A multi-million pound plan to restore Preston’s Victorian market canopies has failed.
AdvertisementPreston City Council had put in to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £5 million to restoring the market.
The city council said it was now exploring other options for the markets.
Council leader Peter Rankin told the Lancashire Evening Post the council were disappointed with the outcome.
He said: “Whilst we are very disappointed, it is important that we weigh up our options and get feedback from the Heritage Lottery Fund as to why the bid was unsuccessful on this occasion.
“We will continue to liaise with the market traders and the public and we have to be realistic and accept that we may now need to explore alternative schemes which are within our available budgets.”
The covered market was built between 1870 and 1875 and is grade II listed.
A report by consultants Quarterbridge for the city council identified the market canopies needed at least £880,000 of repair work.
Another bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund is due to go in soon for Winckley Square, as the council advances its heritage plans for the city centre.
What do you think about the failed markets funding bid? What do you think should happen with the markets? Let us know in the comments below
Image credit to George D Thompson