Workman on Fishergate

Roadworks in Preston city centre are to continue down Fishergate.

The work, part of a £3.4 million scheme to make the city centre better for pedestrians, has seen major disruption to motorists.

From Monday, the work also moves to start on Corporation Street – between Fishergate and Ringway.

Corporation Street remains open but there will be narrower lanes and drivers are warned to expect delays.

County Councillor John Fillis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “It is great to see work continuing at a pace on this important project which will completely transform Fishergate, resulting in a much more attractive environment, and attracting new business to the city. I’m looking forward to seeing the end result.

“Preston plays a key role in Lancashire’s economy so new jobs and investment have a positive impact on the rest of the county. Transforming Fishergate 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.”

An artists impression of how Fishergate could look in the future

Work re-started last Wednesday, on the section of the footpath between Santander building society and Cafe Nero.

This is being done to make the road wider to allow traffic to flow better once work starts on the opposite side of the road from Monday 27 January.

On the same day, the bus stops which serve the 111,115 and park and ride buses will move temporarily to outside the Fishergate centre – rather than run from outside the stretch of road from Pound Bakery to Phones4U.

By the end of the roadworks the bus stops will be moved to outside Preston railway station.

There are to be six mature birch trees planted outside the Premier Inn on the Ringway.

39 trees will be planted as part of the Fishergate scheme.

Phil Barrett, director of Lancashire Highway Services, said: “This project will create a much more attractive environment in the city centre, but some disruption is unavoidable while the work takes place so we’re asking people to be patient. However, all businesses will be accessible throughout the works.

“There will inevitably be some delays to traffic so we’d ask motorists to avoid using Fishergate if another route is available to them.

“We’re keenly aware of the potential impact on businesses in the short term, so are doing all we can to minimise disruption and won’t be obstructing the entrance to any business during opening hours.”

The roadworks started in early August, with a pause during December, and they are expected to be finished in the Spring.

Funding for the roadworks comes partly from the European Regional Development Fund, with £1.4 million and Lancashire County Council contributing £2 million.

What do you think about the Fishergate scheme? Do you think it will make a difference? Are you a business within the Fishergate area? Let us know in the comments below