The boundary lines of a conservation area for Preston’s historic Georgian Square are to be redrawn.
AdvertisementWinckley Square conservation area could expand to include the whole of Cross Street.
Currently the road is split between the Winckley conservation area and the Avenham conservation area.
A proposal to move Cross Street completely into Winckley Square has been submitted to the city council’s cabinet.
The report from council officers states: “Realignment of the boundary would give two advantages. From an historic development and land use perspective Cross Street is more closely related to that of Winckley Square and Cannon Street, Guildhall Street than the adjacent streets of Avenham which remain strongly residential in character and use.
“Secondly the inclusion of Cross Street in the Winckley Square Conservation Area would allow it to benefit from the potential funding available under the THI scheme.”
The council is currently working on a £1 million bid to fund improvements to Winckley Square and restore its Georgian splendour.
The area has 25 grade II listed buildings and a listed statue of Sir Robert Pell.
Simon Turner, director of the Winckley Square Community Interest Company, said: “When you look at the boundary plan, it does make perfect sense to incorporate Cross Street into the Winckley Square Conservation Area.
“It seems that the decision will also allow Cross Street to potentially be part of Preston City Council’s THI project which is good news.”
This is all part of a wider plan to conserve the city centre.
The move follows a grant earlier this month from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the city council and Winckley Square Community Interest Company in preparing their full bid.
You can read the full proposal on the council website.