UCLan collaborates with local partners to announce regeneration framework
An ambitious draft framework has been announced which will guide the regeneration and redevelopment of the area around the railway station in Preston city centre.
The draft Preston Station Quarter Regeneration Framework will help landowners and developers by providing a more joined-up guide to future development.
People are asked to give their feedback on the draft framework to help to understand local considerations in this area of the city and finalise the document.
As its name suggests, the framework covers an area around the railway station as well as the areas around the Fishergate Centre, County Hall and along Corporation Street to the university.
"This draft framework outlines huge potential for this major gateway to Preston, with an aim to create civic spaces, jobs and city centre living. "
— Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation at Preston City Council.
It sets out a blueprint for how this area of the city could be developed in future to bring jobs and growth. The aim is to bring offices and new commercial and educational opportunities, as well as new housing.
Alongside improved connectivity and infrastructure, the framework also aims to create new landscaping and a high-quality public realm to improve the station quarter as a place to live, work and visit.
The new draft document has been jointly created by Building Design Partnership Ltd (BDP), working on the behalf of Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) working with key stakeholders and major landowners in this part of the city.
Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation at Preston City Council, said: “This draft framework outlines huge potential for this major gateway to Preston, with an aim to create civic spaces, jobs and city centre living.
“Key working partnerships with Lancashire County Council, UCLan and stakeholders, creates broader opportunities for Preston and allows greater regeneration in the city centre.
“I encourage as many people as possible to give their feedback, to help shape the future of the Station Gateway to make our city more accessible and inviting to residents, visitors and commuters.”
"The development of the area between the University and the train station will provide many opportunities to further blend education, enterprise and commercial activities."
— UCLan Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ruth Connor
Preston Railway Station is the main rail hub in Lancashire, with several lines providing direct connections across Lancashire from Blackpool to Colne and Carnforth to Chorley, as well as to key destinations including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Midlands.
It will also be a main stop for HS2 services in the future, which will see improved links across Great Britain.
County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth at Lancashire County Council, said: "This is a major gateway into the city, and one which has significant potential to generate new jobs, prosperity and provide space for quality new homes.
"As well as driving economic growth in Preston, due to its excellent connectivity for rail and bus services, these new opportunities will also be accessible to people and businesses elsewhere in the county."
The draft framework was created with input from the major landowners at stakeholder workshops to understand their own intentions and plans for the future, as well as suggesting ideas for improving this part of the city.
UCLan Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ruth Connor added: “This proposed framework sets out an ambitious vision for the future of Preston. The development of the area between the University and the train station will provide many opportunities to further blend education, enterprise and commercial activities.”
