Extensive ground floor shop front refurbishment continues at Crystal House.

Although works began a couple of months ago we have had enquiries asking what exactly is going on at the site.

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The owners of building that occupies one side of the Flag Market are knocking together old retail units in an attempt to try and attract a new store into the city centre.

Several units were subject to a change of use at the basement and ground floor levels to create a new mixed use unit with a new shop front creating a huge new retail space.

Underlying motives behind the proposal are to bring back into use and regenerate the vacant retail units which front Cheapside and the Flag Market and attract a new tenancy by offering a larger floor size which will attract a contemporary retailer.

It is also hoped that the new premises will enhance the visual appearance of the property and contribute to the conservation area by virtue of a unified and simple shopfront design removing the current mix of shopfronts that exist.

The building was once the home to Oddbins, Burlington’s Cafe, Duncans, Cancer Research Fund and for those with longer memories Brady’s Record Shop, Pizzaland, Job Centre office and a Preston North End supporters outlet.

Crystal House was constructed 1962-1963 following the demolition of the Town Hall which previously occupied the site and is composed of two parts. The ‘cubic’ residential tower and the lower ‘podium’ providing the retail floors.

No news yet on which retailer will occupy the site.

What do you think about the plans to convert the retail space at Crystal House?