Have your say on planned redevelopment of Friargate South

Aerial view of planned improvements to Friargate South from the Harris to Ringway — The Friargate South scheme is ‘the missing piece of the puzzle’

A public consultation has been launched for the redevelopment of Friargate between the Flag Market and Ringway.

Business owners, landlords and the general public are being invited to ‘Have Your Say’ and comment on the Friargate South improvement scheme, which is expected to start in autumn next year.

The scheme is being funded from the city’s £20m ‘Active Preston’ Levelling Up Fund Programme. It will be delivered by Preston City Council, working in partnership with Eric Wright Civil Engineering.

To support a package of Active Travel schemes, Lancashire County Council has allocated in principle £1m match funding from its Levelling Up Investment Fund.

The improvements are designed to encourage cycle and pedestrian movement through Friargate South, Cheapside and Orchard Street.

The aim is to connect with the public realm improvements that have already taken place on Fishergate, Friargate North and the Market Hall, as well as planned improvements under the Towns Fund-supported Illuminate and Integrate Scheme.

A design for Orchard Street has been included in the development plans, and, if funds are secured, this element of the scheme will also be implemented.

Leader of Preston City Council, Councillor Matthew Brown, said: “There have been a number of proposals to improve pavements, lighting and safety throughout the city centre and the Friargate South Scheme is the missing piece of the puzzle.

“The works that will include new pavements, cycle paths, seating, trees and landscaping, will tie in with what has already been achieved in other areas of the city centre, providing better links with the Harris Quarter and the University of Central Lancashire campus, as well as other existing pedestrian and cycle networks in the city.

“It will also make the area more attractive to encourage new retail outlets to the area and fits in with our plans for cultural enrichment and diversity of leisure and entertainment in the central hub.”

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth at Lancashire County Council, said: “These plans are another great example of joined up partnership working that help us to realise Lancashire’s economic and regeneration ambitions.

“We can level up our county by improving our local public realm and delivering active travel networks that better serve and connect local communities.”

The scheme supports Preston City Council’s Community Wealth Building commitment to create a resilient and inclusive economy, improving the local environment, encouraging more footfall in the city centre’s retail core to support local businesses, promoting better air quality and encouraging health and wellbeing through more active travel, with a focus on safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Further information and the online consultation can be found on the Preston City Council website until Sunday 21 January 2024.

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