Work has begun on converting a Victorian warehouse into a flats and restaurant complex.
The Union Lofts in Guildhall Street is being redeveloped by Etc Urban.
Workers are now on site and an enormous ‘Think BIG!’ banner has gone up on the side of the building while work takes place.
Standing empty for more than 15 years the warehouse dates back to 1890 and originally served as a carriage manufacture.
Plans, lodged in November 2016, outlined how 17 two and one-bedroom flats would be created.
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Below them on street level would be a new restaurant or a new shop.
Designer Ben Casey, one of the directors of Etc Urban, said: ”We have set out on a mission for all our developments to be a significant addition to their location. To add something that will make a difference and ultimately help boost the perception of the city.
“The spacious apartments in an authentic warehouse conversion at the Union Lofts, with their exposed brickwork and wooden trusses are, perhaps, something you might only expect to find in larger cities.”
“But historically Preston has always punched way above its weight. I describe it as not so much a small city but a microcosm of a big one. That is, it has all the things big cities have, fewer in number but not necessarily in scale. And, of course, without the urban sprawl that goes with it.
“Using our branding experience we intend to keep that tradition going, helping establish Preston as the North West’s alternative city.”
More building starts today! This is an inside view of the soon to be 'Union Lofts' on Guildhall Street, Preston. Something BIG is happening this week. Please keep your eyes peeled 👀@Workspacedb @CushWakeResiMCR #Preston pic.twitter.com/TIS7FcjaaP
— Etc Urban (@etcurban) August 13, 2018
The developers are remaining tight-lipped about the restaurant in the ground floor of the development, saying it will be a ‘culinary phenomena that ha taken off in cities throughout Europe’.
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Flats within the development are due to be finished by the end of 2018.
What do you think about the Guildhall Street development? Let us know in the comments below