Preston’s growth plans receive welcome boost from High Streets Task Force

Candidates are battling for a seat at Preston Town Hall Pic: Tony Worrall

Preston’s ambitious growth plans have received a welcome boost from government following a visit from the High Streets Task Force.

In January, the task force ran a workshop with representatives from the city council as well as some of the city’s leading business and community figures to discuss how the city’s growth plans can be realised.

Their report follows the announcement of funding for Preston City Centre through the government’s Towns Fund programme that will propel development projects in the historic Harris Quarter.

Councillor Peter Moss, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation at Preston City Council, said: “This is an exciting time for Preston with multiple projects ongoing to transform our city and make sure it continues to grow and adapt to the changing landscape that has been accelerated by the pandemic.

“The workshop with the High Streets Task Force was a very useful event that allowed influential voices in the city to come together and determine how we can involve our diverse communities in growth plans for their city so that we all play a role in this journey.

“It is vital that everyone has a say in how our city grows and we’re determined to work closely with our communities as we continue to help Preston realise its potential.”

The report from the High Streets Task Force praised the city’s growth plans as well as the focus on wellbeing and work/life balance in how the city evolves.

John Chesworth, Chair of the Preston Partnership, said: “Preston is on the move, and it is pleasing that everyone from business leaders to community representatives are playing an active role in how our city develops.

“We’re all passionate about Preston and proud to call it our home. There are lots of exciting projects ongoing at the moment and we are ambitious to continue this growth and help the city unlock its potential.

“The report from the High Streets Task Force is welcome acknowledgement of this work and we look forward to calling on their expertise as we continue on this journey.”

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Ben Stephenson, from the Task Force group working with Preston, said: “Preston has an exciting future ahead of it, with plans for Friargate, the markets and the Ringway, among others.

“Communicating the vision as set out in the City Investment Plan and achieving local support is the next big task, and I have no doubt that the Preston Partnership will deliver.”