Providence maps out 30-storey Preston tower 

The developer is in talks with the local council about bringing forward what would be the city’s tallest building on the corner of Patten Street and Great Shaw Street.

Preston-based Providence Gate proposes building a 30-storey tower featuring 194 apartments and on floors 10 to 29. A 174-bedroom hotel would be created on the lower floors. 

The building’s 30th floor would include a hotel restaurant and bar with internal and external seating areas. 

The scheme would replace the existing Foresters’ Hall, which currently provides 27 student rooms. The student block would be demolished as part of the proposals. 

Providence’s plans would supersede those for a 21-storey building on the same site, which 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.  

The site’s new owner aims to submit plans for the latest version of the site’s redevelopment next month, according to consultant PWA Planning. 

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

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

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

The contemporary building would be designed “to reflect a modern and vibrant city in line with city living aspirations”, according to a letter to Preston City Council from PWA Planning 

“The site and location of the building offers an opportunity for a building that creates visual interest, while maintaining the character of the surrounding developed buildings.” 

Charlie Openshaw, director of Providence Gate Group Holdings, said: “We’re consulting closely with the council’s planning team and other stakeholders to develop these exciting plans which will create an iconic new tall building for Preston.

“The development will support Preston’s ambitious regeneration plans, meeting a number of objectives including the delivery of new city centre homes in line with Preston’s city living strategy and creating high-quality hotel accommodation.”

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What an eyesore! Why are all theses people set on building tall buildings and iconic to boot. And in Preston of all places. I suggest you plonk a skyscraper in Harrogate or Ripon while you’re at it. What non-sense. Preston is not a skyscraper town. On the contrary, the town needs low-rise and WELL DESIGNED buildings that fit in with the history and topos of the town. The design is bulky and just plain ugly. This type of building has no place in any town in the UK.

By john

There are a lot of rubbish 1970s high rise buildings in preston that need flattening. Half occupied and unloved. Why add another?

By Neil

John, Preston is a city. Great to see it coming alive. Cost effective alternative to Manchester and Liverpool. Why spend a fortune in overdeveloped, overpriced Manchester when you can maximise returns in Preston – soon to have the new GVHQ/Cyber force on the doorstep.

By Katie

Katie, but so are Oxford, Cambridge, Bath and Durham cities of comparable size to Preston and I doubt very much that the local authorities of these cities would allow such a carbuncle to be built.

By John

This looks ugly! If we must have the tallest building in Preston then at least redesign it to make it look more aesthetically pleasing, and sympathetic to the existing buildings and history of the town.

By Mark

Completely against the idea of another tall building . You look at great shaw street it’s tiny with a block of apartments just round the corner , another student accommodation on the other end .. the place looks cramped & crowded with new buildings rising anywhere & everywhere ripping away the heritage of Preston .

Who on earth wants to come & live in high end hotel when there’s enough around with great Air B&B’s

Not needed !!!!

By Saeed

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