NLG takes 15-year lease at Preston’s £45m Animate
The city council has struck a deal with the Northern Lights Group to create a food hall at the entertainment and leisure complex, which could be completed this autumn.
This letting leaves just two units available at the 168,000 sq ft Animate, with the doors to the food court expected to open early next year.
In partnership with the council, Animate is being delivered by Maple Grove Developments, part of Eric Wright Construction.
Bradys and Smith Young are the joint lettings agents for Animate and advised Maple Grove Developments on the 15-year deal.
One of the North West’s largest independent hospitality groups, NLG plans to create and run a cocktail bar and four bespoke food kiosks to be let to small businesses.
Arc Cinema, Hollywood Bowl, and several other national food retailer brands have already signed up for the venue, a key driver in the city’s ongoing regeneration programme.
Joe Foster, of NLG, said: “This is another incredibly exciting opportunity for us. As part of our growth strategy, we have been identifying new locations across the region, and Animate is the perfect fit.
“We look forward to opening our doors in early 2025 and serving the people of Preston with delicious food.”
Andrew Dewhurst, development director at Maple Grove Developments, added: “The Northern Lights Group is well accustomed to the concept of food halls, successfully operating throughout the North West. Choosing Animate for this latest food hall concept only adds to the draw of Preston as a place to visit.
“In terms of the site development, Eric Wright Construction is continuing to make excellent progress. The brickwork is nearing completion, the tenterhook panels are installed, and the majority of the glass panelling is in place.
“We’re working towards a completion date this autumn. The tenants can then begin to fit out and furnish their units before Animate launches in early 2025.”
Supported by the council, NLG will run the bar unit directly but will recruit local operators for the food outlets.
The firm is also looking to appoint a local ambassador to a board, which will oversee the food hall.
Deputy leader of Preston City Council, Cllr Martyn Rawlinson, said: “Our ambition for Animate has always been to provide independent operators to be part of this council-owned entertainment and leisure development and trade alongside national brands which will help build a resilient and inclusive economy for all.
“Having the Northern Lights Group at Animate will help us deliver an attractive offer for the people of Preston and wider Lancashire while contributing to the city’s ongoing social and economic regeneration.”
John Chesworth, chair of Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board, added: “Animate is a major asset in the city’s regeneration as it will help draw more people into Preston, but it’s acting as a catalyst for further growth and as footfall increases, we’ll undoubtedly see businesses want to invest here.
“Preston is starting to flourish and we’re now seeing the fruits of everyone’s hard work in helping make the city an attractive place to live, work, and play. The Northern Lights Group choosing Preston as a place to do business is a testament to what’s being achieved here.”
The £45m Animate is one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme.
Preston City Council was awarded £21m from the government’s national Towns Fund initiative three years ago.
The Harris Quarter is an area of the city centre undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites, and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure, and employment offer.
