New Cinema Multiplex Set To Change The Face Of Preston

Apr, 5 2016

~Sometimes a change can do us good. Sheryl Crow sang about such a change on her July 1997 single. Back then Prestonians were accustomed to a way of life that provided contentment. A walk to the park, socialising with friends or buying produce from the indoor market.

Now in 2016, the latter point is about to make some drastic changes which may go down well with some but perhaps not with others.

The current indoor market is going to get a complete makeover. It will be demolished and will be replaced by a state of the art new multiplex cinema.

Last Friday ( April 1st ) new artist impressions were released for the 11 screen cinema backed by The Light Cinema Group.

How the markets area would develop is to be laid out with models, drawings and explanations in a temporary display in the St George’s Shopping Centre.Two consultation events are being held and representatives from Preston City Council, Muse Developments and Frank Whittle Partnership, are to be at the events to answer questions from the public.

John Bridge,  of  Frank Whittle Partnership, expressed these words of gratitude and the plans set before the building committee,

“As a company based in the city we are delighted to be working on the Markets Quarter development, along with Greig and Stephenson Architects. We’re really looking to change the face of Market Quarter and to build a lasting legacy for the future, by both respecting our city’s heritage and moving with the times”.

This Saturday ( 9th April ) and Monday ( 11th April ) between 11am - 3pm in the Upper Mall area of the shopping centre you could be one of many that inquires about these big plans that will no doubt affect the people of Preston. Questions can be addressed to the planning committee and an overall outline of the project will be unveiled this weekend and the following Monday.

Online information about the Markets scheme with more detailed plans is to appear on the city council website from Thursday evening. Plans for the scheme, which is to cost around £50m, are yet to be formally submitted.
John Bridge has these final words of hope and optimism whilst still maintaining the pride of Preston, it’s status and what it means to those that live there,

“It’s an ambitious project and rightly so, as the development is the key to unlocking wider development in Preston city centre. In our sensitive vision for the new Market Hall we believe we’ve created an exciting new space for traders and customers. And we’re working with those traders to retain and enhance the city’s vibrant market offer. We’re very keen to listen to what people think.”

You can contribute and have your say on this innovative and prosperous scheme for the city of Preston. Don’t be shy, your point of concern could change everything.