Historic Preston building to be converted into workspace

Preston City Council is progressing with £7.4m plans to transform the Grade II listed Amounderness House into serviced offices and managed workspace accommodation.

The building on Lancaster Road, once home to a police station and magistrates court, will offer 23,842 sq ft across three floors.

The renovation will be part of the £200m Harris Quarter investment programme. It sits by the £45m Animate cinema and leisure complex, due to open in 2024, and itself will hope to open in 2025.

Coun David Borrow, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: "This is a significant step forward in the rejuvenation plans for one of Preston’s grandest buildings. It will be wonderful to see new life breathed into a heritage property that has had such a rich history and impact on the city centre over the years.

"Not only will it repurpose an empty property, generating income for the city, but it will boost new footfall in the area, provide new jobs and support local businesses and the city centre economy."

Nik Puttnam, senior development manager with Maple Grove Developments, said: “This is an exciting milestone in this project and Maple Grove are proud to be working with W_rkspace and the City Council to bring forward the redevelopment of Amounderness House.

"The building offers an opportunity to create an exciting workspace within a heritage asset and work will now start with the team to work up the planning application and listed building consent."