Council praises Animate's boost to city centre six months since opening

Preston’s new £45 million+ entertainment and leisure destination, Animate, has been hailed as boosting the city’s coffers six months after Wallace and Gromit creator, Nick Park CBE RDI, had officially opened it.

Opened in February by the Preston-born Academy Award winner, the leisure destination has seen the addition of new restaurants, including Taco Bell, Loungers, Ask Italian, and Cosmo, all of which have now opened. Wagamama's and Mad Giant are soon to welcome customers through their doors.

Since construction started in April 2023, the council-owned destination has helped create over 300 permanent jobs and has boosted footfall in the Harris Quarter.

Mark Whittle, director of Membership/ BID manager at Chamber of Commerce, commented on Animate’s impact.

He said: “Animate has undoubtedly brought more positive attention to Preston, thanks to the new multi-million-pound development, housing some fantastic businesses. The Market Quarter has seen an increase in footfall, measured weekly, proving that the development has been embraced by people from Preston and beyond.

 “Nestled next to the Market, Animate brands blend perfectly with independent traders, creating a unique and inviting part of the wider city centre. We’re looking forward to seeing the scheme’s final unit let and continue to go from strength to strength.”

Animate is one of six key projects planned under Preston's Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme.

Preston was awarded £20.9m from the Government's national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021, and the Harris Quarter is a unique part of the city centre undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites, and public realm into a diverse cultural, leisure, and employment offering.

The majority of the funding for Animate was provided by Preston City Council.

Coun Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building and city regeneration at Preston City Council, said: “While it’s too early to say in actual numbers the monetary value that the scheme has generated, we have seen a sharp rise in enquiries from developers and investors wanting to see what other opportunities are available.

"Ultimately, what we can say, though, is that the investment by the City Council will build a valuable legacy, creating a catalyst for further investment in Preston, which in turn will generate additional economic benefits and opportunities for residents.”

Coun Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources at Preston City Council, added: ““Since the announcement of Animate’s construction and its subsequent completion, the scheme has received plaudits and has been highly commended in regional planning and property awards.

"The leisure destination has proved to be in demand with leisure brands and now only one unit is available, which is 10,140 sq. ft of premium space ideal for gym, play, climbing, or competitive socialising brands.”

John Chesworth, chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Board, concluded: “Since we launched the concept of Animate and the wider £200 million regeneration of the Harris Quarter, we have seen a new energy in Preston and we are having more conversations with investors that are keen to commit to the city.

“Animate has certainly helped increase the profile of Preston and what’s happening with the wider regeneration of the city, and I can see a very bright future on the horizon. However, we mustn’t become complacent as there is so much more we can achieve and build a lasting economic legacy.”