A new dawn: Council chiefs want 2012 to herald a fresh chance for Preston and the city centre

Council chiefs are preparing a New Year’s resolution of their own in 2012 – to listen to the views of residents.

Admitting the failures of the Tithebarn project, Preston City Council will take to the streets for a week from January 9th 2012 to consult with Prestonians about the future of the city.

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A series of public roadshows will take place in the Bus Station, Markets and across the city centre – with seni0r managers from the council manning the stand and speaking directly to residents.

An online survey will also be available for residents to make their views heard about the direction for Preston.

On Tuesday 10th January the council will host a ‘Listening to Businesses‘ event in the Holiday Inn Preston for all local businesses to have their say about what should happen next.

Council leader Peter Rankin said the city needed to be prepared to move in a “different direction” after numerous problems have blighted attempts to redevelop the city centre.

He said: “Preston needs to move in a new, different direction but as a council we don’t have all the answers.  We need to listen to what people and businesses want and how they would like to see Preston grow and develop in the future.

“2012 is an important year for the city with the Guild and Preston is very much open for business.  During 2012 we will be launching a new development prospectus for Preston to secure a new future for the city.  This week of listening is crucial to this and that’s why we are listening to as many views as possible.”

The public events will take place between 11am and 3pm at:

– Monday 9th January: Preston Flag Market
– Wednesday 11th January: Preston Bus Station
– Thursday 12th January: Guildhall Arcade
– Friday 13th January: Preston Market
– Saturday 14th January: St Georges Centre

Image credit to Tony Worrall

Will you be taking part in the listening event? What do you think the future should be for Preston? Let us know your views in the comments below and we’ll send them on to the council