How the new look Fishergate Centre may look inside

Plans for a £25m redevelopment of Preston’s Fishergate Shopping Centre have been well received by business owners.

The plans, which could see the old TJ Hughes store be replaced with six modern retail units and a family-orientated leisure area offering five restaurants and a Vue cinema, are currently in the public consultation stage and have been said to be a “real vote of confidence in the city.”

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A planning application is about to be submitted for this redevelopment, with the potential of around 250 new jobs being created plus 150 construction positions.

Artist impression of how the Vue Cinema may look at the Fishergate complex

Preston MP Mark Hendrick said: “This is fantastic news for Preston. The proposed redevelopment will be a huge boost to the local economy, bringing jobs and a leisure offer attracting people not just from the city but from the surrounding areas.”

Tourism experts believe the city will see visitor numbers boosted by the proposed cinema.

Chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, Ruth Connor, said: “Preston plays an extremely important role in attracting business and leisure tourism to the county particularly with its strong transport links with the M6 and the Virgin operated west coast mainline.

“If the Fishergate proposal attracts more spend for our businesses, more choice for our residents and visitors and differentiates our current offer then this is encouraging as it supports our goal of attracting more interest and reasons to come to Preston as well as helping to develop the city’s evening economy.”

The owner of the Guild Hall, and multi-millionaire, Simon Rigby, is also supportive of the plans.

He said: “The level of private sector investment is a real vote of confidence in the city and what we and others are working hard to achieve – a vibrant, strong centre which is welcoming to locals and visitors from across the North West.”

What do you make of the Fishergate plans? Let us know in the comments below