The temporary Market Surface car park will be permanently closed next month as preparations for a major new city centre development begin.

The Animate scheme will see the creation of a cinema, bars and restaurants and construction is due to commence later this year.

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Set for completion in early 2024, the purpose-built entertainment venue will be located in the Harris quarter next to Preston Markets.

The facility will house a new car park alongside a bowling alley, cinema complex, stylish bars and eateries, a cutting-edge amusement area and more.

Read more: Preston Markets cinema and leisure complex plans given go-ahead

The scheme will bring growth and development to the city centre as well as bringing in more than £7million of extra economic activity every year while creating 140 full-time equivalent jobs.

For those who regularly use the Market Surface car park, there are many other city centre options available:

• Hill Street
• Penny Street
• Trinity Square
• Avenham Car Park
• Preston Bus Station

Read more: Ashton’s derelict China House set to be demolished

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community, said:  “I am thrilled that the long anticipated Animate development is set to begin soon, it will be a huge boost to the city centre, not only for businesses but for visitors and residents too. I cannot wait to see the results in 2024.

“The car park facility at Tenterfield Street was always a temporary measure until it was time for contractors to begin the early preparatory work on the Animate development.

“I would like to thank the residents and visitors of Preston for their patience whilst this significant investment is made in the city centre. There are several other carparks in close vicinity that residents and visitors can continue to use.”

The car park was installed in early 2020 and will close on Wednesday 6 July at 7pm.

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