Lancs head of property makes council switch

Sarah Robinson has joined Preston City Council from the county-wide authority, taking up the post of director of environment and property.

Robinson, who has also worked at Blackpool and Wigan councils previously, was head of property at Lancashire County Council for 18 months.

As well as local authority work, she has gained experience in the voluntary sector at the Sahara Project in Preston, social housing with the Guinness Partnership and in the higher education sector at the University of Lancashire, where she spent more than seven years.

Robinson said: “This is an exciting opportunity, and I’m genuinely enthusiastic about building on the excellent work already delivered by both the council and the environment and property directorate.

“It’s a privilege to serve the community where I have studied, live, and work, and I look forward to contributing further to the positive impact the council continues to make for residents, communities, and businesses across Preston.

“My career experiences have shaped my commitment to public service and strengthened my passion for delivering high-quality, community-focused services, and I look forward to taking up this new role.”

Adrian Phillips, chief executive of Preston City Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to her new role at Preston City Council and look forward to working with her to drive forward and deliver some ambitious projects that are designed to improve health and wellbeing, promote active travel and better the overall landscape and built environment of our city’s infrastructure and communities.”

Lancashire County Council is expected to be wound up by April 2028, as its functions are replaced by a new set of unitary councils to be created as part of a local government reorganisation.

Consultation closed last week on how Lancashire’s 15 local authorities will be reorganised, with five options on the table.