Piling work begins on Preston’s £45m+ Animate leisure complex

Work has started on the £45m+ Animate leisure complex in Preston, with the beginning of piling which is expected to be completed in June, followed by the erection of the streel structure.

All construction work on the site is expected to be completed by late 2024.

The £45m+ scheme is one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme.

Preston was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021, and the Harris Quarter is a unique part of the city centre undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering.

Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board, John Chesworth, said: “The start of the piling work is an auspicious occasion and marks another step toward the renaissance of Preston.

“The Animate complex has already attracted well respected leisure brands, and together they’ll create an impressive offering of activities that will increase footfall to the city, bringing additional economic benefits.”

He added: “We’re making solid progress with our collective vision for Preston, and momentum is building.”

Chris Hayward, director of development and housing at Preston City Council, said: “Animate is the flagship project within the Harris Quarter regeneration programme which is part of the broader £200m City Investment Programme, which heralds a new era for Preston and its residents.

“Animate will act as the catalyst for the wider city’s social, economic and physical regeneration, creating lasting benefits for all.”

Nick Hague, director at Maple Grove Developments, said: “Animate will be an exemplar of what can be achieved when the public and private sector work together.

“A huge amount of collaboration has taken place for us to reach this point and we’re now very excited to be on site and delivering this superb scheme for the people of Preston.”