FWP bowls Guild Hall into a new era

A Preston-based architect has unveiled the latest phase in the transformation of the Guild Hall.

The Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) has submitted ambitious plans to convert the basement and ground floor levels of the Guild Hall into a 10-pin bowling alley, nine-hole crazy golf course, karaoke booths, a sports bar and dining room.

FWP has designed a masterplan for the gradual redevelopment of the 1970s venue replacing redundant features such as the former Morrison’s and Brewster’s retail stores, and adding modern, attractive restaurants and bars as well as redesigning the external areas.

FWP’s architect overseeing the Guild Hall redevelopment is Seb Salisbury who has submitted a planning application to Preston City Council working alongside PWA Planning, the Lancashire-based consultancy.

“10-pin bowling and the crazy golf and other indoor sports create an exciting new offering within Preston city centre and help to further establish the reputation of the Guild Hall as a destination leisure attraction.

“The vision is to create a vibrant cultural hub of entertainment, arts and leisure based on Manchester’s ultra-successful Printworks destination, but with the added attraction of live entertainment in the Guild Hall’s two theatres.”

“The designs by FWP show how the building can be enhanced internally and externally, to boost the city’s economy and improve the look of the area.”

The Guild Centre and Tower were built after the Guild Hall and Seb Salisbury believes there has always been an uncomfortable juxtaposition between the two buildings, which isn’t helped by the original use of dull materials and uninviting spaces.

“Our plans transform this into an inviting, welcoming entrance to an exciting, new, family-orientated venue within the city centre.”

FWP is one of the biggest architecture and project management practices in the region, has also drawn up plans for the new offices of creative and cultural education organisation Curious Minds which will be based in the building.

As with all its work on the Guild Hall, the plan is to give a 21^st-century feel to the iconic 1970s entertainment venue.

“The venue is very close to the hearts of many Prestonians and in all our designs and concepts we are committed to breathing new life into what had become a tired building.