As the first phase of the Fishergate roadworks draw to a close, the county council has been showing off their newly planted trees.
AdvertisementAlongside the new shared space for drivers and pedestrians, more than 30 trees are being planted.
They are 20ft and will go along Fishergate and Corporation Street, six are in the ground so far.
Earlier this week the barriers were taken away to reveal what the street now looked like, sparking a mixture of comments from Prestonians.
County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Making the city centre a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly place has been a key aim of this scheme and the trees are a vital part of those plans.
“Even these first six trees have transformed the look of Fishergate and, taken together with the other improvements we have made, give a good idea of how attractive the city centre will look when the scheme is finished later in the summer.
“I am grateful for everyone’s patience and sure that they are now beginning to see the long-term benefits that this investment will have in terms of making Preston city centre a more pleasant place to be and attracting investment, jobs and prosperity.
“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.”
The trees are sweet gum trees called Liquidambar Red Star whose leaves turn a deep red in the autumn.
The next phase of works on Fishergate is to move the bus stops onto Fishergate bridge.
Funding for the scheme comes from the county council and the European Development Fund, which has put in £1.38 million of the £3.4m total.
What do you think of the new look Fishergate? Let us know in the comments below