Group outlines multi-million-pound regeneration plans for Preston

A newly-established board has set its sights on securing significant funds to boost Preston's regeneration efforts by 2035.

The Preston Regeneration Board (PRB) has launched its Preston 35 plan, which will focus on six key areas in the city.

The plan was revealed to city business leaders at an event run by Preston Partnership, a private-sector led business networking group with over 200 members, working in partnership with the public sector to help shape the future of Preston. 

The PRB includes senior representatives from Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Preston Partnership.

The plan's top priorities include:

• Grade A office space and a commercial-led mixed use development at the Station Quarter
• The redevelopment of the Guild Hall.
• An urban village regeneration area of 25 hectares at Stoneygate
• Positioning Preston at the heart of an innovation eco-system and a natural location for the National Cyber Facility supply chain
• A 'one stop' Preston Community Health Hub
• A new £35m railway station at Cottam Parkway

Adrian Phillips, chief executive of Preston City Council, said: “2035 provides us with a natural and realistic focus, that takes in the next Guild celebrations in 2032, to make some significant progress, take stock of how far we have come, and evaluate what still needs to be done. 

"The city’s investment plan is always evolving and this new reiteration – Preston 35 - defines what we have already collectively achieved over the past decade, but more importantly, it focuses on what’s next and how much more we can achieve by working together. 

“The key to successful place making and attracting significant inward investment for the city, that’s both meaningful and provides a lasting legacy for the people of Preston, is collaboration across public and private sectors, pooling our resources and working together with shared goals and objectives.” 

John Chesworth, chair of Preston Partnership, said: “This exciting plan is partnership in action. The key Preston regeneration stakeholders leading the regeneration of Preston over the next decade have agreed key priorities and identified those projects which will contribute to their delivery. 

“Prestonians want to see ambition for our city, and Preston 35 sets out a positive direction of travel. These projects will bring jobs, visitors and residents back into the city, and be a catalyst for further investment. I see this as a foundation from which we can kick on to bigger and better things.”