Winckley Square receives heritage funding boost

Winckley Square will be the latest area of Preston to see regeneration after Preston City Council received initial support for a Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for almost £1m.

Development funding of £41,664 has also been awarded to help Preston City Council and partners progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

The scheme will look to deliver:

• The enhancement of townscape quality through the repair and  refurbishment of key groups of buildings to support an attractive environment for commercial investment
• Bring vacant floor space back into use to provide modern high quality commercial, office and leisure accommodation
• Develop a partnership with property owners, businesses and the wider community to secure a sustainable future for the area
• Works to the public realm to enhance the area's historic streetscape
• Training in heritage skills for contractors, property owners and others involved in the management of the historic environment

Planners at Preston City Council will now work with partner organisations including Preston BID and Lancashire County Council to develop detailed plans to apply for a full grant later in the year.

Councillor Peter Rankin, leader of Preston City Council, said: “This is fantastic news so soon after the announcement of improvements to Fishergate. Bringing existing buildings back into use will restore the historical feature of the square but also create new business opportunities and residential space."

Simon Turner, director of the Winckley Square Community Interest Community, said: “The WSCIC has supported Preston City Council throughout the process so we are delighted with the news. It was important that the HLF backed this initiative as not only will it help bring some buildings back into use but it will give the area a much needed confidence boost. Hopefully it can act as a catalyst for further improvements. “College House is a prominent site on the square and bringing it back into use can bring both architectural and commercial benefits. It is a significant development in the ongoing revival of Winckley Square and the surrounding district. The timing is perfect as we work on our vision for the Winckley Square gardens.”