FWP appointed to Preston markets scheme
PRESTON-based architecture and surveying practice Frank Whittle Partnership has been appointed as the lead consultant for the city’s historic markets.
FWP won the contract to partner London-based architects Greig and Stephenson, specialists in market developments.
To complete a Lancashire line up, the project will be supported by Preston companies Blezard, Morgan Martin and PWA Planning and Wigan-based Sanderson Watts Associates.
Deputy Leader of Preston City Council Cllr John Swindells said: “This is a major investment and I’m confident we have got a great combination of local experts to lead the Preston Markets redevelopment. This was a tough contract to win, with a field of top architectural practices in the running.
“It is a true partnership and by that I mean traders, architects and the people of Preston. The response from traders to the draft scheme has been positive. We’ve captured the imagination and have the basis for a wholesale re-generation of Preston Markets.
“The markets are hugely important to Preston and attract thousands of customers every week. I am confident with the passion and good will of traders and expertise of our design team, we can deliver a market truly fitting for the city of Preston and one we can all be rightly proud of.
Partner at FWP, Martin Whittle said: “It’s good to see major aspirational projects like Preston Markets delivered by a local team of experts who can bring decades of experience to the job.
“As a Preston based multi-disciplinary practice we have immense pride in our city and the council’s ambitious vision for Preston Markets is a sign of increasing confidence in Preston, something we have seen in our growing portfolio of regeneration work in the city.”
Ken Greig from Greig and Stephenson added: “Partnering with FWP will work extremely well as we share their passion for Preston.
~”This combined with our expert knowledge of markets makes the perfect partnership. Now the hard work begins, we’ve got an excellent basis to work from and a great set of traders to work with, so lots to look forward too.
Preston Council’s financiel partner in the schme is Muse Developments.
Muse’s regioanl director Mike Horner said: “This is a vital step forward for the Markets Quarter development.
“The Markets are hugely important to Preston and it is great to see the appointment of such high calibre and well respected architects as Frank Whittle Partnership and Greig and Stephenson.
“It means the development can go from strength to strength and enables us as developers, to focus on achieving the ambition and unlocking Preston City Centre’s true potential, through our vision for a game-changing, major Cinema led development for Preston.”
