Plans submitted for Lancashire's tallest building

TSS Property has submitted a planning application for Altura - a proposed 30-storey tower in Preston city centre.

If approved, the 96-metre development will stand as the tallest building in Lancashire.

The plan envisages the construction of a landmark property on Derby Street, located between the bus station and Church Street.

The design features 218 apartments, together with seven Grade A office spaces.

The apartments will comprise 163 one-bedroom units, and a further 55 with two bedrooms. The offices will be a mixture of co-working spaces and larger suites for businesses. 

 The site is currently being used as a ground-level car park but the completed development could provide housing for more than 270 people.  

The project has an estimated gross development value of over £40m, and the majority of the budget will be spent with local and regional businesses.

Residents will be able to take advantage of a gym, Pilates studio, games room and a residents-only cinema, together with a communal lounge. All the apartments will benefit from winter garden balconies, and high-speed internet will be a standard feature throughout. A 24-hour concierge service, CCTV and fob-access security doors should ensure residents’ privacy and security.

The designer, David Cox Architects, is based in Preston, as are the developer, the planning consultants and the majority of the supply chain partners that will help to deliver the scheme.

The project team expects the construction phase to sustain up to 60 on-site jobs and to last approximately 30 months after breaking ground. However, Altura has already been three years in the making – the designers having spent considerable time finding the right site, developing the architectural vision and ensuring that their plans meet the needs of local people and businesses.

Steven Gallagher, managing director of David Cox Architects, said: “Altura has taken three years of design development and evolution, and an unwavering commitment from a team of dedicated professionals. We are all proud to be playing a part in shaping the future of Preston.

“Once complete, Altura will be an elegant, contemporary building; one that reflects Preston’s ambition and celebrates its growing status as a dynamic urban centre. We are confident that it will make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the city’s evolving skyline. We look forward to seeing Altura take its place as an inspiring symbol of the city’s progress and ambition.”

 TSS Property has considerable experience of developing build-to-rent residential schemes and has won numerous awards.

The company is currently delivering City Walk – a £20 million BTR development comprising 122 apartments on Lords Walk, another brownfield site in Preston’s urban centre. Like Altura, it features numerous amenities for residents including a private cinema, roof garden and residents’ gym.

 Preston City Council registered the planning application on 26th August. A decision is expected later this year.