Detailed proposals for one of the city’s largest new developments are expected within the coming months.

Social housing provider Onward Homes received planning permission for the scheme at the Horrocks Mill site between Queen Street and Church Street in late 2023..

A total of 380 affordable homes are due to be built within the new block with a mix of apartments, townhouses and houses but detailed plans are needed on exactly how many blocks there will be, where they go and the exact layout of the scheme.

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Onward say the scheme is partially to offset the demolition of the current Queen Street tower blocks – which is due to take place during the course of this year.

The update from Onward comes as it was revealed in December around 1,800 new-build apartments given the green light in the city in the past five years are yet to be built.

A spokesperson for Onward said: “Our schemes offer an enormous opportunity to boost the choice and supply of quality affordable homes in Preston.

“After the outline approval of Horrocks Mill last year, the next step is to prepare a reserved matters application setting out more details around layout and design, which we will be bringing forward in the next few months.

“We will consult with the local community and elected members on our plans to redevelop the tower block site and Horrocks Mill to make sure that we deliver schemes that reflect local needs and aspirations.

“We share the Council’s commitment to delivering more affordable housing in Preston, one of our great northern cities. Our vision will deliver a transformative regeneration of the area and quality, affordable homes that support existing and future residents. We look forward to providing more detail on our plans in the coming months.”

Executive director of property at Onward, Sandy Livingstone, previously told Blog Preston in Spring last year they expected significant work on the Queen Street site to begin during 2025.

Preston City Council has agreed to directly purchase 20 of the Horrocks Mill homes when built – the first new social housing under the direct control of the local authority for two decades.

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