PRESTON | Full Summary of Projects

[Accura4Matalan]

LCC dont give a toss about Preston, which is wierd as we are the largest economic powerhouse in Lancashire. They seem to spend most of their time bigging up Lytham, Lancaster and Clitheroe while kissing Blackburn's and Blackpool's ass at the same time because they cant accept that they dont have any power there.
I'm not sure that this project will affect Riverworks as much as people make out it will.
About a quarter of the overall plan is focussed in the Docklands area, and most of that part of the plan is focussed around the main dock basin, which is quite far from Wall End Road.
Its still a disgusting plan which should be on an industrial estate, and should definately not be built on this site.

[Accura4Matalan]

There is quite a bit of interesting stuff in tonights LEP. Firstly is that the unveiling of the Tithebarn plans have been delayed AGAIN until September because a lot of people are on holiday. Second is an article saying that once all the major projects are sorted in the city, planning for the 2012 Preston Guild will begin. And finally is that the railway museum on the docks will open in the Autumn

[Preston_guy]

Shame about the delay but it's become natural to expect a delay where Tithebarn is concerned. At least it should be just a month now until we can finally see it. I'm glad the council see the need to start planning for the guild now. It should be the biggest yet, out first one as a city and of course, it will be taking place in a new Preston. Maybe they will include some kind of Olympic-themed events to attract people to the Guild. And the railway museum is a welcome addition to the docks.

[Accura4Matalan]

Went around this evening taking various photos...

One of the various new apartment developments recently gone up in the Church St area. Checked down Manchester Road, no construction going on just yet.


A depressing sight if ever I saw one...


Work now properly going on with the recladding of the Holiday Inn. A significant section of the car park has been sealed off too.


Yet another pub on Moor Lane awaiting demolition to make way for new apartments


Work continues on the Moor Lane flats. The drilling machine has now gone. A lot more activity on site than when I last saw it.


Norwhich Union. Its amazing how much better it looks since the small reclad.


New windows being installed on Preston Office Centre. Gotta say, it makes it look a lot better.


Oh well. Crap weather for taking photos really

[Accura4Matalan]

Interesting piece about the regeneration of Avenham Park being taken forward:

Preston bids for £2.8m lottery funding to re-vamp Avenham and Miller Park

22/08/2005

PRESTON City Council has submitted a bid for £2.8 million to the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve and restore Avenham and Miller Park, it was revealed today.

If this bid is successful, the cash will fund improvements including:

* Restoring railings, gates and grottos

* Improvements to cycle ways and drainage

* New lighting

* Restoration of historic features including the Swiss Chalet and Belvedere

* The construction of a new pavilion in Avenham Park to include a café/restaurant, toilets, meeting room, function room, exhibition space and Park Manager’s office

In addition to the bid, planning applications have also been submitted for:

* Planning permission for construction of the pavilion and landscape work

* Listed building consent for restoration of the Swiss Chalet and Belvedere

* Conservation area consent for the demolition of the bandstand and toilets in Miller Park, which are to be replaced by the toilets in the pavilion if the funding is approved.

Councillor Veronica Afrin, Executive Member for Regeneration, Community and Leisure, said:

“If the Heritage Lottery bid is successful, we will be able to transform the park with a new state of the art pavilion, improved lighting and a range of new facilities. We will also be able to restore historic features to bring Avenham and Miller Park back to its former glory.

“We took a major step towards achieving the funding last year when we were awarded £120,900 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to draw up the improvement plans. These plans, together with the design for the new pavilion by architect Ian McChesney, have been submitted as part of the bid.

“Improving the city’s parks is one of the council’s top priorities and if the lottery funding bid is successful, we can make one of Preston’s most popular parks an even better place to visit.”

There was also a piece in tonights LEP about a large new M&S store at Deepdale shopping park. It also said that Deepdale is in the top 20 shopping parks in the UK

[Accura4Matalan]

The LEP is tonight reporting that seven new park and rides are being planned for Preston and Lancaster. The Preston ones would be at Jnc1 on the M55 at Broughton, the M6 Jnc31 at Salmesbury, the Broad Oak Lane roundabout in Penwortham, another one at Riversway and one at M6 Jnc31a in Fulwood.
Also in is a version of the article I posted yesterday with a couple of new renderings of the pavillion.
Also, somebody wrote in suggesting a tram link from the new bus station site to the railway station running along Fishergate, like the one which runs along Southport pier. I think its a pretty good idea

[Preston_guy]

I like the idea of a tram, but putting it down Fishergate would really f*ck up traffic in that area. Imagine cars leaving St George's car park and having to wait for trams, and the trams and buses as well would just make it far too congested. An underground line would be ideal but the council isn't brave enough to try something like that. It could have joined with a tram network (linking it to the rest of the city) from the train station, if they persued the tram idea but it appears they like these guided bus things. The underground link would also probably cost too much and the area is too hilly. It's most likely the cheaper option, a shuttle bus service, will run from the bus station to the train station. However, with the right planning a tram line down Fishergate could work very well. Only time, money and the common sense of our beloved council will tell...

[Accura4Matalan]

Unfortunately, the planned tram idea would not run along Fishergate, but underneath and across it next to the railway station. I did this before the Riverworks plan was published. It was more based on what the council's plan was. Since then, it has been suggested that guided busways, not trams would run along the former Longridge line (northern line).
The stations along the northern line I just made up based on demand and transport strategy documents. The other stations are shown on the Riverworks map.

[Accura4Matalan]

Ta phook?!
In this weeks planning applications!



Now we finally know why there has been a delay! If they are converting the building into apartments, this could mean major alterations to not only the facade, but the exterior structure of the tower!
We could be looking at balcony cuttings, new roof, alterations to podium top etc.
Excellent!

[Accura4Matalan]

Ambitious plans may create jobs
PLANS for an ambitious multimillion pound garden centre, marina and leisure facility that could create 280 new full and part-time jobs have been tabled.
Barton Grange Group obtained planning permission for the scheme in Brock, near Preston, last year, but the company has since re-designed the layout and is to submit the new plans this week.
If permitted, the project will make Barton Grange one of the biggest employers in the area, with more than 400 staff.
The main change is the planned garden centre building, which has been rotated 90 degrees to enable the cafe and restaurant within the centre to benefit from picturesque views of the River Brock, and to provide a better link with the planned chandlery and restaurant.
Barton Grange Garden Centres managing director Guy Topping said: "The fact that we've moved the garden centre building does mean that we will have to seek new planning permission. We feel it's worth delaying the project slightly to make sure we get it absolutely right.
"We are confident that permission will have been granted by early 2006, at which point we shall start work and we expect to open the Garden Centre and Marina early in 2007.
"We want it to be as good as possible, so we have fine-tuned the plans."
Various elements within the 15-acre core area of the 52-acre site have been changed.
The marina and boathouse have swapped places with the restaurant, hotel and chandlery, and are now in a more secluded position away from the roadside.
It means the hotel and restaurant buildings will be visible from the road rather than the boathouse.
The scheme will also include a new roundabout on the A6, which will have a spur road leading into the new complex. The company is hoping the new plan will be approved within the next five to six months.
Assuming the plans are passed and the Government Office North West backs the scheme, work on the first phase of a £12m investment in Bilsborrow/Myerscough, – the 80-berth marina, service block for boat users and garden centre – would begin next spring, with opening scheduled for Spring 2007.
Staff at the existing Barton Grange garden centre in Barton, which will close if the updated plans get the go ahead, would transfer to Brock.
Work on the second phase, a chandlery and restaurant, would begin in 2007. Future phases would include a 40-bed lodge-style hotel.
However, Barton Grange has planning permission for a £3m project to double the size of its existing hotel on the current garden centre site at Barton. Myerscough and Bilsborrow Parish Council has arranged a public meeting on September 22 at 7pm at Bilsborrow Village Hall.
e-mail: stef.hall@lep.co.uk

[Accura4Matalan]

The LEP's report on Crystal House apartments plan:

The ugliest building in Preston


CRYSTAL HOUSE: From ugly duckling, before the recent re-cladding, to must-have flats?

For £200,000 you could live in Preston's ugliest building.
That's because the owners of controversial tower block Crystal House have launched ambitious plans to turn empty offices into 48 prestigious apartments.
They want to convert floors three to 10 into one, two and three-bedroomed flats, costing between £150,000 and £200,000.
The owners, Deutsche UK Retail Property Fund, based in London, plan to plough almost £5m into the project which they hope will get the go-ahead from Preston Council.
As part of the plans, they also want the Birley Street building to lose its "ugly" tag once and for all and plan to re-clad the entire tower.
This follows on from a £2m project to re-clad the podium with ceramic panels to help it blend in with the nearby Harris Museum and the former Post Office building.
James Tibbles, director of Larraby Land, the developers working on behalf of Deutsche, said the new-look building would have a "clean and crisp design."
He said: "At the moment, it's an eyesore. It's very 1960s architecture which is ghastly but we can't knock the building down.
"We've spent a lot of time and money in seeking to create the right architectural statement within the constraints of the building and I think we've done a first-class job.
"Most people will agree that the phase one work has transformed the lower floors and we would hope that the tower would have the same effect. It will be lively and there will be people going in and coming out at all times and that transforms perceptions.
"In the medium term, with Tithebarn, which is significantly larger than anything else Preston has seen, this building will become a pivotal location. People will not view it as: Oh God, what's that?"
Originally the plan was to market Crystal House for office space but that option has proved not to be viable and the offices are all now empty. The last tenant, Birchall, Blackburn and Co Solicitors, moved out in May. Mr Tibbles said: "There isn't a market for Crystal House any more. The Preston office market has evolved in such a way that if you don't have car parking, nobody wants to take your units.
"The tower has been available two and a half years and we've had only two inquiries.."
Today, a former Preston mayor and the council's historic environment champion said the building was a "mistake".
Coun Jonathan Saksena, who has the job of ensuring the city's history is promoted, said: "I would be prepared to contribute to the cost of knocking it down with a bulldozer.
"Whatever you do with a trashy building, it's not going to improve its appearance.
"They've tried to make the lower levels look more presentable but there's still a ridiculous tower on the top of it. It's one of the numerous unfortunate mistakes that were made in the 1960s."
e-mail: emma.broom@lep.co.uk
31 August 2005

[Preston_guy]

Still should have been demolished. Of course, will never happen now. Can't see the apartments being that sought after, with regular fair's etc on the flag market and drunken party-goers stumbling around at night. Oh well, we'll see wot happens...

[Accura4Matalan]

Interesting article about a new project on Friargate:

Through gateway to new era of shopping
The regeneration of Preston's Friargate has been given a boost after plans were unveiled to demolish a row of boarded-up shops and replace them with new retail units and apartments.
Millions of pounds have been spent on the street, which lies in the heart of the city, but, despite the cash flowing in, there are still pockets of run-down buildings.
Now Wigan-based developers Parkinson Property Consultants has applied for planning permission to demolish three empty shops at 70-74 Friargate and the former Friargate Social Club.
It is hoped the buildings will be replaced with a three-storey building housing three shops and 16 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The news comes just days after the Evening Post reported that a Fulwood businessman had applied to convert shops at 124 and 125 Friargate into a new restaurant and wine bar.
Local businesses have welcomed the moves, which they hope will improve the look of the busy street.
Ronnie Fitzpatrick, landlord of the nearby Dog and Partridge, said the development would only benefit other shops and pubs along Friargate.
He said: "This is fantastic news and I'm totally behind this project.
"But they must be proper shops and not takeaways in order to fit in with the character of the rest of the street.
"The council has spent thousands on new street furniture and anything else would be a waste.
"These new stores will attract more people to Friargate and other shops and pubs will undoubtedly benefit from the passing trade at lunchtimes and during the evening."
The area has already seen massive investment by the city council, with the installing of new pavements, lighting, flowers and controversial decorative balls.
Babs Murphy, chief executive of Preston and Central Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the plans.
She said: "This is great news for the city.
"This development will put this site back into productive use.
"Preston is a key city in the North West and it continues to attract investment from all areas in the UK.
"The city is vibrant and has great potential for a mixed use project combining upscale residences with quality retail outlets."
The application will be considered by Preston Council's planning department in October.
Developers Parkinson Property Consultants were unavailable for comment.
e-mail: suzanne.harvey@lep.co.uk

Another thing, has anybody noticed that that horrible white building in between Friargate and Corporation Street has been painted black?!
I think it looks a lot better, would have prefered to have seen it bulldozed though
I used the bus station with my g/f today to goto Manchester. Once again affirming just how much I hate the thing...

[Accura4Matalan]

Heh, this should get them to speed up, thank God...

Get your act together...or pay £250,000
Preston's planning service has been rapped for dithering on applications – and could be faced with a £250,000 penalty if it fails to improve.
Government-appointed inspectors looked at the service provided by the city council and decided improvements were needed, particularly in handling major applications.
It is dealing with only 33.3% within 13 weeks, instead of the 60% target.
Officers feel the planning committee delays around 30% of cases by overturning officers' recommendations, for example.
More than 90% of all planning applications are determined quicker than government targets require, but the remaining schemes, which are large scale applications, fall short of the standards.
With the £500m Tithebarn development looming, along with the £80m Riverworks project, it is felt that the service must have its house in order.
Fears have been raised that it could also hold the council back from getting an "excellent" rating and could lead to staff being demotivated.
The report, by consultants Addison and Associates, said: "While a great deal of change has been achieved, the service is still at a critical stage of this process.
"The capacity of the service to improve its performance on major applications is of concern.
"A single, prioritised improvement plan would benefit the service managers and members aiming to implement change."
In response to the criticisms, a task and finishing group will be set up to tackle problems.
Coun John Collins, leader of the council, said: "Although it says we're doing very well overall, the report does make some criticisms.
"We're being asked, as if this was a school inspection, to produce and approve a planning service improvement plan.
"The people on this task and finishing group will look at the way it's done in other areas.
"I think it's very important but I think we have to have an improvement plan and there are penalties if we don't – that could be £250,000."
Coun Ken Hudson, leader of the Tories, said: "If we don't do this, the consequences are dire."
The planning service is governed by a number of Best Value Performance Indicator targets which are established by central government.
It must meet a series of national performance targets by March 2007.
Coun Steven Brooks (Res) said: "The whole planning policy is about getting the right developments for the people of Preston and that's more important than meeting targets.
"It's more important than meeting the requirements of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, who has nothing to do with Preston."
The task and finishing group, made up of members of the Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem and Labour Independent groups, will make recommendations and a final decision will be made by full council.
According to national targets to be met by March 2007, 60% of major applications must be dealt with in 13 weeks, 65% in eight weeks for minor applications and 80% in eight weeks for other applications.
In Preston, the 13 week deadline was hit in only 33.3% of cases.
Major applications concern proposals for at least 10 homes, or other developments where the floor area is more than 10,000 metres squared for outline sites, or 1,000 metres squared for full details.
e-mail: emma.broom@lep.co.uk
06 September 2005

I hope they head that message. Could mean we may be getting a decision on the Ringway tower soon.

Also an article about councillors taking the wasteplant battle to the European authorities (good on em'!) and an article about plans to replace a huge factory eyesore in Fishwick with new homes (I'll add that to the project list)

[Preston_guy]

Great news thanks for all the updates Accura. I'm really pleased about the plans for Friargate, it could become a really great place. And it's about time something was done about the council's lame efforts when it comes to planning applications etc It's not just Tithebarn, they really p*ss about with most major applications. They need some initiative!

[Preston_guy]

Just seen the renderings of how Crystal House might look. Looks pretty good!

[Accura4Matalan]

I like! Looks like a completely new building in the renders
Pics:

[Accura4Matalan]

A massive drilling machine has appeared on the site in between Homebase and Morrisons on the docks! This is turning out to be more than just a phone box or a security office!!!

[Accura4Matalan]

Picture of the Holiday Inn today... as you can see, 2 recladding platforms have been attached to the top of the building. The cladding on the side with the scaffolding attached has been completely stripped. Nice to see this moving on.

[wjfox]

http://www.24x7updates.com/FullStory...ID-200438.html