Prestonians and visitors are being invited to give their views on designs for a new scheme which will reconnect Preston city centre to create a better leisure and shopping experience and encourage sustainable travel.
As part of the successful Transforming Cities Fund bid, Lancashire County Council has been awarded £14.7m to regenerate the Friargate North and Ringway area in line with other modern cities.
The funding will also be used towards a range of improvements in and around the city to promote public transport, walking and cycling, encouraging people to consider other methods of transport.
The clip below shows how the area may look after the works
Read more: Roads in Preston and South Ribble which will see repairs and resurfacing in next 12 months
The council is asking local people to get involved in the online public engagement, which runs until 26 April.
This will help with the final details of the design for the Transforming Friargate North and Ringway scheme.
It follows consultations as part of the city’s Masterplan development, and since then the council’s design and construction team have been working with a range of people to help them fine tune the plans to make sure they work for Preston.
Read more:Preston City Council response after Wainhomes win appeal to build in Barton
Encouraging an increase in journeys made by low carbon, sustainable modes is a key objective of the Fund as well as supporting priorities such as:
The fund will provide a range of advantages to people who work and live in the Preston City Region.
These include: reduced travel time and carbon emissions as well as improved reliability, safety, air quality, and accessibility to employment across the region.
The schemes planned under this funding stream should also encourage significant housing growth plans by incentivising more sustainable travel.
Read more: Covid cycle lane in Strand Road branded ‘dangerous’ by cyclists
It will also help Preston work towards its local ambition to make choosing sustainable travel modes, such as walking, cycling and public transport, easier and more attractive.
The measures being considered for the area include:
County Councillor Keith Iddon, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “This is a revolutionary scheme for Preston which is designed to encourage footfall between the university and the Harris Quarter by regenerating the area and joining up both sides of the city.
“By bringing it up to date with other modern cities, we aim to put this area on the map as an attractive destination for residents and visitors to enjoy, generating more potential customers for businesses particularly along the northern end of Friargate.
“Like the southern end of Friargate, removing traffic all day except for a short window for deliveries will create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
“By encouraging traffic to choose more suitable routes we will enhance the experience for local residents and shoppers.
“We are providing new cycle facilities and segregated lanes connecting to the wider cycle network to help more people to come into town on their bikes. New bus stops for buses diverted from Friargate will maintain bus accessibility in the area.
“Transforming Friargate North and Ringway will have wide ranging benefits for Preston by increasing sustainable travel options and regenerating the public space for all to enjoy.
“Other cities which have introduced similar cycle and pedestrian friendly measures are already enjoying benefits such as healthier communities, reduced local air pollution, lower road traffic accident levels and a boost to their economy by increased visitor spending.
“We hope to make Preston a healthier, safer and greener place for people to live, work and visit.”
Read more:Covid marshal facing investigation over Moor Park skaters verbal altercation
There are three main parts to the scheme and below are some of the benefits for each.
Regeneration of Friargate North
Transforming Ringway Junction
Changes to Corporation Street and other local traffic routes
Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “These proposals for greener and more environmentally sustainable movement around our city is vital for future development and essential for the well-being of our residents.
“Encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport aim to contribute to healthier communities and a more attractive visitor experience over time.
“It’s vital that we hear the views of residents, visitors and businesses on the range of proposals now in this public engagement phase, so I would encourage everyone to take part.”
Design of these works will continue over the next 12 months, with the construction of the works planned to be complete by spring 2023.
The council’s design and construction team are talking to local businesses, and groups so that the needs of all users are considered.
You can have your say on the final details of the design at www.lancashire.gov.uk/fnr
Find the latest news in your area below
Read more:Latest news and updates from Blog Preston
Will you share your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.