Demolition of Savick shops will go ahead; 12 new homes, a library and shop to follow

The row of shops and the library at Savick Pic: Google

The demolition of the Savick shops has been approved.

Community Gateway Association‘s second phase of regeneration plans for the area was passed on 20 August by Preston City Council.

The development in West Park Avenue will see the creation of 12 homes, a library and a shop.

While Community Gateway Association (CGA) says the local community has been involved in shaping the project, a Save Savick Shops petition last year garnered over 800 signatures.

In 2018, CGA built eight two-bed homes and two two-bed bungalows on the site of the former Savick Pub.

A spokesperson for CGA said: “We are delighted that our latest application to redevelop the Savick shops area has been approved.

“In all, there will be a further 12 two and three-bed family homes on the site, with the final designs heavily influenced through consultation with local people and key stakeholders.

“This second phase also incorporates an exciting purpose-built community library, which will feature a suite of computers and workstations, bookshelves, reading areas, meeting rooms and a children’s play area.

Aerial view of the Savick shops redevelopment Pic: Bowker Sadler Architecture

View of the planned Savick library Pic: Bowker Sadler Architecture

“From the outset, we also committed to including a retail unit within our redevelopment plans and consulted with local people to determine what type of unit they would like to see.

“Feedback was overwhelmingly in favour of a general convenience store and we would be keen now to hear from anyone who is interested in leasing this new planned shop.”

A third application is underway as part of CGA’s plan to regenerate the Savick area, which would see more family homes built on the former Ainsdale House site.

Lee Garry, Head of Asset Management said: “As an organisation we are committed to reinvesting in our existing homes while creating homes that meet the needs of our customers.

“This particular regeneration project continues to evolve from its original master plan foundations, being steered by the voices of the Savick community.”

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