Scaffolding up at College House

Owners of a building facing Winckley Square have been ordered to repair it.

Grade II listed College House is seeing urgent work done to it after Preston City Council ordered its owners to ensure it is water tight and secure.

The council took legal action against the property’s owners, Metropolitan Investments Ltd – based in London, after saying they showed no sign of maintaining the building in a proper manner.

Deputy leader of the city council councillor John Swindells said: “It’s good news that work has finally begun at College House. Unfortunately, the legislation surrounding Urgent Works Notices only forces owners into carrying out works that ensures the building remains watertight.

“We are hopeful the action the council has taken will focus the interest of the owner in this lovely listed building, and result in further work eventually leading to College House being brought back into full use.

“It would certainly be great timing with all the investment going into Winckley Square through the various lottery funded initiatives and the Preston Housing Zone.”

The building is grade-II listed

Major work on Winckley Square is ongoing as part of a £1.2m lottery funded revamp of the garden in the Square.

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Any memories of College House? What do you think of the council taking action? Let us know in the comments below