Harriet Bourne and Jenia Kalugina both from BBUK, John Puttick from John Puttick Associates, Mark Maidment from Skelly and Couch, and Alban Cassidy from Cassidy and Ashton

The man who came up with the winning design for Preston’s new Youth Zone and revamped Bus Station has chaired a first meeting of those involved in the scheme.

The £23 million revamp of the Bus Station site – which is currently half-closed for repairs due to wind damage – is to use the drawings of John Puttick.

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His winning design is being worked on alongside Preston-based architects Cassidy and Ashton.

Lancashire County Council has brought in the local firm to work alongside London-based Puttick.

Mr Puttick, who stresses he has visited the city a number of times, said: “We have a very experienced design team for the Preston Bus Station project, and have been working hard together to develop a design that is exciting and functional for the users and also sensitive towards the important existing building.

“We are looking forward to sharing the latest work and consulting with the public as we move towards the planning application.”

Preston Bus Station’s winning design in the competition

A planning application for the Youth Zone, which itself is to cost around £13 million, is expected in April next year.

Around the same time the county council says it is preparing repair and maintenance work to the grade II listed building.

Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, explained: “The design will still be largely based on John’s winning entry. Since winning the competition a lot of work has taken place to develop his proposals and create a design that meets the needs and requirements of the young people.

“John continues to lead this process and has visited Preston many times. He’s also brought a wealth of experience into the team with Lancashire-based Cassidy & Ashton.

“Local knowledge and OnSide’s experience of running other successful youth zones are all important factors to consider, as part of creating a really high-quality place for young people to use and enjoy.”

Puttick’s design won the public vote, of a shortlist of five, as well as being the judging panels pick.

Related: Preston Bus Station design competition entries, what might have been?

Guy Topping, chairman of Preston Youth Zone said: “I am delighted the Preston Youth Zone project is moving forward. John Puttick and the team have been working hard to create a successful design that will give the young people of Preston an exciting and purposeful place to spend their leisure time.

“As with any OnSide Youth Zone, Preston Youth Zone will give young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to and we are all excited to move the project on further in the months to come.”

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