Plans have been submitted to build a temporary car park on the site of the former Odeon cinema and Evoque nightclub in Preston City Centre.

The proposal follows an application to demolish the remains of the fire-damaged building, including the Art Deco facade, at 150-154 Church Street.

Read more: Campaign to save the front of former Odeon cinema and Evoque nightclub

Should demolition be approved, the next phase would be to level the site to match the surrounding roads, Church Street, Main Sprit Weind and Old Cock Yard.

The application from the Rigby Group says the 3,451 sq m, 134-space car park would be accessed from Main Sprit Weind.

The facility would be in place for three years, during which time plans would be made for the long-term future use of the site.

Read more: Temporary car park to close as work begins on Preston city centre development

According to the planning statement: “The proposed future use of the site is yet to be determined and the decision will be made over the course of the temporary permission period.

“Therefore, in the meantime, the site can easily be occupied as a car park, with minimal impacts and serve central Preston with additional car parking spaces supporting the city centre economy.”

It continues: “Whilst the site is within a very sustainable location with good access to the Train Station and Bus Station, a significant number of people still travel to the city centre by car. As such, it is necessary to ensure that there is a sufficient level of parking available to support the level of visitors to Preston City Centre.

“There are several car parks located within fairly close proximity to the site, however the application site is located on the High Street and would therefore well serve the public travelling to utilise the High Street and its facilities.”

The planning application (06/2022/0794) can be viewed on the Preston City Council website.

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