Steelwork installation begins at Animate

The next phase of work is underway at Preston's £45m Animate leisure complex with the installation of steelwork.

An estimated 1,150 tonnes of steel are being used for the new steel frame of Animate, the flagship development of the Harris Quarter. The frame is being erected in multiple phases, with each section built sequentially rather than being constructed floor by floor because of the city centre location of the scheme. 

The steelwork follows the recent completion of piling work and construction of Animate is expected to complete in late 2024. 

Almost fully pre-let, Animate will provide an eight-screen cinema, 16-lane bowling alley with gaming zone, five family restaurant units, a street food hub, public realm, a competitive socialising unit and 164-space undercroft car park, with national leisure brands including Hollywood Bowl, ARC Cinemas, Zizzi, Cosmo, Las Iguanas and Loungers already signed up as tenants.

John Chesworth, chair of Preston's Towns Fund Strategic Board, said: "The ongoing erection of the steel frame is the latest landmark in the delivery of Animate and another key moment for the ongoing renaissance of Preston.

"The Animate complex has already attracted well-respected national leisure brands, that will create an impressive offering of activities to increase footfall to the city, bringing additional economic benefits."