A new masterplan for how Preston’s city centre could develop includes a focus on St Joseph’s Orphanage.
AdvertisementThe former orphanage and what was Mount Street Hospital has stood empty for years and sits in a prime position near Winckley Square.
The new city centre plan wants to see the Georgian Square and the area around it supported to have more housing – and get more people living in the city centre again.
The current building is proving a mecca for urban explorers, photographers who visit urban buildings, as these photos by a local Preston photographer show.
Commercial uses of the orphanage site is unlikely according to the council’s plan, so it includes it in the Winckley Square housing area.
They state it is “in urgent need of refurbishment” although being grade II listed there will be issues over the cost of restoration.
A spokesman for Preston City Council said: “We are going to try and work with the owner to provide additional high quality residential uses in the city centre to support the local economy.”
The five areas the council wants to develop in the city centre can be seen below:
The full city centre plan is currently being consulted on by the council.
Do you think St Joseph’s should become flats? Would you live there? Let us know in the comments below