Preston City Council inks deal for Animate food hall

Preston City Council has agreed a 15-year lease with the Northern Lights Group, who will run a food hall at the forthcoming Animate leisure complex. 

Animate has previously secured Arc Cinema, Hollywood Bowl and several national food retailer brands as tenants.

The new agreement will see The Northern Lights Group create and run a cocktail bar and four bespoke food kiosks, which will be let to small businesses.

The Northern Lights Group is one of the region's largest independent hospitality groups. Speaking on behalf of the company Joe Foster said: "This is another incredibly exciting opportunity for us. As part of our growth strategy, we have been identifying new locations across the region, and Animate is the perfect fit. We look forward to opening our doors in early 2025 and serving the people of Preston with delicious food."

Andrew Dewhurst, development director at Maple Grove Developments, which is delivering Animate, added: "The Northern Lights Group is well accustomed with the concept of food halls, successfully operating throughout the North West. Choosing Animate for this latest food hall concept only adds to the draw of Preston as a place to visit."

He added: "In terms of the site development, Eric Wright Construction is continuing to make excellent progress. The brickwork is nearing completion, the tenterhook panels are installed, and the majority of the glass panelling is in place. We're working towards a completion date this autumn. The tenants can then begin to fit out and furnish their units before Animate launches in early 2025."