FWP appointed to Preston Parks team

 Architecture, design and masterplanning practice FWP has been appointed to the team delivering the £6.7million revamp of two of Preston’s much-loved parks.

FWP is providing project and cost management for the major improvement work being carried out at Moor Park and Waverley Park, alongside main contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering.

The Preston-headquartered business has been appointed by Preston City Council to assist with the project.

FWP will also act as quantity surveyor, as well as overseeing CDM (Construction, Design, and Management) services to ensure the project is managed and executed safely.

Work is already underway to improve the parks and is set to continue until winter this year.

Moor Park, Preston's oldest park and a Grade II listed site, is receiving an investment of approximately £4m.

Its improvement programme includes an extension and the de-silting of the Serpentine Lake, returning it closer to its original Victorian-era layout, along with the reinstatement of a new, historically sympathetic bridge across it.

Improvements will be made to the loggia and surrounding areas on the northern edge of the lake.

There will also be new tree and shrub planting, full renovation of the changing pavilion and groundworks to create new wildflower meadows.

Upgrades are being made to the south-east entrance and car park, along with the remediation and reinstatement of football pitches.

Waverley Park is benefiting from around £2.7m of investment and will remain closed while the work is carried out.

Its improvements include a new play area, the refurbishment of three football pitches and the installation of a pump track.

Footpaths will be widened, new landscaping introduced and the park’s football pavilion will be demolished and rebuilt.

Nick Wiley, Partner at FWP, said: “The work being carried out represents a significant investment in two of Preston’s most treasured green spaces.

“Everyone involved in the project is committed to delivering high-quality improvements that will enhance their accessibility, sustainability and long-term use.

“And as a company proudly based in the city we’re looking forward to playing our part in helping protect the parks’ heritage and provide better spaces for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Councillor Valerie Wise, Preston City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building, said: “It's great to see work now underway at both Moor Park and Waverley Park. These projects represent a significant investment in Preston's green spaces and we're already seeing good progress on site.

“While there will continue to be some disruption over the coming months, the long-term benefits for residents will be considerable. These improvements will help protect the parks' heritage, improve accessibility and provide better spaces for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor activity, exercise and wellbeing close to home.”

FWP, which also has offices in Manchester, Birmingham and London, has a strong track record of regeneration delivery in its home city.

The £9m transformation of Preston's historic Amounderness House into modern, flexible workspace, designed by FWP’s architectural team, is currently underway and is a key project in Preston City Council’s Harris Quarter £200m Towns Fund Investment Programme

FWP has used all its experience working on historic and sensitive sites on the conversion of the former magistrates’ court. The building in the centre of Preston was originally constructed in 1857 as a police station with holding cells, before being extended in 1901.

FWP also delivered the award-winning £5m regeneration of Preston’s markets and the restoration of their iconic Victorian canopies.

And its specialist sports stadia team spearheaded the acclaimed regeneration of Preston North End’s Deepdale ground.

Regionally and nationally, FWP has built a strong reputation for its expertise on sensitive restoration and regeneration projects including the recently completed transformation of Rochdale Town Hall.

Founded in 1960, today its work covers all aspects of construction, from cost management to architecture and masterplanning. It is truly multi-disciplinary.

For further information on FWP and its impressive portfolio, visit: www.fwpgroup.co.uk