Nine months of work is due to begin to create a new ‘urban park’ in the centre of Preston.

Preston Bus Station’s western edge, which was due to see a new Youth Zone built, is now becoming a new public space.

Lancashire County Council has been fencing off the site to start work on what it says will ‘increase the connection between the grade-II listed building and the city centre’.

New seating, lighting and paving is to be installed.

During the work the entrance near the coach station will close.

Read more: End of the road for Youth Zone plans

Work starts on Tuesday (26 March) and is due to continue until December this year.

Programme manager Andrew Barrow said: This will be the biggest new public space in Preston for many years. We’re planning to create a pleasant and welcoming area for people, on the former bus apron next to the station.

“These plans have been carefully designed to keep and enhance views of one of the city’s most well-known buildings, while adding a pleasant new space that can be used for different activities and events.”

Read more: Preston Bus Station revamp is up for an award

Funding for the project is coming from the City Deal, which is a £434m fund for new homes and infrastructure across Preston and South Ribble.

Read more: From brutalist dream to council background – marking 50 years of Preston Bus Station

What do you think of the western apron plans? Let us know your views in the comments below