Plans for 120 high-rise flats near Preston’s University Square

CGI - View towards Entrance — CGI – View towards Entrance

There are plans to develop 120 ‘high quality’ flats on land at the junction of Moor Lane and Walker Street, near UCLan‘s University Square.

Portergate Developments (Preston) Limited, developed Friargate Court, a purpose-built accommodation for 244 students in 2016, which is near the new proposed development site.

The developers are now seeking approval for a part 19 and part five storey building, which will include a mix of one and two bed apartments for private rent, together with a residents lounge, roof terrace, cycle parking and associated works.

The proposal includes provision for one cycle space per apartment, located at the ground floor, to support the sustainable aspiration of reduced car parking and promote alternative routes, due to the site’s close proximity to the city and local transport links.

It would take residents one minute to walk to the bus stop, 10 minutes to the railway station and getting to the Preston Guild Wheel cycle route would be a 10 minute cycle.

The building entrance would be located to the west facing the University Square, and would have level access from Moor Lane, while limited vehicular access is proposed off Moor Lane.

The ground floor would include a residents social area and a communal space to ‘work from home’.

An amenity space is proposed at roof level for resident use only, which would serve 100 people maximum. The space would allow residents to take advantage of views over and beyond Preston.

The appearance and design of the building proposes to use a blend of grey and warm tones, complimentary to the architecture and surrounding paving materials.

CGI - View across University Square — CGI – View across University Square

On behalf of the applicant, agents Martin Planning Ltd said in the design and access statement: “The proposals will form a significant part of the University Square development providing an anchor building that terminates the sweeping vista across the square formed by the recently completed student services building as mark the connection to Friargate and the core town centre beyond.

“Portergate is looking forward to creating a high-quality residential development with connectivity benefits to the local Enterprise Zones in Lancashire, anticipating future demand for housing in the core city centre of Preston. This will only encourage further investment opportunities, creating employment and prosperity within the new UCLan Hub.

“This will also encourage a lively city centre environment and the Moor Lane development can only enhance the overall aspirations and expectations of Prestonians.

“The brief was to create a landmark building that will make an important contribution to the regeneration of the site, masking views of the telephone exchange to the rear and contributing to the transformational works being undertaken in the area.”