FWP helps create new social destination in Preston city centre

The latest phase of an ambitious project to transform a neglected part of Preston city centre into a vibrant new destination for food, drink and entertainment has opened to customers.

Preston based architecture, design and masterplanning practice FWP worked to secure planning permission for Chew’s Yard – the next piece in Preston-born designer Ben Casey’s vision for Market Street West.

The new restaurant, cocktail bar and indoor and outdoor eating and events spaces are part of the ongoing regeneration of the area, which sits near Preston’s University Quarter.

FWP worked to create the masterplan for the area and to guide the proposals through the planning process.

Earlier work saw the redevelopment of former weavers’ cottages in the neighbourhood into hospitality venues, a bar and a pizzeria. Next door to the cottages sits the micro-brewery and tap room in a former workshop.

A collection of empty warehouses and yards have now been transformed into a mixed-use development designed to complement the area’s existing bars, restaurants and growing number of independent businesses. Chew’s Yard is now open to the public.

Michael Bates-Tracey, associate architect at FWP, which has its headquarters on Ribblesdale Place in the city, said: “Chew’s Yard is a fantastic addition to Preston’s hospitality scene and we’re very proud of the part we have played in its development.

“We’ve worked with Ben on the vision for Market Street West from its early days. It is a historic but often overlooked part of Preston and includes handweavers’ cottages dating back to the 1700s and we’ve been mindful in our plans of the historic nature of the area.

“The regeneration work that has taken place in and around Market Street West has seen a number of properties successfully transformed into vibrant hospitality venues. Chew’s Yard adds even more to the mix.

“As a Preston based business, we are very excited to have played our part in breathing new life into a part of the city that has been overlooked for some time.”

FWP has a strong working relationship with Ben Casey which stretches back to the regeneration of Preston North End’s Deepdale football ground.

The design of the stadium, which was delivered by FWP, came from Ben’s concept, which was based on a ground he’d seen in the Italian city of Genoa.

FWP, which has offices in Manchester and London, has a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector.

That includes working with hotel business Walker & Williams Group on its plans to expand its portfolio of five-star boutique aparthotels across the North West. They include The Winckley Square Hotel in Preston, a stylish £2.8m development.