Menu

Preston Markets cinema Animate signs up three restaurant chains

Posted on - 2nd November, 2022 - 4:55pm | Author - | Posted in - Business, Politics, Preston City Centre, Preston Council, Preston News, Redevelopment
Animate - TheMarketquarter
Animate – TheMarketquarter

Three well-known restaurants have signed on to Preston’s multi-million pound leisure and entertainment complex, ‘Animate’ at the heart of Preston city centre.

The triple signing sees over 18,000 square feet of leisure space taken at the landmark city centre scheme which is being delivered for Preston City Council by its development partner, Maple Grove Developments.

The three operators, all of which are new to Preston, include; Italian restaurant Zizzi which is taking 3,250 square feet on the main terrace which fronts Preston’s market canopy; Latin American bar and restaurant Las Iguanas; and World buffet operator Cosmo which will take 11,000 square feet on the upper floor.

Read more: Preston Markets Animate cinema given approval for next phase

CGI image of Preston's multi-million pound leisure and entertainment complex
CGI image of Preston’s multi-million pound leisure and entertainment complex

The scheme’s restaurant offer will complement the two lead anchor operators Hollywood Bowl, which has signed on for the 16-lane bowling alley and gaming zone and Arc Cinema which has taken 30,000 square feet for an eight-screen venue.

Main contractor Eric Wright Construction is set to start work on the construction phase in January 2023 and the restaurants are expected to be operational once the scheme opens in late 2024.

Located within the city’s Harris Quarter, Animate was given the go-ahead by Preston City Council earlier in October and in addition to the main leisure anchors will offer five primary restaurants plus a street food hub and competitive social space, significantly enhancing the city centre’s retail, leisure and cultural offer.

Read more: Headline acts for Leyland’s Music in the Park 2023 revealed

Animate will also feature a new underground car park with 164 spaces, with improvements being delivered to the surrounding public realm, improved pedestrian links, a changing places facility as well as enhanced landscaping, tree planting and street lighting.

Marc Ward, Head of Acquisitions for Azzurri Group which owns Zizzi said: “Preston has been a long-standing target for Zizzi.

“We have been working with Maple Grove and Preston City Council for many years to bring this development to fruition and are very pleased to be part of this exciting leisure and restaurant hub at the centre of this major UK city.”

Read more: Cherry blossom saplings being given away for Queen’s Green Canopy 

Leader of Preston City Council, Councillor Matthew Brown, said: “The strength of these three popular restaurants agreeing to sign before the main construction phase begins, is testament to this game-changing development which is now 75 per cent let.

“This shows an exceptional level of confidence in a scheme that will make a big difference to the regeneration of Preston’s leisure, entertainment and cultural offer.

“Animate will remain in the ownership of the Council for the people of Preston and will be central in delivering secure, long-term jobs, skills and training opportunities, and will boost footfall into the city centre, supporting our cultural economy and retail core.

“As part of the construction and development phase local suppliers and trade union partnerships will be a significant feature further supporting our vision of an inclusive economy.”

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Read moreSee the latest Preston news and headlines

Have you been to any of the restaurants mentioned? Are you looking forward to the new addition? Let us know in the comments below.

Share
Preston in pictures Preston - former Midland Bank, 39:40 Fishergate 241019Preston [Listed Building Grade II] - Shelley Assurance Building 241019Preston [Listed Building Grade II] - TSB Bank, 96 Fishergate 241019Entering Preston Bus StationRamp to the Car Park at Preston Bus StationClaytons Gate PrestonWaiting, Preston Bus StationPreston [Listed Building Grade II] - NatWest Bank, 97 Fishergate 241019 View more
Advertisement
Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement
News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

Advertisement
Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails