Historic offices add to regeneration of Preston's city centre

An historic printworks in the heart of Preston has been successfully converted into modern offices thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s (HLF) Townscape Heritage grant programme and the vision of the Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP).

The project, also supported by Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council, to transform the long empty building into bespoke office accommodation aimed at small to medium size businesses has been made possible thanks to a £346,000 HLF grant.

The plans, drawn up by Preston-based architecture, design and project management practice FWP, have seen as much of the original building retained as possible.

“HLF funding and the encouragement of the council has enabled us to speculatively redevelop the building and it has been good, as a local company, to see everyone showing confidence in Preston’s economy and future.”

Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "It is very exciting to see this old building brought back to life and I'm pleased that the county council has been able to provide its support.

Barry Cleminson, architectural lead on the project at FWP, which has offices in Ribblesdale Place, said: “Without the lottery funding support the refurbishment would not have taken place and we would have been left with a prominent building in the city centre remaining unrestored and vacant.

“There is demand in Preston for modern, refurbished small offices and the history and interior design, which respects that heritage, is an added plus.”