How the Lord Street entrance to the Guild Hall may look

Preston’s Guild Hall is to see major work undertaken as it bids to add a bowling alley and sports bar.

Local multi-millionaire Simon Rigby has been operating the venue for nearly two years since his purchase from Preston City Council.

He has now tabled plans for a new entrance on the Lord Street side of the building, opposite the Bus Station.

Proposals from the Frank Whittle Partnership show how the Guild Hall would have a new 10-pin bowling alley, nine-hole crazy golf course, karaoke booths, a sports bar and dining room.

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The area of the building which used to house the Morrison’s and Brewster’s stores would be redeveloped.

Mr Rigby said of the plans: “It’s going to be fantastic for families and then, at night, if you want some entertainment, it’s going to provide that.”

He added he was hoping LeVel, the bowling attraction, would be open until 3am.

What’s proposed for the Bus Station side of the Guild Hall

Lead architect on the scheme Seb Salisbury said: “The internal basement and ground floor areas will be totally transformed by the creation of a new boutique bowling leisure facility.

“10-pin bowling and the crazy golf and other indoor sports create an exciting new offering within Preston city centre and help to further establish the reputation of the Guild Hall as a destination leisure attraction.

“Creating a new entrance opens the Guild Hall up to the exciting transformation of the bus station and the revitalisation of the public realm in this historic area of Preston.

“The vision is to create a vibrant cultural hub of entertainment, arts and leisure based on Manchester’s ultra-successful Printworks destination, but with the added attraction of live entertainment in the Guild Hall’s two theatres.”

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They have also given an idea of how they plan to tackle the Guild Tower and Guild Hall connection.

Mr Salisbury said: “There’s a nine-metre high red brick wall with few windows creating an imposing and uninviting façade with little character and no connection for the general public.

“Our plans transform this into an inviting, welcoming entrance to an exciting, new, family-orientated venue within the city centre.”

What do you think of the ‘Printworks’-style plan? Have you been to the Guild Hall recently? Let us know in the comments below