In 2017, following extensive consultation with local residents, Community Gateway Association began developing the area around Savick shops as part of a major regeneration project.

The first phase included the development of six new homes on the site of the former Savick pub.

In August 2020, planning permission was then awarded for Phase 2 of the scheme to redevelop the maisonettes and shops on West Park Avenue into modern family homes.

The existing properties were outdated, unsightly and often a magnet for anti-social behaviour, which had resulted in half the shops being left vacant.

Read more: Police arrest two teenagers after night of car break-ins in Fulwood

At the end of 2020, permission for the redevelopment of the neighbouring Ainsdale House site in a third phase was also granted.

These two latter phases involve significant investment of around £4 million and will take around 12-18 months to complete.

Once finished, the development in total will offer 20 two-bed homes, four three-beds and one four-bed property.

Additionally, as a direct result of resident feedback, CGA have also offered to incorporate a brand-new retail unit which will be used as a convenience store, together with a purpose-built modern library, which will benefit the community for years to come.

Phase 2 is now underway with I&R demolition starting work on site this week, watched by Local Councillors Phil Crowe and Jennifer Mein and housing association staff.

I&R are working with CGA’s own subsidiary company Preston Vocational Centre to upcycle copper, timber and electrical wiring from the site so it can be reused at PVC’s vocational training centre for young people.

Lee Garry, Head of Asset Management said: “We are continuing to invest significantly in the regeneration of this area, demonstrating our commitment to transforming our estates so that they continue to be places where people want to
live, work and play.

“The start on site is also a key milestone in our five-year corporate strategy to grow our number of properties across Preston and surrounding areas, so that by 2024 we can offer 7,000 much-needed homes for local people.

“Through listening to what our customers tell us is important to them, we are developing a wide choice of homes for life in areas across the city. The new properties are spacious, suitable for today’s modern families and offer a range of eco-friendly features.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines