Plans unveiled for part of historic former Preston convent

Plans have been submitted to transform part of an historic former convent in Preston into a nursery.

Hadi SM Investments, the company behind consumer goods brand IVG, has announced its plans for the former Carmelite Convent, which sits on a five-acre site just off St Vincent's Road in Fulwood.

The historic site has been part of Preston’s story since 1917, serving the local community for more than a century and becoming a familiar landmark for generations of residents.

Subject to any future planning approvals, the company also hopes to make a further investment in the wider site through the development of a care home.

Ahsan Bawa, founder and CEO of Hadi SM Investments, said: “This project is particularly special to me because I studied at Preston College, just a short walk from the convent. I used to walk past this building during my college days and never imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to help secure its future.

"This building has always been part of the local landscape. When we acquired it, our ambition wasn’t simply to invest in another property. We wanted to help preserve an important part of Preston’s history while identifying a sustainable future that continues to benefit the community.

"The current planning application represents the first stage of that journey. Looking further ahead, and subject to any future planning approvals, we hope to make a further investment in the site, helping ensure this historic property continues serving Preston for many decades to come.

"Preston has played an important role in both my own journey and the growth of our businesses. Everything started here.

"IVG was founded in Preston and has grown from a local start-up into an international business whose products are now sold in more than 100 countries around the world. Although we now operate globally, Lancashire remains at the heart of everything we do."