FWP lands deal for Preston’s new market

THE Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) has been awarded the contract to ensure Preston’s new market complex will be built on time and to budget.

FWP’s surveying and cost management divisions have been appointed by Preston City Council to oversee the eventual demolition of the indoor market and multi-storey car park.

The company will oversee the financial management on the construction of a brand new market and event space under the existing historic Victorian market canopy along Earl Street, working to designs being drawn up by Manchester-based architects IBI Taylor Young.

FWP, based in Preston and with offices in Manchester and London, is also working on the step-by-step rejuvenation of the Guild Hall in Preston for its new owner.

Preston City Council is working in partnership with Lancashire County Council to attract major investment into the city’s Markets Quarter.

The city council is also involved in consultation with current traders over the regeneration of the area.

No detailed plans have been submitted to the council yet and no date has been given for work to start.

The vision to transform the area includes re-locating the current indoor market under the large 1875 Market Canopy.

The council says the transformation of the Markets Quarter is an important part of the wider regeneration of Preston City Centre that is now beginning to take shape.

Martin Whittle, partner at FWP, said: “We are delighted to be working with Preston City Council and IBI Taylor Young on this high-profile project.

“All parties have recognised how important a modern, vibrant market can be as an economic driver for retail and tourism.

“Many thriving cities use a refurbished or new market to attract visitors and bring local people into the city centre.

“At FWP, we have a strong track record in the retail, leisure and tourism sectors that will bring added value to this contract and help to ensure delivery is on time and to budget.

“Our local knowledge will also help as we fully understand, and are playing a significant part in, the ongoing and much-needed regeneration of Preston.”

Urban design specialist IBI Taylor Young has been involved in successful redevelopment of several markets – most notably in Ashton in Tameside, Greater Manchester, and Chesterfield.

Both projects have won national awards and the practice understands how important markets are to towns and cities and the sense of local identity they can offer.

FWP is highly experienced in cost management, having successfully overseen the completion of national projects for Westmorland, the family-owned motorway services operator, Leicester Tigers RUFC and several top race courses throughout England.

The firm is about to begin work looking after the £18 million construction of a major community sports facility and football stadium in Kirkham for AFC Fylde.