Work starts on public realm improvement scheme called Illuminate and Integrate

Work on a significant project to improve the public realm and lighting near the new £45 million Animate leisure scheme has started work

The Illuminate and Integrate works aim to encourage pedestrian and cycle movement at a section of Lancaster Road adjacent to the Market Hall and Old Vicarage Road.  

Works include a pedestrian and cycle-friendly space with high-quality paving, trees, and other features such as public seating and an expanded circulation space around the market to create opportunities such as alfresco dining. This new space will also offer improved linkages to the St John Shopping Centre. 

The project, part of the £200 million Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, will also incorporate additional lighting improvements. 

Delivery of the scheme involves works to the Ormskirk junction from now for four weeks (finishing end of September 2024). This includes two weeks of night works. As part of the Animate scheme, the associated works on Ormskirk Road will enable access to the new underground car park.

Works on Old Vicarage commenced on the 28 August and will continue for a period of 12 weeks (finishing end November 2024). 

The work being undertaken on Old Vicarage forms the first phase of the Illuminate and Integrate scheme and includes widening the pavement to improve pedestrian access, new lighting including projection lighting that will animate the street scene, and a new avenue of trees. The aim is to improve and make safer the pedestrian route from the bus station to the new £45m Animate scheme and Preston Markets.

The first phase of improvement works will cost approximately £1 million and is part funded by an £800k Lancashire Economic Recovery and Growth grant by Lancashire County Council. 

Phase 2 is expected to commence in spring 2025 and will involve Lancaster Road improvements and new lighting within the wider Harris Quarter.

Preston City Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building, said:  

"We're thrilled to see this pivotal project in the Harris Quarter moving forward, complimenting other initiatives in the area, such as The Harris and Animate. 

"The Illuminate and Integrate project will revitalise this part of the city centre, bringing fresh energy while also enhancing street safety." 

John Chesworth, Chair of Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board, added:   

"While the Harris Quarter is well connected to the rest of the city centre via an existing network of streets, many of these routes are dated, having been designed around vehicular movement, limiting the potential for cycle and pedestrian use.

"Illuminate and Integrate will complement the excellent architecture within the Harris Quarter while improving the quality of the public spaces. A key aspect of the scheme is to encourage footfall and dwell time in the day and evening, which is allied to our vision for the Harris Quarter to be the go-to cultural destination in Preston." 

Nick Hague, project director at Maple Grove Developments, concluded:

"The Illuminate and Integrate works are an important piece of the jigsaw in the regeneraton of the Harris Quarter and will help to stimulate cultural, economic and social viability."

Further information

Towns Fund - Town Deals

On 27 July 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. See further details of the announcement.

Preston's City Investment Plan is a 15-year vision for Preston, setting out Preston's long-term objectives and strategy to transform the City, targeting resources and aligning public and private sector investments to respond to needs and capitalise on opportunities for positive change.

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone. For more information, please see: www.prestoncommunitywealth.org 

Projects included in Preston's £200 million Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme are:

• Animate - £45m multi-use entertainment and leisure complex anchored by a state-of-the-art cinema and bowling venue next to Preston Markets
• Educate Preston: The creation of a new Careers and Employment, Information, Advice and Guidance Hub in the Harris Quarter.
• Renewal of Harris Quarter Assets: Investment to support the redevelopment of publicly-owned buildings in the Harris Quarter to support new cultural and community uses, including Amounderness House.
• Illuminate and Integrate: A project to deliver improved pedestrian and cycleway infrastructure, street lighting and other public realm improvements within the Harris Quarter.
• Preston Youth Zone: The development of Preston Youth Zone as a state-of-the-art facility for young people in Preston aged eight to 19.
• #HarrisYourPlace: The refurbishment of the Grade I listed Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, enhancing and protecting the building for future generations.
• Preston Pop Ups: £1m pop-up programme of events bringing together new temporary event space, artworks and improvements to public realm infrastructure, aimed at boosting visitor activity in the Harris Quarter