L-R: Peter Rankin, leader of Preston City Council, Martin Whittle, partner at the Frank Whittle Partnership, Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, Barry Cleminson, project architect at the Frank Whittle Partnership and Paul Crowther, Townscape Heritage Initiative project manager for Preston City Council

Another historic building in the centre of Preston has been given a new lease of life.

A former printing press in Glover’s Court has been revamped thanks to a £650,000 regeneration scheme.

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What was the Lambert Brothers press, dating back to the Edwardian period, had a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to convert the building into offices.

Frank Bretherton of Glover’s Court Preston Limited said: “We are delighted to bring this long-empty building back to life and we are proud to play our part in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.

“HLF funding and the encouragement of the council has enabled us to speculatively redevelop the building and it has been good, as a local company, to see everyone showing confidence in Preston’s economy and future.”

What used to the printing works in Glovers Court Pic: Middle Miss Ford

Part of the money to renovate the building came from a Heritage Lottery Bid by Preston City Council and Lancashire Council – with £346,000 secured.

Read more: Northern Barber company opens in Glover’s Court

Leader of the city council councillor Peter Rankin said: “What an amazing transformation! The combination of the old with the new is a fantastic mix which really makes for a set of truly unique offices right in the heart of Preston city centre.

“Huge care and attention to detail has been given to this restoration and it is lovely to see. A big thank you to everyone who has been involved from developers, architects, builders and funding bodies – it’s been a real team effort.”

The top floor retains some of the distinctive features of the printing press

The project has been praised by heritage restoration experts who say the conversion is an example for other developers to follow.

Townscape Heritage Initiative project manager Paul Crowther said: “This project has been a classic example of how local developers and architects can work successfully with the council and the Heritage Lottery Fund to identify, design and deliver quality restoration projects that rediscovers our past and adds to the historic fabric of our city.

“Each new scheme we help to make happen is also part of the wider regeneration of Preston city centre that we are now starting to witness, including the work to breathe new life into nearby Winckley Square.”

Read more: Historic and listed buildings in Preston being restored

The printing press was established in 1899 but had been left to rot for a number of years.

Architectural lead for the project from the Frank Whittle Partnership Barry Cleminson said: “Without the lottery funding support the refurbishment would not have taken place and we would have been left with a prominent building in the city centre remaining unrestored and vacant.

“There are other similar derelict buildings in need of restoration and it’s great to see all parties working hard to breathe new life into Preston’s historic past and give them a welcome new lease of life.

“There is demand in Preston for modern, refurbished small offices and the history and interior design, which respects that heritage, is an added plus.”

Developers say the revamp has generated strong interest, and they have had interest from firms to buy the whole building.

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