Towering above the Ringway one of the most ambitious residential projects in Preston’s recent history has been given the green light.

Lofthaus is expected to cost around £26million and become the second-tallest structure in the city behind the spire of the church of St Walburge.

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Developer Shoyab Musa has explained the proposals for the 299-apartment scheme is inspired by the Asian market.

He said: “This development is aimed at professionals, students and modern renters who prefer to live in a fully-managed building and want a hassle-free renting experience.

“It’s the kind of development that’s been around in the Far East and the big cosmopolitan cities for years and has now taken off in the UK due to the way millennials are choosing to live. It’s about living with like-minded people and being part of a community.

“It’s a very modern, high-end product. There’s going to be features like a 24-hour concierge, cinema room, a roof garden, and a ‘mega-kitchen’ where residents can socialise and cook together.”

Councillors approved the Lofthaus plans, which will stand at 21-stories, during the city’s planning committee on Thursday 11 July.

They heard how Forrester’s Hall in Great Shaw Street is to be knocked down to make way for the ‘game-changing’ development.

David Cox Architects have designed the building, which is to include a gym, study zones, communal lounges, laundry rooms and bike stores.

Mr Cox said: “Our brief was to produce a residential development to address an emerging need for co-living in Preston.

“While many of the flats will be suitable for conventional owner occupiers, it’s also aimed at people who might work in the city and commute home to other cities at weekends, as well as key workers and people on temporary contracts or short-term assignments. Students at UCLan are also likely to be occupiers.

“The idea is to provide space which is flexible enough to respond to changing and developing needs suggested by the people who use the building. It will create a new feature on the skyline of Preston and we have taken great care with the design to ensure the profile of the city is enhanced.”

Read more: Plans to create an ‘urban village’ in Stoneygate

The plans were submitted in January last year and have been through two design reviews since then.

PWA Planning were instructed by Musa to co-ordinate the scheme.

Read more: Ringway closure confirmed as part of Markets demolition

Associate Daniel Hughes at PWA said: “This proposed development coincides with the wider regeneration of the city’s university quarter with UCLan’s £200m masterplan now taking shape and revitalising this part of the city.

“It’s a purpose-built, flexible building that’s tailored to the way younger people now live their lives, so it has the potential to be a game-changer for Preston. Not only that, it will provide a new statement building for Preston, complementing and enhancing the city’s tall building cluster.”

Read more: See the latest Preston redevelopment news