Plans in for Preston Catholic College revamp
One of two remaining parts of the former grammar school could be demolished to create 36 apartments in Winckley Square under proposals submitted to the city council.
Architect John Bridge designed the project, which would provide 25 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom homes off Mount Street, as well as a ground-floor gym, co-working space, and roof garden.
Residents will have access to a roof garden. Credit: via planning documents
The seven-storey complex would replace the existing 7,000 sq ft building, formerly Preston Catholic College’s sixth form centre.
Opened in 1865, the college has a rich history with ex-pupils including footballer Mark Lawrenson and Beano cartoonist Leo Baxendale. Gateley Smithers Purslow provided the heritage statement for the site.
The project’s developer, Branco Winckley Square, is a subsidiary of Branco Capital and already owns a 40,000 sq ft office building in the area.
If approved, the flats would join more than 200 already built in Winckley Square alone as part of the City Council’s City Living Strategy to build more quality homes in the city centre.
A total of five car parking spaces would be available to residents.
Smith and Love is the scheme’s planning consultant. BWB is providing the flood risk assessment and drainage strategy, while MJM is advising on transport
Preston City Council’s reference number for the application is 06/2023/0124.
Interesting quirky design. I like it. Winckley Square is a fantastic asset to the city but the whole surrounding streets are very rewarding too.
By SW
36 apartments, 5 parking places – why do most developments have insufficient parking resulting in pavement parking, obstructed roads and a poor streetscape
By Dom
Well @Dom Perhaps because sometimes, as in this case, you have a railway station and bus stops a stone’s throw from here and shops and amenities next door.
Car-worship has become the new religion.
By SW
Another interesting looking building for Preston.
By Katie
Well @SW it is not that easy to manage with just public transport in Lancashire due to lack of investment. It is wishful thinking to believe people will give up their cars, the streets will be clogged with parked cars as they are around every other development of apartments in Preston where insufficient parking has been provided.
By Dom
It’s called induced demand Dom. the city centre of Preston, like too many, has been ruined by traffic-modernism eg Ringway acting as a gash in the urban fabric.
Making public transport more affordable, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and having facilities within a 15-20 minute walk are but a number of solutions. Younger generations are also not investing in cars now. You can hire these.
By SW