Plans unveiled for Preston station gateway development

A new document has been drafted to steer development in the area around Preston's city centre railway station, aiming to capitalise on its transport links by bringing in jobs and investment.

The Preston Station Quarter will cover an area around the railway station as well as the areas around the Fishergate Centre, County Hall and along Corporation Street to the university.

The railway station itself is already a main hub for the city, and is set to become a main stop for HS2 services in the future.

Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council and the University of Central Lancashire have jointly published the draft framework. The document, compiled by Building Design Partnership and using feedback from key stakeholders and major landowners, outlines how the area could be developed in future to bring jobs and growth.

The aim is to bring offices and new commercial and educational opportunities, as well as new housing. Alongside improved connectivity and infrastructure, the framework also aims to create new landscaping and a high-quality public realm to improve the station quarter as a place to live, work and visit.

Coun Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council, said: "This is a major gateway into the city, and one which has significant potential to generate new jobs, prosperity and provide space for quality new homes.

"As well as driving economic growth in Preston, due to its excellent connectivity for rail and bus services, these new opportunities will also be accessible to people and businesses elsewhere in the county."

The document is available for people to view and comment on, to help with finalising the framework at: www.investprestoncity.com/stationgateway