Proposals for Preston’s Markets have moved on a step as Preston City Council appoint architects for the scheme.
AdvertisementTown Hall bosses want to demolish the current Indoor Market, built in the 1960s, and replace it with a cinema and restaurant complex.
Lancastria House, Market Hall car park and the current Indoor Market would all be demolished.
Indoor Market traders would be offered stalls in a renovated covered market, which includes listed market canopies built in 1875.
A contract to design the new Markets has been tendered at a cost of £161,375 and won by IBI Taylor Young Ltd.
The firm with offices in London, Leeds and Liverpool list St Helens Town centre, Lyceum Square in Crewe and Chester town centre among their recent work.
A report to the city council’s cabinet, who are due to approve the appointment of architects at a meeting on Wednesday, said: “The project is a high priority of the Council and is a key catalyst and major regeneration initiative not only for the Markets Quarter but also for the whole of the city centre.
“It will strengthen and extend the appeal of the current market offer, create a landmark destination for the city centre, strengthen the retail circuit and connect the Markets Quarter more effectively to the surrounding areas. The completed market will create high levels of activity to enhance customer experience and bring much-needed footfall and vibrancy into the area.
“It is envisaged that the Market Canopy will continue to be lively and active into the evening time through the provision of space for events and performances.”
Indoor Market traders have reacted angrily to the proposals, saying they would struggle to work on an outside stall.
The Outdoor market was part of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in March for £5 million to restore the Victorian canopies – but it was refused.
Market plans are a major part of the city council’s new city centre plan. A final version of this has been published for comments before it goes to the Secretary of State for approval.
Plans for the Market Hall are expected to appear in early 2015.
You can view the full report to the city council cabinet on the council website.
Make sure you join us from 7.30pm on Monday 3 November when we quiz Peter Rankin live, including on what the plans are for the city centre.
What’s your thoughts on the Markets plan? Let us know in the comments below