FWP-led Preston Markets canopy work gets underway

Work has started installing a new walkway canopy at Preston Markets.

The project is being led by architect, design and masterplanning practice Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP), together with specialist designer and manufacturer DP Structures.

The installation is the final stage in improvement work on the award-winning Market Hall, which opened in early 2018. The hall was designed by FWP in collaboration with Greig and Stephenson Architects.

The new canopy will sit above the internal walkways between the market stalls and improve the environment throughout the year, ensuring it is more comfortable for both customers and traders.

The structure has been fabricated from steel frames and infilled with clear panels, in order to maintain the visual appearance of the underside of the original 1875 market canopy, which has been carefully refurbished by a team led by FWP.

The new canopy has been completely manufactured off-site and the instillation will take approximately ten weeks to complete.

Work will take place outside the market’s trading hours, causing minimal disruption to the traders and customers.

Brent Clayton, partner at Preston-headquartered FWP, which has led the £5million regeneration of the city’s markets, said: “The aim of the walkway canopy is to ensure shopping in the market is a comfortable and pleasant experience.

“We’ve worked closely with market traders and Preston City Council to deliver this innovative project.

“The canopy has been designed to retain the heat in the market hall. It will also allow visitors to see the underside of the beautiful Victorian canopy that has been restored in all its glory and is one of the city’s architectural and design treasures.”

The canopy has been created by Nelson-based DP Structures, designers and manufacturers specialising in the creation of bespoke architectural steel structures and products.

Sam Livesey, chairman of the Traders Association at Preston Markets, said: “This installation programme is welcomed by all the traders at Preston Markets.

“The plan means the canopy is in place before the colder months and there will be minimal disruption to our trade and customers.”

The markets regeneration project was honoured with The Royal Town Planning Institute’s top regional award for Creating Economically Successful Places.

Historic England and a local conservation group were also involved in developing a design and use of materials wholly sympathetic to the listed canopy.

Preston City Council’s vision for the project included creating a city centre destination which appealed to a wide range of visitors and residents, using a food-oriented approach and overhauling the markets from a visual aspect.

FWP, which also has offices in Manchester and London, has worked on a number of major regeneration projects in its home city, including the redevelopment of Preston North End’s Deepdale ground.

It is also part of the team looking to return the striking Park Hotel building – a landmark for rail travellers arriving in Preston – back to its luxury use.

  • For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Lancashire Business View

Latest news

1

Stockley's finds its sweet spot Stockley's front view

Stockley's finds its sweet spot

15 Oct 2025

2

Breck to start £15m Blackpool affordable homes and retail development Cropper Road, Blackpool

Breck to start £15m Blackpool affordable homes and retail development

14 Oct 2025

3

New help for Blackpool businesses to access growth money John Fallon speaking at the meeting

New help for Blackpool businesses to access growth money

14 Oct 2025

4

Fuuse raises further £6m as it heads to profitability COO Nik Southworth, CEO Michael Gibson, CFO Sonia Davies.

Fuuse raises further £6m as it heads to profitability

13 Oct 2025

5

Preferred developer named for strategic site Barnfield named as preferred developer for site

Preferred developer named for strategic site

13 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Chamber Business Lunch – October
LBV Hub Networking
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Chamber Business Lunch – October

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

11:00 - 13:30

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin