Winckley Square will receive a new funding boost to help revive the Georgian streets.
AdvertisementThe Heritage Lottery Fund has released initial funding of £41,664 to Preston City Council and Winckley Square Community Interest Company with the promise of nearly £1 million more to come.
The funds, which come from the Townscape Heritage Fund, will go towards repairing and refurbishing key groups of buildings in the Square, works to the public realm to enhance the historic streetscape and bring vacant buildings back into use for various commercial, leisure or office uses.
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.”
Winckley Square itself is also receiving ongoing renovation work07 and planning permission has been applied for to cut back trees in the Square.
The leader of Preston City Council, Peter Rankin, welcomed the announcement of the extra funding.
He 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.
“I would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund who have been so supportive of Preston in the past and who continue to be so; as well as partners who have supported the bid.”
Planning officers from the city council will soon meet with business partners to progress which buidings will form part of the proposal.
Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Winckley Square is one of this country’s finest Georgian squares and is set to play an integral part in Preston City Council’s ambitious plans to regenerate the city centre.
“This project is shaping up well with a good balance of residential, leisure, office and shop spaces within a much-loved historic setting. We’re delighted to have awarded initial support under our Townscape Heritage Initiative programme enabling the project to progress to the next stage of development.”
What do you think of the announcement? Which buildings in the Winckley Square area do you think need a spruce up? Let us know in the comments below