Preston to refuse 30-storey tower 

Last November, developer Providence Gate proposed creating what would be the city’s tallest building but the local council is not satisfied with the scheme and looks set to reject it next week. 

Located on the corner of Patten Street and Great Shaw Street, the 30-storey tower would comprise 174 apartments and 160 hotel rooms. 

Preston City Council’s planning officers have recommended the project be refused as the application “fails to provide a clear overall vision as to why the site needs the proposed building in this position at the height proposed”. 

In addition, a report to Preston’s planning committee expresses concerns about the project’s impact on nearby heritage assets, how it would be serviced by trade, delivery and refuse vehicles, and if living standards for future residents would be up to scratch. 

Providence’s plans supersede those for a 21-storey building on the same site that were approved in 2019.  

ASSH Investments secured consent for the earlier iteration of the scheme. The project was known as LoftHaus and featured 299 apartments.   

PWA advised on the LoftHaus scheme alongside David Cox Architects. However, Manchester-based Four Architects is leading on the design of Providence’s 30-storey tower.  

LoftHaus would have been Preston’s tallest residential building and the city’s second-tallest structure behind the Shrine Church of St Walburge.  

Providence’s scheme would overtake the church as the tallest building in Preston, which stands at 94 metres.  

Your Comments

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Agreed, the scheme lacks quality, brave and good call from the council.

By Local

Agree with the council on this one. Very poor proposal. The previous scheme designed by David Cox Architects is better. Probably best not to have a skyscraper here though.

By SW

It’s time Preston city council moved with the times. It is exactly what this city needs if it really wants to be a city.no I do not agrree with the backward looking council.Get on with it.

By Russell Hardinge

@Russell Hartinge. Yes, Preston does need to be more ambitious but this proposal is mediocre – no, it is not what is needed in the city. Quality over quantity please.

By SW

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