day too from an architect and his visions for Preston and his views on past mistakes. Will post it if it appears online.

Nice find Prestonian :) it is SO the wrong place for apartments though. Do the Council EVER learn from mistakes? So it's taken 50 years to get this far and maybe another 50 before something decent gets put there? Ridiculous. Tark at pneonline forums was kind enough to send me a copy of his dad's "The Way Ahead" document for Preston. And what do you know! Ripping up the ringway is up there at the top! And I love the idea of a huge glass building (City Hall, library etc) with glass atrium for the Crystal House site - shot to sh*t with these latest apartments. It is dated January 2006 so the Council have had long enough to realise the mistake of converting Crystal House instead of finding a developer to replace it with a decent structure. Apparently, they wouldn't pursue it because they sold the land and it would be too expensive to replace it? But if the building is big enough, a big developer would surely consider it. The architect proposed 30-35 storeys! But all glass so not casting a shadow over the flag market unlike Crystal House.

It was quite upsetting reading the document as page after page, mistake after mistake was revealed. Some of which were shocking. Take the Ringway for example. It was originally planned the extension would run... are you ready for this... down Queen Street, through part of Avenham Park and then go through everything between the East Cliff entrance to the Park to meet Fishergate roughly where the Fishergate Centre's street entrance is. Horrendous. I've been saying it all along but Preston will rot unless the Ringway is ripped up. It saddens me even more to think it's going to be at least 3/4 more years before unitary authority status will be granted (if?) and we'll have to continue to endure LCC's wrath until then - they are responsible for many of our blunders.

LCC is a dead duck and they know it. Lancaster and Morcambe recently announced their plans to go as a unitary authority too. Assuming that Chorley will eventually join Preston, LCC will be left with West Lancs, Ribble Valley, Pendle, Fylde, and Wyre. Its a lot of terrain, but not a lot of people. The only places which could be considered slightly major are Clitheroe, Colne, Burnley and Ormskirk/Skem.

Retail giant John Lewis is closer than ever to opening a department store in Preston, the Evening Post can reveal.

The company has been involved in positive talks with the council and developers Grosvenor about being the flagship store in the £450m Tithebarn scheme.

But final confirmation will not be given until later this year, meaning more delays for the already drawn-out scheme.

When Preston Council and Grosvenor signed a deal last year to develop 30 acres of city centre land, it hinged on a number of conditions, including having a leading retailer as a main attraction.

The deal has been hanging in the balance for several months but today, Jim Carr, chief executive of Preston Council, said: "We believe now that our target anchor store accepts the case for Preston."

He said the matter would need to be looked at by board members of the store concerned but he hoped to have details confirmed by Christmas.

Finally... something POSITIVE about the Tithebarn Project. Yet another wait until we get the official decision but this sounds quite promising :) To be honest, I'd rather it wasn't ready for the Guild anyway because it would only be rushed. However, I think it is important to get the Market area done as early on as possible to ensure the cultural centre is up and running for the Guild. Which will hopefully include a new library!

Yippee!!! Don't want to jump too soon but at least this is positive, even if it isn't true its made me a bit excited!

About bloody time we heard something positive on this.

Was in town again today. Not many new developments going on but St Georges is well into the refurb and most of the empty units seem to be getting occupied which is good news. Some of the exisiting units are a bit small though and would benefit from making them into one to attract a larger tenant.
Nothing happening down Guildhall Street yet...
The Fishergate Centre seems a bit more lively and Moss menswear is moving from Crystal House to fill the vacant All:Sports unit. Work has also started on updating the unit opposite Starbucks at the entrance.
The marketing centre is now open at Crystal House for the new apartments. Be good to have the tower finally done but still a terrible shame it wasn't demolished.
Work has also started on the new Japanese restaurant at the old Tommy Balls shoe store opposite the train station.
Still nothing going on down Fox Street or Lawson Street...
Not much happening down Marsh Lane either although the student flats just off there are under construction.
UCLan's media centre is coming along steadily. Once again the Uni seems to be only place getting things done on time!

Yeh, there are a fair few small bits and bobs going on around.
On top of Preston_guy's list...
New Hall Lane coming along nicely
Lots of little developments going on off Church Street, one which seems to have flown up overnight
Something odd going on at the Railway station. It looks like just roofworks, but I remember Virgin saying that the station would be improved to accomodate the new high speed trains.
I'm really liking the way the media centre is emerging, its making a good impact on the skyline.
I've been thinking about the old post office building. I thought it would be great if the Museum of Lancashire was put in there, following the same plan as what the cultural centre would have been. The MoL is quite possibly the best museum in Preston. It shits all over the Harris. The problem is that its located adjacent to a prison in a quite out of the way area.

Traders' action plan to tempt shoppers to city.
Traders in Preston city centre have drawn up an action plan listing what is needed to bring shoppers back to the high street.

Research conducted by the Chamber of Trade has shown businesses feel improvement is needed regarding parking and traffic congestion in the city centre as well as marketing major events, if they are to compete with other Lancashire towns.

They fear that, unless changes are made now, retailers could start to leave Preston, sparking an exodus from the city's high streets.

Chamber of Trade joint chief executive Richard Sullivan warned that the emphasis on the major Tithebarn regeneration project should not be allowed to overshadow the importance of existing traders.

He said: "I think the message coming from the traders is that while big projects, like Tithebarn, are great and will provide the future of retail in the city centre, let's not take our eye off what is happening right now.

"If everything is centred around the Tithebarn and all our focus, energies and attention is on that, we are risking having nothing of a high street left to build such a development around.

"The bottom line for businesses is footfall and it is issues like parking, like congestion and marketing which will bring people into the city centre."

In a 15-point questionnaire, the city's Chamber of Trade asked traders across the city centre to comment on everything from the controversial Tithebarn development to how the high streets are promoted.

It highlighted the need for a joined-up approach between traders and the public sector, including local councils, to resolve any trading problems.

Key trends emerging include:


Simplified traffic signals to tackle congestion on Fishergate


Price and accessibility review of parking for customers and workers


Better marketing and events for the city


Desire for increased footfall


More varied retail offer with more assistance to attracting and retaining independents

Mr Sullivan said the study had been carried out to identify "what is on the minds of traders" when considering the issues which need tackling to enhance the offer of Preston city centre.

He said a "more joined-up approach between traders and the public sector" was the key to ensuring that large chain stores are complemented by smaller independent retailers.

The Chamber has already started talks with Preston Council, and Lancashire County Council, which is in charge of roads in the city centre, and a number of other groups, such as the Civitas project to improve public transport, in a bid to tackle the issues highlighted by the questionnaire.

A Preston Council spokesman said: "Attracting visitors to the city centre is a key part of the shared vision to make Preston the North West's third city and we are working closely with partners to increase visitor figures.

"The council is also looking into creating an events officer post to focus on organising and promoting events across the city, particularly in the run up to the 2012 Preston Guild."

A Lancashire County Council spokesman revealed it is undertaking a consultation into Preston city centre which may lead to the development of a Clear Zone.

This is designed to improve the overall environment, increase accessibility, prioritise walking and cycling, and improve this vital retail quarter of the city.

"It would also discourage traffic using Fishergate as a short-cut to reach other parts of the city – reducing pollution, tackling congestion and reducing the risk of accidents."

Fishergate is a big problem, a sort of demi ringway that chokes the city centre. It needs pedestrianising as a matter of urgency IMO. Not only does the retail offer matter to shoppers its also the environment in which they are placed (Success of Trafford Centre must in part be due to people liking spending time in nice surroundings). When I was back in Preston recently I was amazed at just how pedestrian unfriendly it is, especially compared to Durham which, with its congestion charge, has a very pleasant centre which while lacking shops is a nice place to spend time. There is a major lack of seating in Preston too, especially covered seating which we really need given the climate. The pedestrianised areas we do have are pretty poorly furnished and the flag market is completley wasted with no focal point like a fountain or sculpture for people to mingle round. I think the traders are right to point out that tithebarn is important but not the only option, progress must continue in the meantime. I think they need to take a good long look at traffic in the city centre and get rid of as much of it as possible. I think most of the city centre should be pedestrianised with the ringway doing the job for which it was intended that is to keep traffic out of the centre!

I don't know if anyone has been checking planning applications but there's a few erm... "interesting" ones this week:
An additional two floors added to Crystal House's tower and an amendment to the cladding - I can't see the extra two floors getting approved. It casts enough of a shadow over the flag market as it is.
And the demolition of Alstom building on Strand Road (Not the old one I think but the one directly next to the flyover?) and replacing it with apartments (roughly 300 ranging from 2-6 storeys), 3 storey office building, a health centre, new vehicular access from Strand Road and landscaping. It's better than what's there at the moment I suppose but still, Strand Road has turned out so dull.
Marks and Spencer have applied to put up their signage etc at Deepdale Retail Park so that's on its way.
And that was about it! Not much happened with planning decisions either (still nothing with the Linen Buildings despite the developers wanting to have started construction in the summer).

So now West Strand is coming to a close, we have SOUTH STRAND!!! Apartments, crappy offices, a health centre... remind you of anything? ;)
I cant say I'm surprised. Alstom has been trying for ages to rent out the building for office use with little luck. Hardly surprising considering its probably the crappest office space on the docks.
I too am beginning to wonder what the hell is going on with Linen. I think its time for a few e-mails :yes:
As for Crystal House's extra two floors... I'm not sure. Any sensible person would reject it... but our council and their insane desire to refurbish the monstrosity instead of demolishing it may just see it through... :ohno:

They better not EVER demolish the big Alstom building, it adds a brilliant dash of industrial character to the area and the huge space would make a great premium shopping mall or entertainment complex. I always think that road would look cool if they had big vertical coloured banners along the alstom building. I guess any redevelopment of the area is better than stagnation but I really would like to see some sort of masterplanning for the wider docklands being done. As for crystal house, it should just be demolished if we're honest! Can't see them getting pp for two extra floors but it may look much smarter if a nice two storey glass penthouse were put up there.

I think this is the site:
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/2917/untitledqv1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
I suppose it could be big enough but maybe they'll use some of the car park, too. I can't see them demolishing the older building. I was thinking that if Strand Road had been done tastefully, the old Alstom building could have been like a Printworks style development like in Manchester. Especially if Ringway had been done properly the city centre would have moved towards Strand Rd, which could have been the pivotal attraction between the city centre and the Docks. But of course, it's all 'if' this and 'if' that. It'll never happen lol.

A city councillor has warned there will be "chaos" on roads leading into Preston if plans to close off a major link road into the city centre go ahead.

Transport chiefs have said they are looking at closing a section of Adelphi Street, close to the city's university, to all traffic except buses as part of the Civitas initiative, aimed at easing congestion.

However, Coun Dave Hammond fears that any plans to close the road, between its junctions with Harrington Street and Victoria Street, will force motorists to turn onto neighbouring Moor Lane and Fylde Road, choking what are already heavily-used links into the city centre.

The project is part of the Preston Clear Zone project which aims to encourage more pedestrians and cyclists into the city centre as part of a European-funded initiative.

And the 'cafe culture' ideal of pedestrianising large parts of the city centre under the Civitas scheme has been widely welcomed by businesses.

Joint chief executive Richard Sullivan, of the Preston Chamber of Trade, said: "I think pedestrianising parts of the city centre is key to Preston achieving its full potential, because it is a very compact city centre which does not take a lot of time to get from one end to the other."

But Coun Hammond said it is a recipe for disaster.He said: "Can you imagine the chaos there would be? There is already too much traffic on Moor Lane and Fylde Road, so if you are making anyone coming down Plungington Road go down that way, it is going to make it ten times worse.

"I am completely in favour of the Clear Zone project, however, I think we need to look not only at the roads directly impacted by the initiative, but also those which lead into this area."

He said people could have their say on the issue at the next meeting of the Lancashire Local Preston committee on Wednesday, November 1.

A century-old building in Preston could be flattened and replaced by a massive housing and leisure development.
Under the proposal, the five-acre red-brick building near the Docklands, currently used by French train manufacturers Alstom, would be levelled to make way for 330 new flats, a three-storey office block and a three-storey health centre.

But Alstom bosses say they have an agreement to stay on the site until 2018 and have no plans to leave.

The plans were submitted to Preston Council by Key Property Investments, which is a joint venture between site-owners St Modwen Properties plc and Sahlia Real Estate.

Their plans will save one of the site's buildings from the bulldozers, with an extra two storeys being added to it.

It would also see changes to Strand Road with a new junction turning into the proposed site, opposite the current retail development which houses Lidl supermarket and Tango Jo's bar.

The landmark building, which has stood since 1903, is not listed.

Millie Tyson, secretary of the Preston and South Ribble Civic Trust, said: "I think Preston has plenty of houses at the moment. Have we the infrastructure to deal with that many houses down there?"

Coun Jack Davenport, who represents the Riversway ward on Preston Council, said: "We want to make sure that this development is for the good of Preston.

"The big question for me is whether these flats will be affordable housing, which is something we have a shortage of here."

Oh my... Well the good news is it should be safe for another 12 years. It just sounds like another dull project to dash Preston's future. Let's hope it goes down the pan before it goes any further.

No

fucking

way.

No

fucking

way.

Agreed, fancy a protest! I think we should at the least write to the council if not too, to *gulps* EH.

Plans have been unveiled to switch on Preston's Christmas Lights.
City centre bosses have asked former pop star Ian 'H' Watkins from Steps and local DJs to lead the celebrations.

Radio station Century FM is to host the switch on ceremony, which takes place on November 23.

From 5.30pm there will be fun and games with DJs Parksy and Jo Lloyd, Christmas sing-a-longs and a number of special guest appearances, including H, who is playing Buttons in the Guild Hall's pantomime Cinderella. More special guests will be announced in the run up to the event.

Anne-Marie Flynn, marketing manager, said: "Three thousand people enjoyed last year's event and we want to make this year just as good.

"The switch on is an important event in Preston's calendar because it marks the start of late night shopping and I think that people start to feel festive once they see the lights on, the nativity scene and all of the Christmas activities that take place around the Flag Market."

Last year the ceremony was attended by Liberty X, including local stars Jessica Taylor and Kevin Simms, and popular DJ's Jude Vause and Darren Parks.

This year's Christmas lights switch on also marks the start of late night shopping and the popular free parking offer.
The City Centre Management Company has negotiated with the council and shopping centres to offer free parking from 6pm, every Wednesday and Thursday until Christmas.

I am cringing. Seriously. I'm writing a strong-worded letter to this jaded Anne-Marie Flynn over this. Quite simply embarassing!

A bid for £18m to kick-start a series of developments in Preston has been given initial approval.

The North West Development Agency has agreed "in principle" to parting with cash to allow the council to push ahead with its plan to develop the city's waterways, create a business quarter and smarten up historic Winckley Square.

But in the short-term, the council will be awarded £300,000 to progress the projects over the next two years to "help maintain the momentum of the projects". Then, the next stage will be to submit individual bids for each project.

One priority will be to progress the £800m Riverworks project, and British Waterways is expected to act as the council's agent for the £120,000 Riversway Dock feasibility study.

One idea to be investigated will be the possibility of building out into the Dock.

It comes a few months after the council lost out on Big Lottery Living Landmarks Fund money to further work on a controversial river barrage, part of the Riverworks project.

Jane Brunning, spokesman for the Save The Ribble Campaign, said she was worried the Riverworks development was gathering steam without residents' views being taken on board.

"We're very concerned because they're still pressing ahead with it without asking local people what they want or considering any alternatives."

In addition, another priority is to develop a Central Business District. A further £40,000 will be spent on Winckley Square gardens and money will be spent on a multi-media project to promote the city to developers and investors.

Preston Council meets on Thursday to discuss the proposals. The meeting starts at 1pm and is open to the public.

Nice to hear something positive on this project :yes:

Yipee!!! some good news!

I think riverworks is a great project and puts a lot of focus on an important and underused asset. I'd like, dare I say it, to see Will Alsop have a hand at building in the docks, it would be cool and unusual and add instant vitality!!

I think his practice has gone out the window now. Its a shame really. Although I was very much against his wider concepts, I quite liked many of his individual building plans, especially in his Middlesbrough scheme.

Developers behind a multi-million pound project have promised to "breathe new life" into the neglected Friargate area of Preston city centre.
Plans for the area include building a mixture of shop units, offices and high-quality apartments with scope for a cafe bar and a health club on the historic high street close to the city's university.

A spokesman for Anne Jane Developments Ltd said the company hoped it would provide the catalyst to encourage further investment in the area.

It is hoped major retailers such as Tesco Express, Spar and coffee chains Cafe Nero and Starbucks will be interested in moving into the revamped units.

The spokesman said: "It is an area we believe is crying out for investment like this, from a commercial point of view and a social one this is what is needed for the area.

"The only input this part of the city has seen in many years has been around university accommodation, but we believe these plans will benefit the Preston public as well as the student population."
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2687/friargategreatshawsted8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
He added that the 11 apartments would be "more affordable" than some of those available in the area, adding that the developer hoped their arrival would encourage more city centre living.

Under plans submitted to Preston Council, shops such as Retro Rags to body piercing parlour Ozone, will be replaced with "ultra-modern" three-storey units designed to retain Friargate's traditional character.

It is intended numbers 106 and 107 will have shops on the ground floor with offices above, while numbers 108 and 109 will house a large shop suitable for a supermarket on the ground floor with space for a cafe bar and the lounge of a health club above.

The application, which has been out to consultation, follows six months of negotiations by designers at Preston Council.

- Sounds like a great plan and one that's taken a long time to get this far. It is badly needed, though. I met some friend's in O'Neils last night and Friargate had a real feel to it with loads of people young and old from all races and what have you. It needed bigger developments like this to increase its potential. Will try to upload the images later.

Brilliant news, a Tesco express would be a brilliant addition, the old Metro was always quite popular and it was a bit of a surprise when it shut. It would do very well out of the students and be a useful addition for locals/workers. I think Tesco have worked a lot on this format and they've come a long way since the original metro concepts. I think the renaisance of this area is a real success story and still more potential yet! Look fwd to the images, thanks Preston Guy!

http://www.cubicpreston.com/index.html
Oh dear God - NO! They've updated the site and it looks even worse! :puke:

whats cubic a reclad of?

whats cubic a reclad of?
... the vulgar Crystal House poking out from behind the trees in this pic. It should have been demolished! It is SOOO the wrong place for such an ugly apartment building. Or any apartment building. It's a public square! The site needs a tall, elegant building! An ex-architect recently did an article in the local paper about how a tall building with public glass atrium could have been an option with the tower housing the city's administrative offices. Or even just a public garden! :bash:
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/3220/flagmarketeb9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

They don't seem to have a solid plan for this one yet, there was talk of another couple of floors so perhaps we can hope for something better?

That side facing Cheapside is pathetic.

A cosmopolitan revolution is sweeping through Preston city centre, and traders have given it the thumbs up.
New stores offering everything from takeaway sushi to freshly-squeezed fruit juice, from coffee al fresco to the sound of a piano are set to hit the high streets.

An American-style juice bar has already opened in one of the city's main shopping centre, plans are afoot to install outdoor cafes, and an authentic Japanese restaurant serving sushi and noodles is due to open on Fishergate early next month.

Trade chiefs are hoping the new developments will lift Preston in its battle to become the third city of the North West.

Richard Sullivan, joint chief executive of the Preston Chamber of Trade, said: "With the university population getting bigger every year, the customer base is very mixed and we have to cater for them to keep the city moving forward as we wait for bigger things to fall into place."

Work is under way to transform the former Tommy Ball's Footwear shop, close to the city's train station on Fishergate, into the Sakura Preston restaurant.

Owners have ploughed more than £500,000 into transforming the building into a restaurant serving traditional teppanyaki dishes which customers will see cooked in front of them by chefs flown in from Japan.

General manager Geoff Cummins said: "There have been Japanese restaurants in Liverpool and Manchester for some time and Preston is somewhere we felt there was a niche in the market."

Ideas such as pedestrianising Friargate have already been floated as a way to foster a 'cafe culture' in the city.

This week, pub chain JD Wetherspoon submitted an application to Preston Council to create a pavement cafe area outside its existing branch on Friargate, The Greyfriar.

And Sheik Rahman, the co-owner of the Juice Kitchen in the Fishergate Shopping Centre, believes the craze for pure fruit juice which is currently sweeping the United States will take hold over here.

Well... I'd hardly call it a revolution but it's certainly a step in the right direction!

Coronation Street star Jimi Harkisin is the latest celebrity to be confirmed at Preston's Christmas lights switch-on.
The actor, who plays Dev Alahan in the popular soap, will be joining funnyman Ricky Tomlinson and former Steps singer Ian H Watkins in kicking off the city's Christmas festivities.

DJs from 105.4 Century FM will also be attending the event, with Christmas sing-alongs and activities.

The lights will be switched on in the Flag Market on Thursday November 23 from 5.30pm.

Well, it seems the City Centre Management Group have redeemed themselves with a fairly decent line-up this year. I just hope it is actually promoted to draw in a decent crowd. And PLEASE, Preston City Council, no sweaty fun(?) fairs on the flag market this year! :ohno:

A bid to put the Preston area first and enable the city to achieve its full potential is being launched by the city council.

This follows the Government's announcement last month inviting bids for up to eight areas to change their local government arrangements.

A detailed bid is now being drawn up by the council. This will set out a bold vision for the future make up of the area with just one single all purpose unitary council for the Preston area. Key elements of the bid will include:

Affordability - why having one council instead of two is more efficient and will deliver better value for money to taxpayers.

Neighbourhood arrangements - giving more power to local people building on the successful parish councils, neighbourhood action teams and area forums in the city.

New political structures - giving more accountability to the community and electors.

A voice for Preston - giving the area a seat at the table where key regional and national decisions are made.

The bid, which has the full backing of the main political parties on the council, was welcomed by Councillors John Collins - Leader of the Council (Labour), Councillor Ken Hudson (Conservative) and Councillor Christine Abram (Liberal Democrat), who said:

"It's time to put the Preston area first. It's time for the area to have a louder voice to be able to punch its weight regionally and nationally. It's time that local people had more of a say over what happens in their area. It's time that there was more accountability but also less confusion about who does what. It's time that there was less bureaucracy and that important decisions were acted on more quickly. It's time for change and time for a better deal for the people of the Preston area.

"Whilst we accept that other areas in Lancashire may suit two tier working, Preston is a new, dynamic city with high expectations. We've seen locally how Blackpool and Blackburn have benefited and are convinced that unitary status is important to achieving our vision and to unlock the area's true potential.

"We know other areas are interested in securing unitary status and South Ribble are consulting their residents about the potential of a joint bid with Preston. Clearly, they will need to make a decision that is in the best interest of South Ribble.

"Whatever South Ribble decide, we firmly believe that unitary status is in the best interests of the people of Preston and are determined to make the very best possible case to the Government. We will be showing that there is a broad cross section of support for the Preston area to break free and take charge of it's own destiny."

NOTES TO NEWSDESKS

1. Preston is currently a district council providing district services such as planning, benefits and refuse collection/recycling. Lancashire County Council is responsible for providing county wide services such as education and social services. This is known as the two tier system.

2. A unitary authority is an all purpose council, which is responsible for providing the full range of local services including education and social services - as well as being a focal point and community leader for the area as a whole.

3. At the end of October, the Government published a white paper on the future of local government entitled Strong and Prosperous Communities.

4. The white paper sets out a vision for the future of local government including new leadership and political arrangements for local areas, more say and devolution of power to communities and neighbourhoods, strengthening of cities and city regions, changes to the way council performance is assessed and managed, greater influence for councils to shape their areas and work in partnership with others.

5. The white paper also opened a window of opportunity for interested councils to come forward and bid for unitary status. The Government has indicated that up to eight new unitary areas could be created as a result of this process. Any council wishing to apply needs to submit a bid by 25 January 2007. Any council successfully passing stage one then moves on to stage two of the process, which is a consultation period with key stakeholders and the local community. Final announcements are expected to be made in July 2007 with elections for any new council taking place in 2008 before any changes come into effect in 2009.

6. Criteria for the bidding process has also been issued and this indicates that any bid needs to have a broad section of support, that it cannot cost any more in council tax nor will there be any additional Government funding to help create any new unitary councils.

7. Further information about the bid for unitary status will be given at the area forums and can also be found at www.preston.gov.uk

:banana:

It doesn't make any difference......:ohno:

It doesn't make any difference......:ohno:

excuse me?

excuse me?
One layer or two, the same work needs to get done. No-one can really think that government will willingly downsize itself.

A former nightclub is to get a new lease of life as a space-themed rock and indie music venue.
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/4141/cornerclubex4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The lease on what was the Corner Club – on the junction of Corporation Street and Heatley Street, Preston – has been taken over by Andy Taylor and Rachael Kelly, landlords of popular rock pub the General Havelock, on Plungington Road.

They say the club, to be renamed Mercury Flux, has had a £200,000 refurbishment and is the first in a series of music and entertainment outlets they plan to start.

Their aim is to reopen the club, which closed in 2003, in January next year, offering a variety of music.

The ground floor is to be decorated to resemble the surface of Mercury, and will play a broad selection of music, from cheesy pop to indie and rock.

The basement will be known as The Core, with an underground decor and rock music heavier than the main floor.

The first floor will be available as a function room and will open as a club on Fridays, Saturdays and Wednesdays. Wednesday will be a metal night, possibly with live bands, while Friday will have emo, ska, indie and pop and Saturday will be metal.

Rachael said: "It has been a lot of hard work but it will be worth it. At the moment we are applying for a premises licence. It has been so long since it was open we have to go through it all again."

The building, variously known as the Corner Club, Nonno's and Uncle Tom's Tavern over the years, was forced to close after vibrations from music played there were found to be destroying its internal steel supports.

But Rachael said the refurbishment has not only solved this problem, it has changed the shape of the building inside – something customers often complained about.

Previously, the club had many internal walls and also pillars in front of the stage. Rachael said: "It was lots of little rooms – it was terrible.

"But it has totally changed. It's unrecognisable from what it was before.

"The inside has been destroyed and rebuilt and it looks great."

Sounds pretty good I guess and it may help build on Preston's alternative music scene and encourage more renewal of the surrounding area.

I think the unitary authority is a good idea, should allow better strategic planning. As for that club, its been an eyesore for years with various changes in usage/owner, hopefully this is a more final solution.

The Mall/St George's is looking great, really turned around! The new FootAsylym store is open and appears to be doing well for itself. Also, the new Rotunda is slowly coming to life. It is fast becoming more appealing than the Fishergate Centre! Speaking of which the temporary bookstore that opened in there (where Game used to be) is clearing out - maybe in preparation of FG2? But probably not before using it as a Santa's grotto again!

More of My Preston Photos on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76879798@N00/sets/72057594125725677/)

Taken from inside the Bus Station
http://static.flickr.com/110/307930719_556a4a0d1b.jpg


http://static.flickr.com/112/307918943_669eddc55e.jpg


Taken from the St. John's Centre
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/P1000873.jpg


The BT Building
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/P1000857.jpg


Moor Park Road Development
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/P1000854.jpg


University of Central Lancashire Media Centre under construction
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/P1000849.jpg


Student Union
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/P1000848cropped2.jpg


Tulketh Mill
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/P1000844.jpg


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/NoCoolNickname/P1000836.jpg

Great pics, NCN. It's nice to see the Moor Lane apartments (phase one) finally wrapping up. The blue is still a bit bizarre but it looks a lot more colourful than the rest of Moor Lane!

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/8622/crystalhouseurghmm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Knock it down!

I agree, they should just knock the tower down and leave the retail units below, it won't make an immediate difference to the area but at least from a further distance it won't blight the view of the the Harris (which is looking pretty cool with the lights beaming from it, can see them from outside my halls)..

Well, I wouldn't say it looks worse than before they plonked the bit on top as it was obviously designed in the previous render to have a bit ploked on top. I agree they should demolish ideally, but a tasteful penthouse might make it a bit better???? or not?

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

Well obviously it will be an improvement, I just think the main problem is it is too squat and fat and the new designs still aren't challenging this problem, it needs to be made to look more slender to distract how much of a fat bugger it is amongst such nicer surroundings..

a) it bears no resemblance to its surroundings
b) there could not be a less appropriate place for apartments - overlooking our only civic square!
c) it casts a shadow over the square - only to be exacerbated by the extra storeys
d) it is a fat and stumpy thing that is (another) blot on the skyline
e) it blocks views of the Harris (like ferge said). Viewed from the Bypass bridge at Cop Lane (Penwortham) - perhaps the best view of the skyline, about 2/3 of the Harris is blocked by this thing. I wouldn't have minded if it was our beloved old Town Hall blocking the view *sob*
So yep, all in all I hate it. Hate is a strong word but I prefered the original renders (from about a year ago) although obviously demolishing it would be better. But I'm just going to forget about it because PCC are making another horrific mistake, which I think we've all come to expect in recent years!

I agree, they should just knock the tower down and leave the retail units below, it won't make an immediate difference to the area but at least from a further distance it won't blight the view of the the Harris (which is looking pretty cool with the lights beaming from it, can see them from outside my halls)..

It would be nice if it was all demolished and the flag market extended though. I know this would cost the council a few million in buying the building
and extending the square, but the improvement it would make it to the centre of Preston would be huge.

The main square would be bigger and more open, it would go right up onto Fishergate, and rather than being bordered by Crystal House on that side, there would be the Miller Arcade, Waterstones and Squares (I think that's right?), all of them really nice buildings that would fit in a lot better and enhance rather than detract from Preston's main public square.

Found some pictures of two other deisgns for the pavillion, thought we might find them interesting.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Prestonian/avenham2b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Prestonian/avenham1b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Prestonian/0410_R_E_001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Prestonian/0410_FM_E_002.jpg

Anyone know how things are moving down there?

That last one is nice and colourful. Wouldn't mind seeing that as an art gallery in the city centre!

It would be nice if it was all demolished and the flag market extended though. I know this would cost the council a few million in buying the building
and extending the square, but the improvement it would make it to the centre of Preston would be huge.

The main square would be bigger and more open, it would go right up onto Fishergate, and rather than being bordered by Crystal House on that side, there would be the Miller Arcade, Waterstones and Squares (I think that's right?), all of them really nice buildings that would fit in a lot better and enhance rather than detract from Preston's main public square.

That is exactly what I would do. The buildings along that part of Church Street are gorgeous, and it would look fantastic in summer when the sun is allowed to shine over the square (currently blocked by Crystal House). Just a nice green area with a landscaped fountain would be nice, where people could sit. Even with the loss of the town hall, that would be a world class square IMO. The only problem left then would be some of the buildings that filled in the gaps along the west side of the square (IE: Pizza Hut). The only way to solve this problem is obviously to demolish them and then carefully design new ones which wont impact too heavily on the older buildings, one of which is the oldest shop in Preston.

Has anyone else seen that the Linen Buildings had an advert in last night's property post? Is there any news on that then do we reckon?

Has anyone else seen that the Linen Buildings had an advert in last night's property post? Is there any news on that then do we reckon?

If they've moved into the serious marketing stage, then I'd reckon thats a very good sign. I'm not too sure whether or not the council has approved the development or not. If they have an ounce of common sense they will. I went to see the site and its (and the whole area around it) a dump.

By the way, forgot to mention... in Thursdays LEP, it said that Virgin was set to begin refurbishing the interior of the train station in the next couple of weeks, and we are getting fancy new departure screens! :)

I noticed the advertisement for the Linen Buildings and I think it's very encouraging. According to PCC's planning decision website, the decision on the Linen Buildings is still pending. Which is awful considering Countryside Properties wanted to have started work on site in the summer. If anything, I think it is on-hold until we hear on the John Lewis fiasco (due before xmas but no doubt will be into the new year). So much is hinged on Tithebarn and unless planning applications are submitted in 2007, I think it's just going to collapse. But anyway, good news about the Linen Buildings.
On a less encouraging note, the Corporation Street/Ringway office block-hotel application has been withdrawn but I think it's likely the plans will be amended and resubmitted. I'm trying to be optimistic!
Good news about the train station spring-clean! It should hopefully encourage more people to use it and help the area around the station regenerate.
The Japanese restaurant at Tommy Ball's is due to open this month. While I'm pleased, it looks as though the exterior isn't getting a clean-up which is a bit of a bummer because it looks awful!

On a less encouraging note, the Corporation Street/Ringway office block-hotel application has been withdrawn but I think it's likely the plans will be amended and resubmitted. I'm trying to be optimistic!
I hope it will be amended. The origional design was crap. In theory, this site will be developed anyway because it is covered in the Commercial Quarter area... but in theory could mean anything in this city.

Good news on the Linen buildings and especially good news that the bloody flickering departure screens at the station are being replaced. They are quite apalling and nice new ones will make a world of difference regardless of whatever else they do.

Developers have withdrawn plans for a £50m office and apartment block in Preston city centre after council planning officers recommended their application be refused.
Proposals to build 256 apartments and 15 offices on Avenham Street car park were due to be debated at the Town Hall today.

But after planning officers described the design as "a monolithic slab completely at odds with the scale and context of its surroundings" the scheme was withdrawn.

Consultants handling the application on behalf of Jersey-based developers Sligo Properties said the scheme was being "reviewed".

Outline plans, submitted to Preston Council in August, were for a U-shaped building which would vary in height between three, six, seven and 13 storeys and include 20% "affordable housing".

But planning officers said the development would be "seriously detrimental" to the nearby church, a "visually jarring" addition to the skyline, and have a negative impact on traffic, highway and pedestrian safety.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment were also critical, describing the structure as "ungainly".

Alban Cassidy of town planning consultants CA Planning, based in East Cliff, Preston, said: "We're going to review the scheme and address the concerns raised by the council and other parties."

:bash: Yet ANOTHER scheme withdrawn! For the right reasons but at the wrong time, they've had the renders for months so why has this taken so long :nuts:

Lets hope the redesign is more successful.

how many floors is this ? is it a reclad?

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/8283/avenhamcarparkgs2.jpg

next up... this town hall that was demolished... anyone got any info on it?

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6059/oldmarket1lj4.jpg

Hi gothicform,
The new building isn't a reclad it is a new structure planned to go on the site of an existing car park in the Avenham area of the city centre, behind Fishergate. It will be between 3, 6, 7 and 13 storeys in a U-shape. At least, this is under the current design which has now been withdrawn and is planned to be reviewed and resubmitted as soon as possible (so probably late summer '07! :bash: )
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9158/img028pd0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The Town Hall :ohno: where to begin... As you can see it was beautiful. What is less known is how the fire started but anyway, it did and while the stone structure remaimed largely intact from the fire, it was dismantled over a period of about 10 years and eventually ripped down for the Crystal House monstrosity. I think Preston lost it's pride after the Town Hall was gone and since then we've seen a dual carriageway rip out over 50% of the city centre, many fine buildings pulled down and replaced with 60s crap and many characteristic streets and canals built over. I know this happens all over the UK but in a city the size of Preston, it really couldn't afford it!

whats the car park project called and what road is it on? also anyone know the architect/developer?

The car park project is on Avenham Lane. The architect is Cassidy+Ashton.
Dunno the developer. Forgotten the name of the project.

thatll do accura.thanks :)

Town hall *weeps*


Hey Goth, nice to see you having a look at our little city, you having a fish about for anything interesting? Anything (and I really do mean anything) that you can share with us would be interesting, things are just so very glacial at the moment.

Plans for a new super council in central Lancashire are in ruins.
In a shock move, South Ribble Council has pulled out of talks with Preston City Council about forming a unitary authority to govern both districts.

The move was made on the back of a wave of public protest from people in South Ribble with 86.6% of the 2,849 who took part in a consultation opposing the changes.

An unwillingness to merge with Preston was the overriding reason for people's objection, with 64% of those polled giving it as their reason.

Leader of the council Howard Gore said it must now work closer with Lancashire County Council in an "enhanced two-tier system" to ensure South Ribble's voice was heard.

John Collins, the leader of Preston Council, insisted it could still go it alone in its bid to run itself, but admitted he would have to speak to his council first.

He said: "I think it is a missed opportunity for South Ribble because I feel we could have worked well together for the benefit of both districts.

"I anticipate that Preston will still bid for unitary status, but it is now simply a case of asking our own council if we want to do it ourselves."

South Ribble's decision comes just weeks after Coun Gore told the Lancashire Evening Post the authority did not have to listen to the results of the public consultation.

County council leader Hazel Harding said she was "delighted" at the decision and hoped it would "send out a message" to district councils considering the changes, like Preston and Lancaster City Council, to think again.

Opposition councillors from the Conservative party described the announcement as "the biggest u-turn in the history of South Ribble".

Results of the public consultation showed an overwhelming majority of people against the move, with 32% saying they were happy with current arrangements and 17.7% saying they feared the merger would lead to hikes in council tax.

:ohno: What a surprise. The miserable little turnips. Burn in Hell!!

:ohno: What a surprise. The miserable little turnips. Burn in Hell!!

That's a bit harsh!

I don't think so. An opportunity like this probably won't come along again for a very, very long time. We're screwed.

Yeah, big bummer, this would have been a major coup for the city and local area and woul dhave stremlined descision making.

it would also have allowed Preston to market itself as a city of nearly 250,000 as opposed to 130,000 which would probably have helped attract more invetment. Bit of a shit really

it would also have allowed Preston to market itself as a city of nearly 250,000 as opposed to 130,000 which would probably have helped attract more invetment. Bit of a shit really

As far as I know, the cities/towns within a UA are still counted individually. Caerphilly UA is a good example -- everyone's heard of the cheese town, but the UA also includes Blackwood (home of the Manic Street Preachers) whose population does not automatically get added to Caerphilly itself.

That's also probably the reason the Ribble folks were against it...

I see some of the funky cladding has been fitted to the new Faculty of Performing Arts, Looks really cool.. should stand out well given its height and seems to be geographically higher than most of the other campus buildings. I shall try and get some snaps of it soon, when a bit more of the cladding is on..looking mighty promising though!

Thanks ferge, I haven't seen any of the cladding as yet just the steel frames. Sounds great and will hopefully set a standard for other buildings in the centre.

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1/marketst2ty3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Yep, it's the newest addition to my death list. Just look at the difference it would make! Knock the f*cker down!

Yep, it's the newest addition to my death list. Just look at the difference it would make! Knock the f*cker down!

Probably a worse building even than Crystal House, just not in quite as bad a location.

I agree n disagree, I actually like the presence of a building of this height here, and the use of black.. Its a dominating colour for a building, this is just old and grubby though... The ringway, (if it should stay) should have the more taller buildings lining it in my opinion just to give it that highway affect..

Its not just Lowthian that lets that area down, its the array of crappy buildings around it, namely the market and market car park. If that line of shit was brought down, that could be a lovely area with the covered markets and the gorgeous old buildings around it.

Thankfully the application to add floors to Crystal House has been withdrawn and I'm hoping the letter I've written begging the council to forget the apartments plans will do some good. I doubt it but all I can say is the marketing suite at Crystal House is always empty!

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6341/xmasfisherto2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I was stuck in that hell after college today. Spent 60 quid in just under half an hour in 5 different shops... Ann Summers! Eugh!

The traffic has been mad too. Took me an hour to get from Deepdale to town yesterday :(

http://www.linenbuildings.co.uk/video
The website has been updated to show some design changes which look much better although the main tower still needs a bit of work. The gardened areas look nice and seems a small supermarket may front onto one of them from the lower ground of the main tower. Either way, it looks like 2007 should see planning permission being granted and getting these buildings starting construction.
Also encouraging, the apartments are being advertised on rightmove.co.uk:
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-13574201.rsp/svr/3012;jsessionid=92A77B3A42AE40C1FA2B05E1DCC9D3A1?pa_n=1&tr_t=buy
Anyhoo, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to ye all!

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8569/queenstpan1he2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1453/queenstpan2xn0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4279/queenpan3wg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Really impressive :) Thanks for the update.
Merry Christmas!

Which buildings are these? Are they the same development that was all tall resi towers previously cept they had blue render and were a little more grid-like and... bland?

I think you mean this old render? It's starting to look a lot better.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2362/queenoldgk3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I can't help but think that this scheme looks pretty bland and cheap. The video and illustrations aren't very clear either, which could be to hide a low quality finish.

I would like some sort of scheme to go ahead here, but I think the council should ensure it is going to be a decent quality development before allowing developers to go ahead with something of this size.

Happy New Year to everyone!

This is already a big design improvement and I'm sure there will be more. The developers (Countryside Properties) have won awards for their work and they wouldn't want to tarnish their image with a cheap-as-chips development so I think this project will be great once done. That said, the area is in very close proximity to the vile council maisonettes and high rises so a stunning glass-shard type building would be a waste of time at this stage.

I'm still hopefull that the largest 2 of the Avenham highrises (the ones which havnt been reclad) will still be demolished, despite the rendering of a reclad we saw in the LEP a while back.

Preston could get a landmark new building and a concert arena as part an ambitious £800m scheme to transform the area.
A vision for the Riverworks scheme, a 20-year plan to create jobs, homes, shops, leisure, and a city park, centred on the river and canal, is being pulled together by planners.

Among the proposals are a landmark building at the marina end of Preston Dock and a performance arena in the same area.

On the east side of the city, centred on Fishwick and Brockholes Brow, plans are in the pipeline for a "major outdoor leisure resource".

Projects leaders have split the scheme into five sections, known as Quality Riverside, Docklands, Canalside, Central Park and Riverside East.

The Quality Riverside area, between the M6 in the east and the River Douglas to the west, would include the building of a controversial barrage, at a cost of up to £60m.

Council leaders say the barrage would keep the water level constant to "establish Preston as a national centre for water-based leisure activities." Part of the plan is to create a new Ribble Estuary Regional Park.

But this has attracted opposition from a number of areas, particularly the Save The Ribble Campaign group, which is strongly opposed to the barrage and the lack of consultation.

Save the Ribble campaigners believe the construction of a barrage would create flooding risks and bring "disastrous consequences" for the environment, particularly the 250,000 birds which inhabit the Ribble estuary.

There has also been concern raised by residents worried about how the development would affect Penwortham Holme Recreation Centre and the neighbouring allotments.

Mike Brogan, assistant director of city projects at Preston Council, said: "The councils (Preston and South Ribble) do not, at this stage, wish to raise false hopes or fears by carrying out public consultation on ideas which have yet to be developed."

The plan for Preston Dock, described as "an area of immense untapped potential," is to possibly relocate or redevelop the existing shops.

It would also incorporate possible plans for a landmark building at one end of the dock.

This ambitious £190m scheme will cover an area of 68 hectares and would include homes, shops, restaurants and bars, with the centrepiece being a landmark civic area, such as an arena.

Meanwhile, the city's canal network would also benefit with the restoration of a section of the Lancaster Canal close to the university.

The idea behind the £350m Central Park is to bring together both sides of the river with moorings and jetties and a new pedestrian bridge at the lower river level to link the north and south banks.

The east side of Preston would also benefit, with proposals to link the river to surrounding neighbourhoods across 172 hectares.

Excellent news was thinking about the canal extension today as i went into town. Had a look at the bus station too, really want to save it.

Mixed use development comprising:

food retailing (approx 6,000sqm),
non-food retailing (approx 30,000sqm),
a hotel (approx 8,000sqm),
offices (approx 4,000sqm),
residential apartments (approx 275 units),
ancillary A2/A3/A4 uses,
multi-storey and basement car parking (approx
1700 spaces),
on-site and off-site highway works, service yard,
pedestrian streets and public square following demolition of existing buildings (outline application)


Well, looks like the glass tower won't be putting in an appearance! But still, this area needs regeneration desperately and this should help get things moving. And maybe that non-food retail building could house an Ikea ;)

We could still see something quite tall for that site even though the glass tower is out. An 8000sqm hotel is quite large!

On the subject of the arena... I wonder what our friend over at Prestonlancs.com thinks of this? He was convinced that Riverworks was dead and that PCC were nearing the point of shelving the whole idea :| This would suggest otherwise :D
This would be fantastic. I am so pleased that the first detailed elements of Riverworks are focussing on the docks.

Here's a few neat pics from a good website http://lanternimages.lancashire.gov.uk/
Theatre Royal:
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/2812/theatreroyalci1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Empire Theatre:
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9804/empiretheatrezv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Public Hall heading for the bulldozer:
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6303/publichallzf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Interior shot (1885):
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/5145/publichallinsidetz5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Church Street/Stanley Street junction - I think this look should be recreated for the Queen Street regeneration project:
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9771/churchstreetjunctionei0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
All images c/o http://lanternimages.lancashire.gov.uk/

A Preston music shop is under threat after high street retailers Music Zone called in the administrators.

The chain, which has a two-floor store on Friargate, Preston, appointed administrators in the face of rising costs and poor sales.

The Preston store will be staying open while receivers ftry to find a buyer for the store.

The store was accepting purchases by cash only on Friday.

Music Zone is the UK's third-largest music and film retailer with 104 stores and 1,100 staff.

They appointed Bill Dawson, of Deloitte's Reorganisation Services, as administrator after its bank declined to extend credit facilities in the wake of a difficult festive season.

A spokesman for Music Zone, said: "The decision by our bankers to recover debts and withdraw credit facilities left us and our backers with no real alternative other than to appoint administrators."

The company, which bought 41 MVC stores last year, has debts of around £28 million.

Nooooooo :ohno: where else will I get my cheap CDs and DVDs?!!

Holy shit! I got a 5 pound gift voucher for Music Zone for Xmas! Better get it spent!

A huge Subbuteo figure could tower over one of Preston's gateways as part of plans to create an artistic overhaul of the city's image.
The 22-feet high figure would act as an iconic signpost for the National Football Museum in Deepdale and a striking piece of public art to catch the eye of motorists coming off the M6 motorway.

The sculpture would feature a referee, in the style of the famous board game from the 1970s and 80s, blowing his whistle and pointing in the direction of the museum.

The idea is one of many dreamt up as part of a wider scheme being developed by Citybrand, a design agency working alongside Preston Council, to create a "unique new look" for the city.

Other projects include developing street furniture, public buildings, street lighting and public art exhibitions to transform areas as part of a regeneration programme.

Lead designer Bryn Jones, of CityBrand, said: "There is nowhere else other than Preston which could do this, because nowhere else has the National Football Museum, which is why we believe this would work so well here."

The two sites being considered for the figure are the Hesketh Arms roundabout, at the junction of New Hall Lane and Blackpool Road, and the roundabout at the junction of Eastway and Andertons Way in Fulwood.

Designers have already consulted the museum about the idea and are working closely alongside Citybrand and the council to develop the idea, including discussions on how to fund any potential project.

:nuts: Erm, ok! It's different I suppose!

I just hope they dont use Subbuteo colours. That would look very tacky.

I think that might be quite cool. The more we can promote the city and its assets the better. Something wacky like a subbuteo man might attract the press too.

Like those old photos too, shows how pretty a city we were and some of the gems we've lost.

One of Preston's most historic streets has received a regeneration boost with the go-ahead for new shops, offices and apartments.
A multi-million pound project to revamp three stores and build a health club and cafe bar with apartments above has been approved by council planners.

The buildings, on Friargate and Great Shaw Street, will also see a new office created for taxi firm VIP Cabs.

Anne Jane Developments, based in Westby, near Blackpool, hopes to rebuild the Victorian facade and archway of the buildings, which are currently occupied by stores Retro Rags and Ozone Body Piercing.

The company hopes the revamped stores will attract major retailers to the busy street.

Although the new development will be larger than the current buildings, the upper storeys will be set back so the new property does not dominate the skyline.

Principal planning officer Dave Linley said: "The area will retain the 19th century character and the building will not cause any adverse impact on adjacent buildings."

Excellent news, Friargate is really on the up, amazing what a few lamposts, some concrete balls and some new paving can do :).

Hundreds of thousands of pounds could be ploughed into Preston's city centre economy under plans out today.

Details of a bid to introduce a Business Improvement District (BID) to boost city centre firms have been revealed by a working group set up to promote the plans.

The North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, which is leading the group, said it will create a cash pot which would be ploughed straight back into improving the city centre.

Businesses in the city are being lobbied by the working party to identify areas they feel need improving – and how much they are willing to pay for the change.

Chamber chief executive Babs Murphy said the fact the BID would be owned, managed and financed by businesses would "set it apart from other initiatives to improve the city centre". She added: "These are exciting times for Preston. The initiatives that the BID will deliver are real, sustainable and will help create an improved, safer and welcoming environment for businesses, their employees, customers and visitors. A successful BID application will provide the platform to build on what we have achieved so far whilst providing the finance to develop a programme of new activity."

If the majority of businesses vote in favour of the move, it will go ahead. The cash would be used to fund to support projects such as employing city centre managers, reducing crime, improving signage and lighting, managing the night-time economy, co-ordinating promotional campaigns and attracting businesses and investment.

Joint chief executive Nicholas Watson, of the Preston Chamber of Trade which is working with the bid, said he expected it to be completed by April 2008.

He said: "The amount that would be raised is going to be significant and, from a retailers' point of view, they will be anxious to make sure the return on their investment is as good as possible. That kind of money annually can buy an awful lot of opportunities, increase footfall which is obviously key to retailers, and, from the general public's point of view, it can improve their experience."

The vote will consist of two ballots, one in terms of number of retailers and another based on company's rateable value, with a majority vote required in both on a one-member, one-vote basis.

The rateable value of businesses in the BID area is £52m. The area would be bounded by Ring Way.

Frank McKenna, of Downtown Preston In Business - due to launch in the city in March - said having the plan led by the private sector was "exactly the right thing."

The chairman of the exclusive business group believes the decision to allow Liverpool City Council to run its BID campaign has been its downfall: "The problem in Liverpool is that the BID is not seen as been independent enough to make a difference, but by allowing the Chamber of Commerce to run with the campaign in Preston, they can achieve what they want to achieve."

I've just been looking at the Warrington thread and the new Golden Square development is very impressive. Some of it is still U/C but already its clear to see that if Preston doesnt get off its arse soon, its going to start falling far behind. Their new bus station is also very impressive, we're still dithering over whether or not we should build a new one.
Blackpool also has got lots of tower cranes in the town centre with their new retail quarter.
We need to get moving, SOON.

I fear we've missed the boat already, Accura.
NO planning applications have been submitted.
There is STILL bickering over the bus station's location.
NO stores have been signed on, we still don't even have a decision from John Lewis.
And according to an e-mail I got from BDP, NOTHING has been designed until a department store is signed on.
Grosvenor won't wait forever because by the time this happens, if ever, the rest of our region will have caught up with us (as we are seeing now).
We have a council(s) that lack vision and we will pay the price. A terrible shame but it's time us lot on here face up to it.

Tithebarn is pathetic, part of me is tempted just to pretend it doesn't exist :( - It's becoming Preston's answer to Arena Central.

I'm on one this morning and just sent a rather fierce e-mail to PCC demanding some answers! Though I think I already know them: "We are working hard with Grosvenor to secure an anchor store and make Preston the third city of the North West" a.k.a. BULLSH#T! Anyway, I'll keep you updated if they bother to reply.

And yet more delays with the Linen Buildings:
http://www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=1651&field=filter&term=Commercial&type=7
*yawn* When it comes to this place, it should come as no surprise!

Go get 'em!

what a load of bollocks.

I have just found this as well, not just us few frustrated round here.

http://www.estatesreview.com/news/163/ARTICLE/1109/2006-12-14.html

Thanks for that, Northender. It was an interesting read even if some what depressing! I do agree that the problem is probably Grosvenor putting all their eggs in Liverpool's basket and essentially treating Preston like a "you'll get it when WE'RE ready" case and the city council being too scared to push Grosvenor in case they tell us to f*ck off. Anyway, my letter should get some answers, it was pretty strong stuff! lol
On the bright side, UCLan's media centre is looking quite funky! And the FG2 website has been disabled for the time being so it should be being updated (and quickly!)

Somewhat grim reading, but with a few rays of hope in its general upbeat assesment of the potential in the city. I think they court should urban splash instead, they would do something cool with the bus station and could subsidise that using the land around it. Grosvenor don't seem to give a damn.

I agree with Prestonian the Council shouls start trying to entice or alert other developers, after all they already have a masterplan so surely it's just about the finer details now. They are too reliant on Grosvenor but they don't seem bothered.

I also think we need unitary status to sort out the horrendous traffic problems that we are facing in Fulwood, it's horrendous. You can't go out between half four and six o'clock in the evening as all the routes around are blocked. LCC are too preoccupied with other areas to bother this particular problem I feel and a coule of Park an Rides are not going toi ease the problem.

they need trams back on the garstang road, feeding a J32 parkway type thing

Hi all.

This is my first post on here, although I have read most of this thread with considerable interest!

Anyway, it is good to see that John Lewis have agreed to be the anchor tenant for Tithebarn!

http://www.prestontoday.net/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1993343&sectionid=73

Good news, except for it taking a while to start work.

Good news, now the council had better not screw this up.

About bloody time!

Interesting that this should come up just as we were getting fatigued by the whole thing. Do you think we're more powerful than we thought.... ;)

John Lewis is an amazing retail offer, they are a very high quality store and will have had experience with Grosvenor in Liverpool so that could help smooth certain things. I hope they design a really funky store for them. I'd like to see a really funky ikea too, easily the market for it.

I notice a couple of new images in the video on the LEP site, not sure what to think to be honest. Sadly the video opens up wrong so you can only see it all if you zoom out loads. Stupid LEP. Might get some new renders soon!

Hi all.

This is my first post on here, although I have read most of this thread with considerable interest!

Anyway, it is good to see that John Lewis have agreed to be the anchor tenant for Tithebarn!

http://www.prestontoday.net/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1993343&sectionid=73

Good news, except for it taking a while to start work.

Thanks for posting the news and welcome - actually I'd like to take this moment to ask all lurking Prestonians to join and post views on Tithebarn etc. Would be great to hear some more voices.

As for the date, 2010 for the start of construction, thats just stupid!! Why so long for goodness sake?

http://www.preston.gov.uk/news/NewsM.asp?id=SX9452-A780A207

"There is still a long way to go before the project can start on site, with several other deals to put in place, such as the bus station agreement with Lancashire County Council. Then there will be planning, the compulsory purchase order and development funding. We will continue to work closely with Preston City Council and other partners to meet these challenges, but John Lewis' commitment is the catalyst and gives much more certainty that the project will happen."

-grosvenor

Looks like our two tallest are going to go though.

This is good news but it does not guarantee anything yet, I will always have a doubt until it actually starts. But 2010, why!?!

Retailer John Lewis is to build a giant department store in Preston, changing the face of the city forever. The four storey, 230,000 sq ft department store will be built on the site of the bus station, behind the Holiday Inn.

Today's announcement represents a huge step forward for the £500m Tithebarn development of the city centre, which is reliant on an anchor store being secured.

Delays reaching today's milestone mean the Grosvenor-backed project will not be ready in time for the 2012 Guild, but civic leaders hope building work will start in 2010, with completion in 2013.

News of John Lewis's intention to invest tens of millions of pounds in Preston was resoundingly welcomed by the city's civic leaders.

Council bosses are today celebrating the biggest shopping boost in Preston's history.

Jim Carr, chief executive of Preston Council, described the announcement that John Lewis will build a four-storey department store in Preston as a "tremendous prize for the city" and said he expected the deal to be officially signed in the next few weeks.

John Irvine, Grosvenor Developments' executive director, said: "It puts Preston in the retailing premiership and John Lewis has clearly recognised the huge potential of Preston."

The deal means the future of the £500m Tithebarn project to redevelop Preston city centre is secure.

Members of John Lewis' management and partnership boards visited Prestonbefore Christmas to be convinced the city was the right place for a new branch.

Mr Carr welcomed the news of the 230,000 sq ft store, which will be bigger than the chain's store at the Trafford Centre.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted. John Lewis will be a major draw for Preston and their new department store is a key ingredient of Tithebarn.

"This means we are much closer to realising the vision for Preston. The work really begins now and we hope everyone in the city will rally round and support us.

"We recognise this transformation has to be sensitive to Preston's heritage and also that those in need must benefit from the increased prosperity this transformation will bring."

Mike Brogan, assistant director of city projects at Preston Council, said the whole announcement would lead to a "step-change" for Preston.

"We got the best there is – it's been worth putting in the effort."
Coun Jonathan Saksena, acting leader of the council, said: "John Lewis is the department store we've always wanted.

"They are one of the UK's top retailers and this announcement is a major boost for Preston and for Tithebarn."

Currently, John Lewis has three stores in the North West: in Liverpool, the Trafford Centre and Cheadle.

The securing of John Lewis satisfies one of the key conditions of the development agreement signed by Grosvenor and Preston Council. Effort will now be focused on fulfilling the remaining conditions of the agreement.

Mr Irvine added: "There is still a long way to go before the project can start on site, with several other deals to put in place, such as the bus station agreement with Lancashire County Council.

"We will continue to work to meet these challenges but John Lewis' commitment is the catalyst and gives much more certainty that the project will happen."
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/1549/tithebarn29qx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5528/tithebarn19bd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Well! How typical! I send a venom-filled e-mail to PCC and they do this! LOL
There's only one thing I can say and it's PRAISE JESUS! Long, LONG overdue but finally we're seeing progress however, the time scale is quite alarming. I think Tithebarn should be staggered with the market area starting first so that the entire city isn't a bomb site for the 2012 Guild and we'll see more investment in Preston NOW and not in six more years. I'm just so relieved we have some positive news to kick start 2007! Let's hope it starts a trend!

I like the height of those buildings by the market, very impressive and suits a 'bigger city' image. I think the markets will become and amazing feature for the city. Overall i'm very pleased, this plan looks better to me.

The best part is it looks like Lancastria House will be saved and renovated - hopefully restored to it's former restaurant glory! I also noticed a new "skyscraper" (for Preston, anyway) in front of what will remain of Preston Office Centre and I've only just realised what Northender meant - the Guild Centre is gone! Not a great loss, we need to start over with our skyline anyway!

Is something happening to lowthian house too?

I think Lowthian House is getting a reclad and with Tithebarn giving the surrounding area new life, it shouldn't have a problem finding tenants - something it has struggled to do for years!

I doubt that the Guild Centre or the Unicentre are going anywhere, but I hope that both will get a reclad. I think that the two buildings have just been removed from the image so we can see the layout of the development better. I may be wrong though. If thats the case, we can kiss goodbye to our skyline...

Council submits 120-page bid Next decision stage in March

Preston Council submitted a 120-page deadline-day bid to the Government which could see the city break away and become a unitary authority.
The council will now go head-to-head with Lancashire County Council.

The authority will have to wait until March to learn if the bid has reached the second stage of the decision process, which is due to conclude in June or July.

Announcing the submission of the bid, acting council leader Coun Jonathan Saksena, Conservative leader Coun Ken Hudson and Liberal Democrat leader Coun Christine Abram issued a joint statement.

"Preston is on the verge of major regeneration and unitary status is the missing link. Unitary status would give Preston a seat at the North West decision-making table and, as such, the influence it needs to deliver the third city vision and its tremendous economic potential," it read.

If successful, Preston Council would take control of education, social services and highways away from county hall.

Council leaders say the bid will mean better value for money, cheaper council tax and services transformed to meet local needs.

A joint bid to form a unitary authority with South Ribble Council was dropped when South Ribble ditched its plans in December, and Preston Council said if its bid fails it will work closely within the two-tier structure.

The leaders added: "We firmly believe that unitary status for the city of Preston will enable the county council to work more closely with those areas that are more similar in nature and, as such, want to remain and improve the current two-tier system."

It's still too early to say but looking at those plans, the Unicentre is still there but the Guild Centre is definitely gone and it looks like a long pedestrian street has been created leading from the bus station at Church Street (if that's where it will stay if unitary status is granted) to the Tithebarn area. I think the Guild Centre would be too imposing standing over the Tithebarn area, unless it was given a glass makeover maybe with a large glass atrium at the base linking Church Street to Tithebarn and acting as a new entrance to the Guild Hall. At least a new building is being created that looks as though it will be quite tall. But anyway, the plans are most definitely going to change over the next near so anything could happen yet. One thing I do want to see change is the car parking. It seems nuts to whop two great big car parks in this area when there will be God-only-knows how much space available underground when work starts on site.

And we've been added to the new shops planned section of John Lewis' website: http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSShop.aspx?Id=36

It seems nuts to whop two great big car parks in this area when there will be God-only-knows how much space available underground when work starts on site.

You've got a point, but I suspect multi-storey car parks are easier to build than underground ones. And given the ambitious 3 year construction timescale, the easier choice is probably preferable.

Possible however, the project has risen by nearly £300 million in costs since it was first conceived (and could rise still or maybe decrease, who knows) and for what it's worth, underground car parks will get the very best out of the limited space. If it's good enough for Liverpool it's good enough for us! *stamps feet*

Congratulations on the John Lewis deal. There are a few more to open around the country from what I hear.

Congratulations on the John Lewis deal. There are a few more to open around the country from what I hear.

Yes but ours is special ;)

===

I agree that underground parking would help grosvenor maximise the land use but I guess it just boils down to the cost not being worth it.

I suppose having the multi-storeys is one of the ways that tenants are attracted. As good as they are, underground car parks arnt as cost efficient, especially in the UK.

If there was any disappointment for me, it would be the bus station issue. Not the retention of the original, but the siting of the new. It would be much better if a new bus station could be part of the Fishergate expansion (What is happening with that BTW?). Why not put a bus station either on the exisiting car park, with a replacement car park built overhead, or vice versa?

This would provide at least 2 benefits, one being a direct link between bus, train and shopping and the second being the ability to pedestrianise a big chunk of Fishergate along the stretch between the Mall St Georges and HMV area. The latter would be fundemental to protecting the existing shopping area from Tithebarn. On that note, I hope Tithebarn will attract new retail rather than the movement of existing stores.

Yeah, i'm not happy with the location of the bus station. I strongly think it should have been sited next to the rail station. If we want to work towards an integrated public transport system that is easy and popular to use then these are the sorts of things you need to do. I think it would have been quite easy to build something around there, plenty of land and the fishergate car park could have been made multi-storey to free up land. Putting the bus station down there would balance out tithebarn too.

I agree on the fishergate issue too. It needs to be pedestrianised as soon as possible and running busses down it makes that more of an issue. I think another alternative site could have been on the site of the market car park (below) it would be close to tithebarn still and St Georges and, obviously, to the markets. Its also on Ringway which means really easy access for busses and an ideal shuttle bus route to the station. The new shops in the plan could hide it from view too.

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

Tithebarn will envitably mean movement of existing retailers. You may get one or two that have duplicate stores but many will want to shift. We'll just have to wait and see. I'm hoping tithebarn will lead to falling rents in some areas so we might get a few more niche shops moving back in.

There has been some movement on that plot on Lawson Street by the way. I saw some lorries delivering cabins this afternoon after work. Will keep you posted if there are any other goings on there.

Thanks Northender, do you know if this was the Oakleigh apartments (on the opposite side of Walker Street) or the apartments next to the police station?

I wouldnt count on it being the development next to the police station that we saw in that old render. The render was in the LEP about 7/8 years ago, so its chances of happening are pretty low.
I'd like to think it is Oakleigh, but my more skeptical instincts tell me its for the next phase of the Moor Lane development.

Thanks for the info Northender.

The rest of the Moor Lane development started months ago! I was in town and had a quick look and there are boardings for some demolition firm in Manchester around the site next to the police station...

Blackpool has failed in its bid to host the UK's first super-casino, with Manchester winning the licence.
The Casino Advisory Panel's surprise decision has robbed the Lancashire resort of £450m of investment into a Las Vegas-style casino and more than 3,400 new jobs.

Six years in the planning, the super-casino was seen as the catalyst for regenerating Blackpool and reversing the town's declining fortunes.

CAP - the independent body of planning experts commissioned to select the ideal location for the controversial attraction - announced at 11am on Tuesday it had plumped for Manchester.

Blackpool and the Millennium Dome in the Greenwich area of London had been the front-runners to get the licence.

The decision still has to be ratified by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and Parliament. Blackpool's only hope of getting back in the race is if MPs vote against the Panel's judgment.

Blackpool Council, which led the bid, is now expected to launch an appeal against the decision.

A spokesman for the council said: "We will be lobbying the Government to look again at Blackpool's case, and to recognise that it can only prosper through gaining the first casino licence."

Fylde MP Michael Jack has called on the leaders of the bid to focus its attentions on ensuring the resort was ready to take advantage of a second super-casino licence, should the Government decide to grant one in the future.

Sheffield, Cardiff, Brent in London, Glasgow and Newcastle also failed in bids to land the licence, which will see unlimited jackpot machines coming to Manchester.


OK, so not strictly Preston but I still think this is such a shame for Blackpool. It's still not 100% yet however, so there could be a glimmer of hope yet (but unlikely :ohno:). Manchester has more than enough regeneration to tide it over, Blackpool NEEDED this!

Following the announcement on Friday last week (26 Jan 2007) that John Lewis has signed up to be the anchor tenant in the BDP masterplanned regeneration of central Preston, the next stage for developer Grosvenor is to submit the 5m sq ft (139,353 sq m) scheme for planning approval

BDP was asked by Grosvenor in 2005 to take forward Terry Farrell’s original masterplan for the Tithebarn regeneration project in Preston city centre. The £650m major mixed use project now includes 700,000 sq ft (65,031sq m) of retail, of which 230,000 sq ft (21,367 sq m) is John Lewis store, residential, leisure and a hotel.

BDP Architect Director John Wakes said “The John Lewis signing has given a very welcome boost to our plan. I lived and worked in Preston for a number of years and so know that the city redevelopment is eagerly anticipated”

The masterplan for Grosvenor complements a city centre spatial strategy completed by BDP in 2005 for City Centre Management Company in partnership with Preston City Council. This was commissioned after Preston was awarded City status in 2002 and was based on an in-depth analysis of the urban structure of the City and its hinterland.


This is a letter I received today from BDP about Tithebarn and now things are moving I also a received a *shock* new render:
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9588/tithebarnpreston2rl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Thank you to Building Design Partnership for your help!

Sweet! Thanks for all your enquiring Preston guy :)

Just a table of posts for each month since this thread opened. Not bad at all for a P&C city thread, well above average. Bear in mind there have been 2 Preston threads before this since February 2004 which are not included.
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/372/tablers2.jpg

Nice work Preston_guy and good on you BDP! :lovethem:

That new render is pretty cool! I'm loving the roof terrace on JL especially. I think BDP look as though they will do a really good job. I guess in a way it has the look of many modern shopping developments but it does look as though they've added some individulaity which i'm pleased to see!

How exciting!

Nice render, it looks good.

I was talking about the Oakleigh apartments, I think. The ones with thw black hoarding around a patch of grass behind the ploice station on Lawson Street, a couple of th hoardings blew over so they have normal building fences there now so you can see into the site. Just a couple of cabins there at the moment, there must be activity there soon. As I said I'll Keep you posted

just think of all the plastic goths, emos and skaters that will swarm these new areas.. and thats not mentioning the chavs, I'm sure they have their areas too...

I am quite pleased with this newest render however, it reminds me of Accrington for some reason :puke: Looking at the other pics, I think this is looking from a walkway linking the shops and cinema. I also noticed how BDP's press release says the budget is now £650m? We'll have to wait and see. But I do like those roof terraces and that overhang cafe! Can't wait to see the detailed plans when they start to surface!
Ferge, the council have provided me with a rocket launcher and given me a full time post as designated freak assassin for the Tithebarn area so fear not :lol:

From AJ today:

Wrecking ball looms over Preston bus garage



The final nail appears to have been hammered into the coffin of the soon-to-be bulldozed Brutalist bus station in Preston.
BDP has finally submitted a planning application for a 140,000m2 retail-led regeneration scheme in the centre of the town after it emerged that developer Grosvenor had succeeded in wooing department store John Lewis to financially ‘anchor’ the scheme.

It now appears it’s all-systems-go for the £650 million Tithebarn project – which was originally masterplanned by Terry Farrell – a move which will ultimately lead to the demolition of the much-loved 1970s bus garage.

Ironically BDP’s proposals will result in the practice overseeing the destruction of one of its own, seminal buildings in the same town in which the firm was founded in 1936.

Unsurprisingly, the news will not be welcomed by fans of Brutalist architecture.

Opposition to the proposed flattening of the garage has come from a number of sources, including an 84-year-old former Desert Rat who vowed to lie in front of the bulldozers to save the building (AJ 18.11.05).

However BDP is adamant that the scheme is the right one for the town. Architect director John Wakes said: ‘The John Lewis signing has given a very welcome boost to our plan. I lived and worked in Preston for a number of years and so know that the city redevelopment is eagerly anticipated.’

Opposition to the proposed flattening of the garage has come from a number of sources, including an 84-year-old former Desert Rat who vowed to lie in front of the bulldozers to save the building (AJ 18.11.05).
If we get any more opposition to the demolition of the bus station... I swear, I'm gonna go all out in proving these people wrong.

I wish it didn't have to go tho :(

Thanks b4mmy - another article saying the budget has gone up. It is good to see Tithebarn is starting to get credible (and perhaps for the first time, POSITIVE) press coverage at last. As for opposition to it's demolition, the Save Preston Bus Station group's campaign to get the bus station listed fell flat on its face and (much like the Save the Ribble troopers) these people are misguided, set in their ways and afraid of change.
I suppose if people kick up that much of a fuss, perhaps a small section of one of the corners could be retained, renovated and included in the plans. Some things we've had and were recklessly destroyed (Public Hall, Town Hall). The bus station is not in the same league!

I don't really want to go over old ground on the bus station, needless to say I think it is basically a really amazing peice of architecture and nothing that will replace it in tithebarn will have the same uniqueness (or sense of purpose) that the bus station has. I can see how it fails as a bus station and I wholly agree that it doesn't all need to be bus station but I think it could have been retained and put to valuable use as well as being a bit of unique character for the city, a sort of quirky renovated centre-point. Plenty could be squeezed in around it and retaining it would have solved the bus station problem and some of the car parking issues. That said I would expect, had it been retained, for it to have undergone substantial refurbishment, no more subways and so forth and to have been a more modern building, perhaps with a sort of 60's retro futurist look - that could have been cool! I certainly didn't agree with those who wanted nothing at all done to it. All in all I just think it is quite sad that one of the very few peices of unique and outstanding peices of (modern) arhictecture in the city wasn't treated with more respect when options that could have included it weren't even considered. I understand cost factors and so forth but it could, IMO, have been a real signature for us. Alas that is not be so i'll stop whinging. What will replace it is preferable to what it is now, i just think refurbing it and having an element of what is proposed could have been even better.

I love google earth! having looked at the new plan for what is getting demolished this gives an idea of how much land there is still available for development even if the bus station were kept in part. The town centre 'apron' of the bus station would be a new street with shops in that half of the bus station, car parking on top and maybe even a rooftop park/restaurant. Then about a quarter of the bus station, perhaps the blue bit or the bit above that (and above the green) could be kept as stands for busses. A pedestrian route cut through it to the other side to open that up (I always think a Tate modern esque ramp could be cool) and you can also walk round either end of it. It could have been done to good effect IMO but I accept that I am a minority in that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Prestonian/MYPLAN2.jpg

One last attempt to convince people of the enormous potential it has as a building, despite its failings now. Have a look at these photos on Flickr, there are some really good ones. The interior ones of the bottom floor show that it could easily be converted into shops, the concrete columns could even be the points at which to split them into units. In one of them one of the var park decks looks as though it would make a rather cool gallery. We'll miss it when its gone I am sure.

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=preston+bus+station

I'm sorry Prestonian, but I've lost all hope for the bus station after being there the other day. Not only did I notice how horrible it was to be there (cold, windy, stinky, uncomfortable etc), but especially just how few of the stands are used. Stagecoach and Fishwicks use about 10 of those stands at any one time, 1 or 2 are maybe used by smaller company's from other parts of the county like Blue Bus or Lancashire United, and the rest is reserved for coaches! the majority of the time, there is only 1 or 2 coaches there. A Megabus and a Eurolines/NatExpress. There is no way that can be justified.

Why can't we have two bus stations, one main one down by Church Street and a smaller one integrated with the railway station.

If you think that no buses use the station you need to look at the Preston Bus side, when it is busy nearly all of those stands are full, but it it is a disgusting place. I use it every day by the way.

I agree there are two many stands which is why I think we should reduce them to a quarter of the current number (just the blue bit) and pedestrianise the rest if the area around the bus station and use it for other things. I'd have suggested the current town centre side be converted into shops, bars whatever, as if you look in some of the Flickr photos at the interior, once you remove the partitions between stands, you actually have a very large and quite tall space, it isn't listed so much of the bit in the middle too, canteens etc could be ripped out and put to new use. The shops would each front onto the outside so I don't mean it'd be a mall or annything, just a fairly normal building. Lifts could go to the roof where, you'll know if you've been up there, the views are amazing, you could have a restaurant or anything on the top deck. It could, with correct vision, have been something really quite cool. I'd get rid of the subways and so on and gut the interior. It wouldn't look much like it does now but you could have a more modern take on the black rubber white tile scheme if you felt need to pay tribute. 60's retro is really fashionable now anyway. I was looking at the Flickr photos and that old taxi rank could be a really cool little street cafe thing for example. I'm just a bit sick of 60's architecture being seen as total crap with nothing to offer when actually there were a lot of ideas that worked, you just need to strip out the crap which doesn't (subways) and do a modern refurb. We just lack the imagination and would rather settle for quick buck, less hassle, grosvenorfication.

Don't get me wrong I wouldn't let it get in the way of the grosvenor scheme but I wish much more effort was put into looking at how this iconic megastructure could have been put to better use in future plans. It hasn't been given the chance that i think it deserved.

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

^ to give an idea, OBVIOUSLY somebody professional could do a much better job but I prove it can be done! :D

The bus station is a funny old place.

On the one hand, having used the bus station element, I really don't like it. It is grim inside, horribly dated and just unpleasant.

On the other hand, the car park has been very handy!

I have to admit, there have been many occasions where I have wondered "what could they do with this" and thought about things like a mezzanine floor being put in etc.

But I suspect it is good old friend "cost" that rears its head again. You are faced with the cost of demolition and rebuilding, or the cost of part demolition, gutting, refurbishing and restructuring (i.e. altering pedestrian access). It probably turns out easier to knock down and start over.

On a slightly different topic, where is there some good information on the Riverworks project? I'd like to read into it a bit as I must admit to NOT being too supportive of it at the moment, but I'd like to know some more before dismissing!

I'm sure there is a cost element to it and that it is easier to just knock it down, but I don't really want to see us taking that attitude to aspects of heritage. It maybe doesn't seem like heritage now but it stands as an example of a Preston that used to have immense civic pride and of a Preston that looked very boldly to the future with imaginative design. I think the vast tracts of land that could be freed up around it could more than subsidise a rennovation of the bus station, plus I imagine there would be all sorts of heritage and buiding funds that could be tapped into if the correct arguments were made. The land is valuable enough to have kept Grosvenor sniffing around for so long, I imagine they could have been persuaded to keep the bus station in their plans. Urban splash would have found a way.

Anyway, I guess thats all water under the bridge now :(

On a slightly different topic, where is there some good information on the Riverworks project? I'd like to read into it a bit as I must admit to NOT being too supportive of it at the moment, but I'd like to know some more before dismissing!
As it is only a concept at the moment, there isnt too much info. A word of advice though, dont believe everything you read. Yes, I'm talking about the Save the Ribble group and the stupidity of the LEP in simply quoting everything they say. Many of the facts (if not the majority) that the StR campaign use are either lies, or outdated figures.

From this week's Citizen

Preston council's £650million regeneration of the city centre is set to create more than 5,000 new jobs.

The jobs will be in retail, shopfitting and the ongoing development of the area.

Jim Carr, chief executive of the city council, said local contractors and building workers would be involved in the project's construction.

He said: "One of the things John Lewis brought to the table during negotiations was the fact that they wanted to utilise local skills and local labour and that is excellent news for the city.

"When the plans were first mooted we held seminars with local firms about how to deal with such a large development and that is something we will be looking at moving forward with."

The development, due to be completed by 2013, will transform the Tithebarn area of the city which lies between Ringway, Church Street, Cheapside and Friargate.

Mr Carr also stressed that the new development would not mean the council neglecting other areas of the city centre.

"We will be working with the Preston Vision board, alongside the North West Development Agency, to revamp the whole of the public realm in the city and we want to expand the city centre and not just see a shift in the direction of Tithebarn."

And while he could not confirm the names of any other stores set to join the scheme, Mr Carr said that Grosvenor were actively looking for big national brands who were not already present in the city centre, such as Zara, Mango, Habitat and Schuh.

As for all this bus station crap, just knock it down!

I'm with Prestonian on this one.

The bus station is one of Preston's few iconic buildings. In fact I can only really think of the Harris museum, the post office and maybe 53 degrees as other particularly memorable, striking buildings. The bus station has been neglected for years now, and some elements of the design, such as the lack of level pedestrian access, don't work.

Re-allocating the majority of the interior of the space to retail and creating a new pedestrian street on the St. John's side seems to me as though it would solve all the problems the Tithebarn project has highlighted. New retail space would be created, both in the existing bus station building, and also in the surrounding area. New buildings and street layouts could still be created around the bus station, but without the expense of having to build two new multi-storey car parks and relocate the bus station. The stands that would remain, on the existing Stagecoach side, would be more intensely used, and would take bus-users directly into the heart of the regenerated area.

Forget the fact that the interior is a bit grubby. All that would go, and be replaced by shops on one side, linking into a new, modern interior that makes much better use of the space available. Preston would be able to benefit from the regeneration that the Tithebarn project would bring, whilst also retaining one of its best buildings.

Love it or hate it, you have to admit the buis station makes a big impression. Do we really want to get rid of one of the few building that differentiates Preston from any other town or city? Surely the best option is to integrate it into a modern new area that doesn't make the mistakes of the past by simply demolishing what isn't fashionable at the time and replacing it with several generic buildings that no-one is going to remember or care about in years to come.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/110/307930719_556a4a0d1b.jpg?v=1164656220

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/135056435_e7ca5f2bc2.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/130177103_307604998a.jpg?v=0

(Pictures from flickr.com)

With it's size, shape and location not even £650m could make the bus station attractive to big name retailers and it would not create a welcoming shopping environment. The idea of Tithebarn is to repair the street pattern - Preston was once made of MANY small streets and it's things like the bus station that came in and destroyed that replacing these small communities with huge slabs of concrete. Simply dividing the interior into retail units would be very bland and would not meet the demands of todays major high street brands.
IT'S TIME TO GET BRUTAL WITH BRUTALIST!:banned:

Taken from Building.co.uk

Architect and developer Grosvenor submit Tithebarn masterplan for approval

Developer Grosvenor and architect Building Design Partnership have submitted the masterplan for the 5m sq ft Tithebarn regeneration project in Preston city centre.

Last week John Lewis signed up to be the main tenant in the BDP masterplanned regeneration of central Preston. Grosvenor had asked the architect in 2005 to take forward Terry Farrell’s original masterplan for the project.

The £650m major mixed use scheme now includes 700,000 sq ft of retail, a hotel and residential units.

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8201/queenstreetmasterplanje9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Today the Lancashire Evening Post can reveal proposals for the huge regeneration plan for a run-down part of the city centre.

Shops, a hotel, offices and almost 300 apartments could form the hub of the proposed Horrockses Quarter, off Queen Street and Stanley Street.

The district, which borders the Tithebarn area, would be turned into a series of pedestrianised streets and public squares.

The plans have already attracted interest from "major international retailers" IKEA?.

Manchester-based developers Brookhouse have submitted new outline plans for the multi-million pound project which would see large-scale demolition.

Planners at Preston Council are re-considering the proposals after sending architects back to the drawing board.

Previous plans mooted in 2005, which included a ski-slope shaped hotel, were kicked into touch by Preston Council.

But architects Cassidy and Ashton, based in East Cliff, Preston, have now come up with a different way of re-developing the site, following advice from the Government's design champions, CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment).

The mixed-use plan is for 30,000 square metres of shops, a 6,000 square metre supermarket, hotel, offices, 275 apartments, bars and restaurants, 1,700 multi-storey and underground parking spaces, pedestrianised streets and a public square. Queen Street itself would become a tree-lined boulevard.

Peter Harris, director at Cassidy and Ashton, said: "It's a mixed-use comprehensive scheme.

"What it's trying to do is become a new quarter of the city centre which allows pedestrian access to the new shopping area.

"Preston Council didn't like the previous scheme on urban design grounds. They felt it had an out of town feel, whereas they wanted a city centre feel. We've gone right the way back to basics."

To make way for the work, an area of land would need to be bulldozed, with only a few buildings in Grimshaw Street and Church Street, plus the North British Housing building, surviving.

The application is part of an overall masterplan for the site and the adjacent site, owned by EH Booths.

However, in relation to the Booths land, Countryside Properties has applied for permission for 605 apartments and 6,735 square metres of retail space, up to 18 storeys, with public squares.

Members of Preston Council's planning committee are recommended to approve the Booths plans on Monday.

Members of Preston Council's planning committee are recommended to approve the Booths plans on Monday.
:D
Great news all round!

I hope not to Ikea. Not because I don't like it, but the road infrastructure would not be capable of coping. Ikea is one place that really does belong out of town.

The Queen Street development is interesting. I guess it is intended to complement/add to Tithebarn? Shame the "skyscraper" got knocked back.

Ikea is an odd place however, some of its stuff is quite funky! And they are seeking ten (I think) city centre sites around the UK to open new stores so it is a possiblility!

Yeah, real shame about the tower but the plans do look quite interesting. To a large extent I think its only a matter of time before IKEA sets up shop here. There is a huge market for it in Lancashire and The Lakes. Both Warrington and the Gateshead store reciece loads of visitors from these respective areas and there will be those who would go but don't want to travel. Minded that they are currently opening city centre stores I think that is the sort of thing that would be on the cards. I agree on the traffic concerns but people nipping to IKEA (a big draw hence traffic) are likely to drop a few pounds elsewhere too.

When it says 18 storeys, I presume that's instead of the (27 storey?) tower in the illustration?

When it says 18 storeys, I presume that's instead of the (27 storey?) tower in the illustration?
No, the 24 storey building has been sent back to the drawing board and spread across the whole site to create a more pedestrian friendly environment. The 18, 14, 13 and 10 storey apartment building (outline planning application) is for the edge of the same site.

I hate to sound like a NIMBY, but if they are going to put an IKEA on this site, then there is going to have to be SERIOUS modifications to the roads around there. The section of London Road in between the Church Street junction and the Capitol Centre is quite possibly the worst stretch of road for congestion in the whole of Preston.

The section of London Road in between the Church Street junction and the Capitol Centre is quite possibly the worst stretch of road for congestion in the whole of Preston

What? Worse than Ringway from, ooh, Church Street all the way to Corporation Street? :nuts:

You are right through, the one major issue with having an IKEA and indeed the whole of Tithebarn is the road infrastructure. As a leaky tanker showed the other day, the whole road system really does teeter on the brink of meltdown as it is.

Hello folks. Finally made it to this forum. Accura & Preston_guy already know me from pne-online, and I see you've taken on board some of the arguments! To start off, I'll paste in my dad's letter to the LEP which I put up on the pne site last week. Then I must get round to finishing off my thoughts on Riverworks...

30 January 2007

Dear Sir,

The news which has broken in the Press that John Lewis, after years of negotiation, has decided to trade out of the anchor store in the Tithebarn Scheme is immensely important to the City of Preston. It is no exaggeration to say that if Lewis’ had turned us down there would be no Tithebarn Scheme and Preston would be faced with declining prosperity and significance in the northwest for decades to come.

Preston Council, it’s Technical Officers and the developers, Grosvenor are to be congratulated for their tenacity and patience in bringing such a colossal fish safely to land.

I have lived a long life in Preston, and my interest in its physical development has enabled me to work for many years not only on the Tithebarn sector of the city, but also covering wider issues. This culminated in a monograph I produced last year to study different aspects of Preston’s future which I called “The Way Ahead”.

Now that the Tithebarn Scheme is to proceed, we are at the start of a very long process and for years to come the centre of Preston will become a huge building site (for confirmation of that see the Paradise Scheme in Liverpool by the same developer and design team).

That being so Preston has one last chance to put right several errors of judgment in the scheme as it is drawn so far. The vast volume of investment money that will be poured into the central area makes some radical redesign possible.

I list the various issues which should be addressed:

1. The existing bus station. Those opposed to its demolition must come to terms with the fact that if it is to stay, the Tithebarn Scheme is dead in the water. As architects to the present bus station we pleaded in the 1960s for it to be sited down by the Railway Station. On pain of losing the commission we were told to put it where it is. Hence, the largest bus station in Europe is in the wrong location and for 40 years its 7 acres has stunted development to the east of Lancaster Road.

2. The line of the ring road. 40 years ago Lancashire County Council’s intent to build a southern link through Avenham Park was thwarted by both local and national pressure. The same pressure and protestation however was not able to prevent LCC Engineers putting the section from the Holiday Inn to Corporation Street on the wrong line. As built, it is too tightly drawn into the central area; it severs Friargate and ruins it as a prime retail street; it involved the demolition of one of the northwest’s finest concert halls (it was Sir John Barbirolli’s favourite), and it needs a forest of 29 traffic lights to control the junction with Corporation Street. Preston’s twin town in Holland made the same mistake, but they dug the faulty section up and re-laid it. The right line is down Walker Street, linking up with Marsh Lane.

3. Put the proposed new Bus Station where it belongs – down at the Railway Station where an integrated traffic node of rail, road, cycle and parking can be established. Every policy document produced by the Government in recent years stresses the importance of this approach. How on earth the LCC engineers come up with the proposal to put a new bus station behind the newly refurbished Minster defies credence. The noise of buses, their fumes, the tannoy announcements, the rowdy shouting of youngsters particularly at weekends, the cacophony of reversing klaxons, all add up to an inimical use to a church close by.

4. Keep constant pressure on South Ribble to join Preston as a Unitary Authority. Their recent decision to remain independent of Preston is most unfortunate. Although South Ribble may argue that it is cheaper for them to remain independent, it is only so because Preston ratepayers are paying for their quality of life. South of the Ribble there are no public buildings of note. They have to cross the river to go to a league football match, to hear and see nation’s top pop bands, to enjoy the nation’s top classical orchestra, to attend the theatre, to pay a visit to a nationally rated museum, a similar quality art gallery, to study or borrow books from a first class library – both lending and reference, to seek justice in one of the nation’s top courts of law, to shop in the north’s prime daily market, and, in the near future, to shop in Britain’s best department store, to see live the world’s greatest snooker players in competition and so on. To this list, residents living south of the Ribble contribute absolutely nothing.

Secondly South Ribble’s refusal to join Preston leaves Britain’s newest city woefully short of critical mass. A population of 120,000 does not set an investor’s heart aglow with development opportunities. The nation’s 5th biggest university with 35,000 students and 3,000 highly trained staff, have to push hard to keep Preston’s name among the top opportunities to stay after qualification and make a life here.

5. Thought should be given to the promotion and the building of one or more “gateway” buildings of “signature” quality, so that the moment one enters the city boundary one is caught up in a “special buzz” which speaks “Preston” to any visitor. I have written elsewhere of the need to establish a unique silhouette and a redefined Market Square with new and very tall central area buildings.

Other ideas involving studies to bring Winckley Square into line with London’s great Georgian squares, proposals for car parking, ideas for solving Preston’s endemic traffic flow problems, the use of the Ribble when it is weired down at Penwortham old bridge and the associated “knock-on” for Preston people’s leisure pursuits, of designs for a race course south of the Ribble – or at least a major equestrian centre should all be considered coolly yet with urgency to make sure Preston’s future golden age is not inhibited.

Yours sincerely,


N Keith Scott CBE

Very interesting letter which I would largely agree with. Hopes it talks some sense into town and county halls. I naturally take issue with the comments on the existing bus station ;) but wholly agree that if it is to move the only suitable site is next to the railway station which indeed should become an integrated transport hub. On Ringway I think the time has passed for us to solve this problem. Shifting it outwatds towards walker street would simply create another path of destruction and I admit to having trouble seeing where it would follow on from the large university roundabout to connect up later. Better I feel to attempt a sort of big dig aproach and put it in a tunnel for some of its length, from say the courts to the corn exchange. That said I think its a problem that could be worked around, mitigating its impact with good crossings and perhaps a few trees!

Winkley square should indeed be fully restored to Georgian glory, we should try for a new theatre or museum on the square to add gravitas, perhaps even a contrast with a modern art gallery. Agreed too that south ribble should stop moaning and realise with whom their future depends. I also think we should campaign to have a US style elected mayor ('boro has one currently). Preston has a proud tradition in its mayoral office and a historic sense of independance which i think we should capture once again.

The university is crucial to this city and we must promote it at all oppurtunity both nationally and internationally. It already demonstrates good leadership and innovation and the council should help it to further its ambitions. Education will become key in the next deacdes as Britain adjusts to globalisation, it could also be a key export and could help to imbed an educated workforce in the city. We must act to retain many of the graduates, through offering a good quality of life and good prospects. Support for art and design graduates could be especially useful as design is yet another growing UK industry. Creative media talent also lends a place a buzz and could help in areas such as public art and general urban design. Students will also be a major source of revenue for the new shopping in tithebarn.

Riverworks has an important role to play in improving the quality of life in Preston as well as its tourism potential. The barrage on the river is for me a priority. Living in Durham with its famous wiers it is amazing to see how a well controlled river can become a great amenity. Rowing thrives here through the university and there is no reason why Preston could not emulate this. We should make more of the river and the docks/canals as they are currently an underused asset. I feel the barrage should be placed to allow permanent navigation between the river, docks and ribble link though this is further downstream than present proposals (I think). Would love it if we could one day get big ships up to the docks again.

We have lots of potential and really should make the most of it. We should put ourselves at the heart of regional development strategies as the economic driver of lancashire. We should push for better transport connections too, not being afraid to ask that a maglev or HSR includes us. Transport is another area which we should work especially hard on as it crucial to quality of life and economic success.

Gosh, waffle over :D

Here we go a big dig at corporation street - I love having fun on google earth!

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

The big blue lines are the ringway. The red line was where I originally thought the tunnel could come out but I decided the purple was maybe better. So the tunnel would go from the purple line to somewhere near the courts thus freeing up that bit of town and protecting the uni quarter (with its many pedestrians) from a new ringway. The Green line shows corporation street and its access to the train station/fishergate running both ways on a small above ground road that would be above the tunnel. The yellow lines show the junctions I think would be needed from ringway to access corporation street, train station etc. Lots of land would be freed up by putting it in a tunnel and you could still have small roads above ground if needs be. Friargate again becomes one and you could have proper street level access to where Aldi is now making a good office site.

What do you think? other end is maybe more complicated still. I think i'd be tempted to bring it out of the tunnel again somewhere near the market car park to avoid messing with the holiday inn junction. Ideally it would go past there tho to facilitate access to the court, emerging nearer to rock FM but that complicates the holiday inn junction massively (at least in the corn exchange direction, not so much to walton le dale)

RIVERWORKS
From what I have seen of the Riverworks proposals, there appear to be many courageous and radical ideas seeking to improve the lot of all Prestonians and our visitors. The key principles aim to unlock the potential of the city’s resources and, in an integrated approach, reduce our dependency upon the motor car to enjoy these redeveloped attractions and facilities.
The initial concept proposals have drawn fierce criticism from some, the most vociferous of whom have formed the “Save The Ribble” campaign. Their deepest concerns revolve around the proposed weir, or barrage, at any one of the four suggested locations along the river, and the idea of building up to 4,000 mixed income dwellings, predominantly in the Vernon’s Mill area of South Ribble. Their objections claim to be on the grounds of protecting the environment, but I can’t help but fail to be persuaded by the campaigners.
Firstly, let us consider the question of the barrage.
In doing so, we must remember that the lower reaches of the River Ribble as we find them today are by no means a pristine or natural environment. When Preston Dock was built in the 19th century the Ribble was diverted and canalised between Penwortham Holme and the Bullnose, with the dock basin lying where the river once flowed in a wide meander. Extensive flood defences to the Broadgate and Frenchwood areas dramatically affect the extent and depth of inundation to neighbouring unprotected areas when in flood. Sea vessel access from the dock to the Irish Sea was dredged for scores of years and cannot but have altered the nature of the estuary to an unknown degree, as the amount of environmental surveillance and research we expect today was not undertaken during the years of the port’s commercial operation.
It strikes me as fair to suggest that the construction of a weir is simply a further adaptation of a much altered river system over the last 150 years.
There can be no doubt that any barrage would alter the ecology of the river both upstream and downstream. Yet I do not accept that any and all change should be considered only in a negative light. With diligent scientific analysis and research, and with careful and considerate design, many environmental improvements and opportunities could be grasped. All the plusses and minuses of a barrage must be considered before a value judgement can be made.
As most of man’s earlier interventions upon the River Ribble and its flood plain are to be found upstream of the Bullnose, this is perhaps the most logical place to locate a barrage. Since the Ribble is tidal (according to my O.S. map) as far upstream as the Tickled Trout this would then create a safely navigable waterway between Junction 31 of the M6 and the Dock entrance. The following environmental benefits could then accrue:
• The barrage could be used to generate hydro-electric power from both the natural flow of the river and, with switchable turbines, from the tidal flows. Laying a short length of cables, this carbon free, renewable electricity source could feed the nearby substation at Howick which is currently being upgraded by the electric utility companies. Of course, locally generated electricity for local consumption greatly reduces transmission losses making such a facility a very efficient and green source of power for Prestonians and those who live south of the river.
• It is well known that east-west movement by road both north and south of the River Ribble is slow, difficult and frequently problematic. Regular congestion is experienced on Ringway in Preston and no clear route from Walton-le-Dale to Penwortham is extant in South Ribble. A navigable waterway offers the opportunity of a sensible and convenient alternative in the form of water buses. This route is supported by extensive parking on the docks, the Park & Rides on Strand Road and at the Capitol Centre and the possibility of another near the Tickled Trout. Such water buses could offer people living to the east and south of Preston viable access routes to their workplaces in the City Centre and on the Docks as an alternative to the chronically congested Brockholes Brow and London Road routes. Outside of the rush hours, the River Ribble could be used to link tourist attractions such as the Docklands Steam Railway, Avenham Park and the soon to be developed aquatic leisure facilities on the gravel quarries at Brockholes, on the north bank of the Ribble at Junction 31. As part of an integrated public transport system this new service route could significantly reduce congestion and pollution from cars. The water buses would increase the efficiency of movement of travellers in and around Preston, making a wealthier place for all. Indeed, water buses on such a pretty route could prove to be a tourist attraction in their own right.
• The barrage could be integrated with a new lower Ribble crossing to link Liverpool Road with Riversway with accesses close to Howick Cross Lane and Chain Caul Way. The junction of Watery Lane and Strand Road at Oyston Mill is a well known bottleneck (as is the Liverpool Road / Cop Lane junction) as coastal traffic has to come almost to the heart of the city and wasting up to 20 minutes of travelling time in the process. Stationary cars and lorries belch fumes and waste fuel as they attempt to negotiate these heavily congested stretches of road to nobody’s benefit, and certainly not least to that of the environment generally.
• There appears to be an assumption by some protesters that any barrage can be nothing more than a concrete eyesore. Well the truth is that civil engineers have left us a fine legacy of exquisitely designed solutions to difficult problems the world over when given the proper encouragement. I would seek inspiration from the ancient Romans’ Pont du Gard and America’s Hoover Dam to the recent Millau Viaduct (by Sir Norman Foster) and the Millennium “winking eye” Bridge (by Wilkinson Eyre) in Gateshead when formulating any design. In addition to providing an eye-catching design, there is no reason why fixed and movable measures to accommodate inter-tidal marine life and wildfowl in the River Ribble cannot be incorporated. Indeed, the barrage could be an ideal location for an interpretive centre to engage and inform all visitors of the wildlife in the immediate vicinity.
The second major concern of Save The Ribble campaigners revolves around the issue of building new homes within the flood plain. I concur with a number of their environmental concerns as expressed on their web pages but once again consider that a holistic analysis must be addressed before consigning the Riverworks proposals to the dustbin.
Once again, the debate is caused by the city’s peculiar geography whereby access from the south can only be gained by Liverpool Road / A59, London Road or Brockholes Brow. For anyone who spends hours per week in or living next to the rush-hour jams on these routes, any plans to ameliorate the condition of these clogged arteries must seem a Godsend; and once again the reduction in fuel use and airborne pollution would be welcome. The Riverworks proposals are about housing more people within walking and cycling distance (and perhaps zero-emission public transport vehicles) of the city centre thereby allowing alternative accesses along the Old Tram Road and old East Lancashire Railway line.
One thing is certain: in an ever changing world, doing nothing is tantamount to moving backwards if we wish to conserve our environment. (Please note that preservation, which is very useful in museums and historic places like Pompeii or Hadrian’s Wall is altogether a different animal to conservation, which is the only sensible approach to vital and viable living places in this dynamic world.)
The River Ribble has divided the large urban communities to the north and south for decades. Of the 200,000+ people who live within 5 miles of its inter-tidal urban flow only a tiny fraction make use of its amenity on a daily or even weekly basis. It is a tremendous resource in many ways and has been almost totally ignored for over 100 years. At the very least, the Riverworks proposals raises questions about our future. The Save The Ribble campaigners answer none of them.

Forgot to say welcome btw! :)

:applause: for the riverworks comment, I concur wholeheartedly. To me it seems like a wholly sensible idea that massively improves the amenity of the river. A barage could be constructed to mitigate against adverse affects on the river ecology. Indeed our understanding of conservation has improved greatly in recent years. A more stable flow could even be used to create new wetlands above the barrage - who knows? Water taxis and improved transport via a new road at the barrage/wier is another excellent idea. I think the central park idea had much merit. If you look at Avenham park and see all the old rail and tram lines it seems obivous that the area could sustain many residents in close proximity to the city centre. These old lines really should be put to use for a light rail system. All those lines that appear in avenham could feed into the train station and from there the old tunnel out to deepdale longridge is a natural extension.

Welcome to SSC Tark, pleasure to have you here. Just a question that I've never had the chance to ask you at pne-online... in your dad's LEP article, there is an image of the 2 larger grey towers in Avenham, but with a new facade. Is this an actual plan or is it simply one of your dad's many interesting concepts for Preston?

Thanks

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/9840/linenbuildingszy2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Stunning plans for an £80m shopping and homes development which will transform part of Preston city centre have been approved.

Developer Countryside Properties has unveiled plans for 605 apartments in four 'stepped' blocks on the old Booths site, off Queen Street.

The development, which sits on the boundary of the £400m Tithebarn regeneration project area, also features office units, car parking, two public areas and raised gardens.

Members of Preston Council's planning committee gave the plans the thumbs-up this week, and today the Evening Post gives readers a first glimpse of how the finished development will look.

Work on the site is due to start in the summer and members of the planning committee welcomed the development.

Coun George Wilkins said: "My impressions are what a fantastic scheme and what a good advert for the city."

Coun Ron Atkins added: "I welcome the fact that more space is being given to housing. It follows a trend that we see in other cities like Manchester and Liverpool of people wanting to live in the town centre."

However, other councillors did raise concerns. Coun Alan Hackett wanted confirmation there would be adequate drainage and ventilation in the low-level parking areas and that there would be enough security.

Divisional manager for planning policy John Crellin said planners were satisfied this was the case.

Coun Terry Cartwright said the decision should be deferred.

He said: "I don't think money should blind us. I think we should wait until we adopt the policy because this is going to have a massive impact on the environment."

The one and two-bedroom apartment blocks will provide views across the city centre. Block A will be a maximum of 10 storeys high, Block B 13 storeys, Block C 14 storeys and Block D 18 storeys.

Block D will include a two-storey 6,735sq m retail superstore. Block C will include two non-residential units for business or financial and professional service use.

The development will also feature two public squares - Church Square, providing pedestrian and cyclist access to Church Street and The Hub, providing direct vehicle and pedestrian access to the adjacent redevelopment area.

Today, executive member of Preston's Chamber of Trade Richard Sullivan said: "Anything that ticks the boxes of job creation, improvements and urban regeneration of the city can only be a good thing."

:) Overall, good news. However, looking at the plans for the Queen's retail park I uploaded over the weekend, I'm worried that this is going to be too imposing as it is going to destroy a LOT of the pedestrian flow with vehicle access. I just hope it is sensitively included rather than being a huge slab of concrete on the border of the other development. I think it needs a few more features adding to the main tower as well to add something a bit more unique to the overall design.
Anyway, I also noticed something going on down Marsh Lane which could be the new 7 storey hotel.

Btw, it hasnt been mentioned that the Linen Buildings were approved today! Construction due to start early in the summer!

^lol you posted at the same time as each other, but good news nonetheless. This should have a hefty impact on the skyline methinks and should project a good image.

Absolutely. If the new Tithebarn images are correct, we are going to lose our 2 tallest. We need new buildings to reinforce the skyline.

Preston's Marks & Spencer store could double in size as part of the Tithebarn project.

Shoppers would be spoilt for choice after last week's announcement that John Lewis has agreed to open a store in the city.

Speculation has been mounting about Marks & Spencer's plans, but nothing has been signed so far.

The Evening Post has learned an official announcement is expected in the summer. Should the expansion go ahead, Marks & Spencer may move out of its present location and into the Tithebarn development area.

Alternatively, the existing 60,000 sq ft store on Fishergate could remain and the city could boast two Marks & Spencer branches.

As the Evening Post reported last Thursday, the securing of John Lewis as the anchor store fulfils one of the key conditions required for developers Grosvenor to push on with its £500m regeneration of the city.

Jim Carr, chief executive of Preston Council, said he was unable to comment on the speculation about Marks & Spencer.

But he said: "Our ambition for the city is getting bigger and bigger by the day, and getting John Lewis is not the end of the story. This city is going to grow to something of the size that people may not want to walk round every shop in one day.

"I believe that this city will become the North West's third city and is set to grow steadily over the years to come in a way local people will benefit from."

Ken Williams, general manager at The Mall St George's, which houses one of the entrances to Marks & Spencer, said he was aware of planned refurbishment at the existing store, but not any expansion.

Under the Tithebarn scheme, a large area of the city centre would be re-built, centred on the bus station, St John's Centre and the markets.

In addition to John Lewis, which would be built behind the Holiday Inn, the development will include 85 other shops, 400 homes, a health and fitness centre, hotel, a multiplex cinema, restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor markets, and public squares.

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer declined to comment.

:) I forget who said this but someone was thinking this could happen. It could be a good thing, there is scope for a larger store in the city centre and it would still leave a decent sized unit for another large retailer.

While this is great news for Tithebarn, I was hoping that a M&S move would be the anchor for FG2... but guess you cant have it all. I'm glad that it helps further secure Tithebarn.

I've been for a wander around the centre this morning, and I didnt realise just how much construction was going on. The facade of the UCLan Media Centre looks fantastic, the second phase of City One is coming on well and I had no idea how big it was, workers are now on site at Oakleigh AS WELL AS the site for the 9-storey building across the street, the UCLan faculty of Dentistry is coming on well... nice to see things picking up a bit.

Welcome to SSC Tark, pleasure to have you here. Just a question that I've never had the chance to ask you at pne-online... in your dad's LEP article, there is an image of the 2 larger grey towers in Avenham, but with a new facade. Is this an actual plan or is it simply one of your dad's many interesting concepts for Preston?

Thanks
Cheers! The LEP article of 29 September '06 is something of a synopsis of dad's "The Way Ahead" report that he did for the Preston Vision Board, of which he is a member. I sent a copy to Preston_guy some time back and hoped that once read, he might forward it on to you. PM him and ask him for it, or if that doesn't work, I can forward to you one of the few (rather poorly reproed) copies we have left.
The towers you refer to are now known as Sandown Court (my auntie lives on the 11th floor) and were built as council flats in '63-64 - and originally called Kendal and Penrith House. My dad was lead design architect on the scheme for BDP. Since the demolition of the Moor Lane high rises, they are clearly the tallest buildings in Preston, and very noticable as one approaches the city. On all his return journies to Preston over the years, it's dad's biggest regret that the towers do not have a proper top (although putting 2level penthouses on top of each at least caps them, preventing the appearance of unfinished vertical sausages). The LEP images are from The Way Ahead report and do not show a new fascade but the addition of pyramidal roofs to the tops of them. This is not a scheme, but simply an idea of how to make the city's skyline more distinctive. I can't see the owners paying for this cosmetic addition, so it would have to be financed from the rates I suppose, and is therefore very unlikely to happen.
Now, a little tale of those blocks...
Part of his brief was that the access corridors to the flats on each level had to be open to the wind and rain, just like the terraced streets that the people that first inhabited them came from. On the 17th floor at 11pm in December, this was not very nice as the lift doors opened. Furthermore, adopting the principle of "streets in the sky" there were no concierges or controlled access to the blocks. As a result, they became unpopular, infested with the chavs of the time, smelt of piss and rather dangerous. They appeared on the council housing departments "difficult to let" register. The borough sought to dispose of them as they could not afford to do them up.
In 1981 they were bought by a Liverpool builder fo £100k, or £50k each. I say "bought", but in actuality the builder paid the council in kind by doing £100k of work on other council housing properties, so they actually cost him a lot less. The developer refurbed them by glazing up the corridor ends, carpeting and heating the corridors, putting a ground floor residential concierge in each and making secure access to residents and their visitors only via entry phone buzzer systems.
When the first tower went on to the private market, they sold out in a day - and he had the capital to do the second easily.
Today, they remain affordable and interesting residences in the heart of the city BEACAUSE they are in the private sector. It was schemes like this that perhaps influence the Thatcher government to bring in the "Right To Buy" policy. There's a 1 bed studio, a couple of 2 bedroom and a 3 bedroom flat on each floor plus the penthouses at the top, so there is a healthy and diverse mix of people throughout them.
The major worry about the Queen Street development which has just been announced is that the blocks all have flat roofs, and I fear a major opportunity - they kind my dad has regretted for 40 odd years - is about to be lost.

Yeah, i'd like a bit of the whole slopey roof Manchester vibe!