Preston invites residential developers into centre
Preston City Council has appointed Cushman & Wakefield to prepare a city centre living strategy to “support and accelerate the delivery of a thriving residential core”.
The strategy will support the delivery of the Preston housing zone, which already has more than 800 units allocated in the area and forms part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.
A number of sites have been identified within the city:
- Former Tulketh High School, 45 homes
- Argyll Road, 150 homes
- Former St Joseph’s Orphanage, 81 homes
- Winckley Square, 232 homes
- Avenham Lane Car Park, 200 homes
- Alliance Mill, 68 homes
Additional city centre areas that are a focus for development include:
- Queens Retail Park
- Land at Eastcliff/Railway Station
- Vacant sites around UCLAN
- Bus Station/Guildhall
Cushman & Wakefield will draw up a place-making strategy aimed at developing the private rented sector and build-to-rent markets, student accommodation as well as homes for sale.
Cllr Peter Rankin, leader of Preston City Council, said: “This is a key appointment and critical to our plans for the future development of Preston city centre. It’s about making it as easy as possible for investors and developers to invest. About marketing the city and making it clear that Preston is a fantastic location to live and work.”
Caroline Baker, director of development consulting at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “We are really excited to be using the expertise we have gained over the last 10 years advising public sector partners in Manchester (including Manchester Life, Manchester Place and Manchester City Council) to support Preston to transform its residential offer. Preston has a number of key attributes to support city living and we look forward to articulating this to private sector investors and developers.”
The Preston housing zone is a five-year programme delivered by the city council, Lancashire County Council and the Homes & Communities Agency.
