£20m Levelling Up cash boost for Preston will include Old Tram Bridge replacement

The Old Tram Bridge spans the River Ribble at Avenham Park Pic: Stephen Melling

The Old Tram Bridge will finally be replaced after Preston City Council landed £20m from the Levelling Up fund.

Campaign group Friends of the Old Tramroad Bridge celebrated the news after four years of working to save the river crossing.

The group’s Chair Glenn Cookson paid tribute to the campaigners’ support and perseverance.

Glenn said: “I truly believe that this result has been driven and led by the people of Preston.

“It has been great to be involved and see the Preston community come together to cultivate change, drive action and influence decision making.”

Campaigner Daniel Dewhurst added: “The announcement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those campaigners who worked tirelessly for the past four years to see this bridge reopened, particularly the Friends of Old Tram Bridge campaign group.

“Had it not been for their efforts, it is highly unlikely Preston City Council would have applied to the Levelling Up Fund for the necessary capital to make this project viable.”

The new cycle/footbridge over the River Ribble will be one of a number of transport-related improvements designed to make the city greener and safer.

Segregated cycle paths and walkways are planned along Queen Street and Avenham Lane, while Friargate South will be revamped. In addition, a mobility hub will provide a secure cycling facility at Preston Bus Station.

Cultural improvements will also be made, with a cross-city project set to regenerate four major city parks.

A view of Moor Park Pic: Tony Worrall — Moor Park will benefit from the funding Pic: Tony Worrall

Ashton Park will see a major redesign and renewal, with a new community sports hub and sports pavilion, 3G sports pitch, and several adult and junior football pitches.

Improvements at the Grade II listed Moor Park will include lake restoration, bridge works and new visitor facilities.

Waverley Park will benefit from a range of sports, visitor and community facilities, while at Grange Park accessibility and lighting improvements will support the re-opening of a building for community use.

Preston City Council Leader Councillor Matthew Brown said he was “over the moon” at the news that the necessary cash had been secured.

“With the timescales given, we had to propose something that was realistic, but that we felt was quite transformative.

“We understand the strong feeling around the tram bridge and are delighted that it will finally be resolved, which is very positive.

“Even more money going into our parks is something we have been seeking for some time. It’s going to improve parks in some of the more deprived areas of Preston, so people have opportunities for sport, participation and enjoying the natural environment.

“The cycling infrastructure improvements being funded through the bid will also help Preston in its commitment to the climate change agenda and becoming a genuine zero-carbon city.”

Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, said: “Preston is blessed to have some wonderful parks and open spaces and the improvements through new active travel schemes, leisure, play and sports facilities, will help more people to enjoy them and stay healthy and active.

“Improving the health and wellbeing of our communities is at the heart of our agenda and these projects will help us achieve that, as well as inspiring a sense of local pride and investing in areas that need it.”

Preston’s £20m award is part of almost £200m awarded to Lancashire by the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities. In total 100 places across the country have been awarded a share of £2.1bn from round two of the Levelling Up Fund.

The government has also confirmed there will be a further round of the fund, providing more opportunity to level up places across the UK.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth, said: “This local Levelling Up bid aligns strongly with Lancashire’s broader economic and regeneration activities and will build on and support projects delivered by the County Council. It will deliver an active travel network that better serves and connects communities.

“To support the success of these schemes, Lancashire County Council has allocated in-principle £1million match funding from its Lancashire Levelling Up Investment Fund. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Preston City Council to support the scheme, continuing the ongoing support that we have provided so far in support of the Levelling Up agenda.”