Easterly view of the completed new look Fishergate with it’s ‘shared space’ highway

Nine months more of roadworks in the centre of Preston begin from Monday.

Fishergate is to see a second stretch turned into the controversial shared space area in a £6 million scheme.

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Workers from Lancashire County Council begin the digging on the stretch from the Cheapside junction to Cannon Street. The top end of Fishergate at Guildhall Street also sees the new look shared space work.

By November the entire stretch from Cheapside to Winckley Street is to be completed – although work pauses during the Christmas shopping period until January 2016 when the Cheapside junction to the Minster is finished.

County councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “It is fantastic news that we now have the funding to finish the rest of Fishergate so quickly after the first phase was completed. The continuation of the granite paving and tree-lined high street will create a much more attractive environment in the city centre, and will enhance the economic viability of the city centre.

“Preston plays a key role in Lancashire’s economy so an inviting city centre that attracts new jobs and investment will have a positive impact on the rest of the county. However, improving Fishergate is just one piece in the jigsaw and this is the first phase of a longer-term strategy that we’re working on with Preston City Council to develop the city centre and surrounding area.

“Unfortunately to make this happen some disruption is unavoidable so we ask for your continued patience. We have seen from the first phase the difference that this investment will make to our city centre so please do bear with us as it will be worth it when it is complete.”

New look Fishergate is continuing down to the train station

Key changes as part of the new Fishergate scheme

Fishergate will become one way with permanent removal of the right turn from Cannon Street.

A new left turn will be put into place at Cannon Street instead.

Guildhall Street, at the section next to Fishergate, will be temporarily closed to through traffic until part of the roadworks are finished in the Spring.

The bus stop outside Boots is temporarily out of use until the Spring, the Fishergate stops or Lancaster Road are to be used instead.

All businesses are due to remain open as usual during the work.

What do you think about the Fishergate works? Will they affect you or your business? Let us know in the comments below