£1m Winckley Square project wins Lottery support

Proposals for a sympathetic improvement of Preston’s Winckley Square have moved a step closer after receiving a funding boost.

The Winckley Square Futures Project aims to create and implement a new vision for the Georgian square which will include a series of physical improvements to enhance access, security and drainage, celebrate the heritage of the area and enable users enjoy the green space to its fullest potential.

David Gill, chairman of WSCIC, said: “This is wonderful news and the culmination of a lot of hard work that has gone on behind the scenes since 2011. There is a lot of work still to be done to secure the funding but the fact HLF support the outline plans is a huge step in the right direction.

“We are now working on a detailed stage two application which will be ready for summer 2014.”

WSCIC was founded in 2011 by local professionals David Gill, Simon Turner, Mick Goode, John Chesworth, Richard McDowell and Mark Clarkson, who are directors of WSCIC.

The Business Improvement District pledged an initial £30,000 to WSCIC in 2011 and a further £150,000 over five years after securing a second five-year term in December 2011.

In April 2013, it was announced that Preston City Council had received initial support for a Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), which will improve the condition of some of the significant buildings of the Square, and aspects of the public realm. WSCIC appointed environmental regeneration charity, Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan, in 2013 to lead the development of a vision for Winckley Square.