Council working on new planning application for Harris Quarter scheme

Preston City Council has made a key decision to take the next steps in progressing a cinema development on the site of the former Market Hall and Market car park in the Harris Quarter.

The development involves Muse Developments and developer Maple Grove, part of the Preston-based Eric Wright Group.

The plans for a new leisure development on the site of the former indoor market and adjoining car park continue to progress.

The scheme includes a cinema, restaurants facing Preston Market Hall, new public realm and a multi-storey car park.

Preston Council said that, in the coming months, the team will prepare a new planning application with detailed designs to be submitted to the planning committee.

Cllr Matthew Brown, Preston City Council leader, said: “As the old Market Hall and car park are being demolished, this is a positive next step for this important city centre site.

“We are confident that there is a sustained demand for this scheme which will complement and strengthen the existing leisure and cultural offer across the city centre, including Preston Markets, the Harris and the Guild Hall, as well as the wide range of established independent businesses.

“We are also committed to ensure the scheme, when completed, will be in city ownership, building a more resilient and democratic economy in Preston.”

He added: “We believe that Maple Grove Developments are ideally placed to take the scheme forward into the implementation phase and we are pleased to be working with a local business with a strong focus on social purpose.”

Mike Horner, development director at Muse, added: “We’re delighted to have reached this important milestone with the council and we now look forward to working in partnership with Maple Grove to deliver this exciting scheme for Preston city centre.

“True regeneration is all about creating the right solution to meet the city’s needs, with the community absolutely at its heart, and we’re pleased to be working with Maple Grove to deliver the council’s vision for this new leisure development.”

Karen Hirst, managing director at Maple Grove Developments, said: “We are looking forward to working with Preston City Council, in partnership with Muse to deliver this excellent project.

“As part of the Eric Wright Group, Lancashire is Maple Grove’s home county and we are proud to be playing a key role in the creation of a new vibrant night-time economy for Preston.”