W_rkspace takes space at Amounderness House following £7.4m conversion

Maple Grove Developments will work with Preston City Council to transform a former police station and magistrates court into offices and managed workspace.

Office provider W_rkspace has been chosen as the preferred operator of the grade-two listed Amounderness House on Lancaster Road.

The property’s refurbishment is intended to provide a mix of office, hot-desk, and co-working space.

The 23,800 sq ft offices will span three floors. W_rkspace’s existing portfolio covers more than 100 offices.

The £7.4m project is one of six planned under Preston’s £200m Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme. The government awarded Preston £20.9m from its National Towns Fund initiative towards the programme in March 2021, through which the city wishes to transform its historic buildings to provide leisure and employment facilities.

Nik Puttnam, senior development manager with Maple Grove, said: “The building offers an opportunity to create an exciting workspace within a heritage asset.”

Cllr David Borrow, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “It will be wonderful to see new life breathed into a heritage property that has had such a rich history and impact on the city centre over the years.

“Not only will it repurpose an empty property, generating income for the city, but it will boost new footfall in the area, provide new jobs and support local businesses and the city centre economy.”

Rizwan Seth, managing director of W_rkspace, added: “W_rkspace brings its own unique brand of flexible working solutions to the heart of the city.

“Offering outstanding opportunities for local established companies, alongside fantastic facilities, to help start-up businesses looking to achieve first steps of their business journey.”

A planning application is currently in the works, with the property’s conversion due to be completed in late 2025.