New artist impressions showing how the cinema may look

Prestonians are to be shown full plans for the proposal to demolish the current Indoor Market and create a new multiplex cinema.

New artist impressions for the 11-screen cinema, backed by The Light cinema group, were released on Friday.

How the markets area would develop is to be laid out with models, drawings and explanations in a temporary display in the St George’s Shopping Centre.

Two consultation events are being held and representatives from Preston City Council, Muse Developments and Frank Whittle Partnership, are to be at the events to answer questions from the public.

John Bridge, Frank Whittle Partnership, said: “As a company based in the city we are delighted to be working on the Markets Quarter development, along with Greig and Stephenson Architects. We’re really looking to change the face of Market Quarter and to build a lasting legacy for the future, by both respecting our city’s heritage and moving with the times.

“It’s an ambitious project and rightly so, as the development is the key to unlocking wider development in Preston city centre. In our sensitive vision for the new Market Hall we believe we’ve created an exciting new space for traders and customers. And we’re working with those traders to retain and enhance the city’s vibrant market offer. We’re very keen to listen to what people think.”

The events are in the Upper Mall area of the shopping centre, at the Friargate end, from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 9 April and the same time on Monday 11 April.

Online information about the Markets scheme with more detailed plans is to appear on the city council website from Thursday evening.

Plans for the scheme, which is to cost around £50m, are yet to be formally submitted.

What do you think of the cinema announcement? Will you be going to the consultation event? Let us know in the comments below