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Preston’s Peace Garden has been formally opened and marks the end of the long-running Friargate North and Ringway roadworks.
The area on the corner of the Ringway has been relandscaped and includes a special mural by Salina Somalya.
Her work features poems and artwork etched into the concrete paving.
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She was one of a number of dignitaries who officially opened the Peace Garden on Thursday (19 September) morning and marked the end of the Friargate North works.
Salina said: “My concept was to consider a motif of the dove/peace symbol that referenced back to the history of the site as well as represented the present and future people of Preston, illustrating how we can live in harmony with one another through our customs, celebrations and language.
“I wanted to implement a design that was sensitive to the diverse communities within Preston, expressive and celebratory.
“I’m chuffed to have been awarded this commission on my home turf and to have the opportunity to enjoy the Peace Garden with the rest of the Preston and wider communities.”
As well as the mural a commemorative red plaque in memory of Mary Elizabeth Slater, a field nurse from Preston who served in the Spanish Civil War before nursing in London during the Blitz, has been included as part of the grassy area.
The plaque was originally unveiled in the Peace Garden June 2018 by the Preston Historical Society. It was removed whilst the improvement works were carried out to keep it from being damaged and has now been reinstated into its rightful place.
The ceremony to unveil the Peace Garden took place ahead of the International Day of Peace on Saturday (21 September).
Preston City Council’s cabinet member for communities and social justice, councillor Nweeda Khan, said: “Preston is proud of its status as a City of Sanctuary that welcome refugees and asylum seekers from all over the world that need a safe haven from conflict and persecution. The Peace Garden is symbolic of the city’s commitment to our pledge to help and care for those in need and sends out a message of peace and hope to all our citizens.
“The garden is a restful corner of the busy city, a place where people can go for a few minutes of quiet reflection, or to take a few minutes to read the inspirational messages of hope and peace that are incorporated into the Peace Wall and are integral to the design of the Peace Garden.”
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The ceremony also signalled the completion of the £14.7m Friargate North scheme by Lancashire County Council which saw parts of the road pedestrianised and ended up taking 18-months longer to complete than planned – causing upset for traders and nearby businesses.
Cabinet member for highways and transport, county councillor Rupert Swarbrick, said: “This ambitious initiative, aimed at revitalising Preston’s city centre, has now come to fruition, creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space that encourages sustainable travel.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the partners, engineers, and community members who contributed to this project and for your patience.
“This has been a massive undertaking that has brought many challenges that we have had to overcome, and its completion marks a significant milestone in Preston’s history, and future.”
The University of Central Lancashire’s strategic development lead, Claire Lowe, also joined the ceremony along with Mayor of Preston councillor Phil Crowe and vice-chairman of the county council county councillor Alf Clempson.
Claire said: “Friargate North links our University to the city centre so it’s essential for our student population that this area is a safe, attractive and vibrant space. The project has delivered a street with a welcoming atmosphere and the Peace Garden perfectly complements this.”
Minister for the Local Transport, Simon Lightwood said: “This scheme will deliver huge improvements which will transform transport across Preston.
“Improved walking and cycling infrastructure will deliver greener journeys and reduce congestion in and around the city. From buses to walking and cycling, we will continue to ensure everyone has access to affordable and reliable transport, however they choose to travel.”
Work is due to start in the near future on the second stage of the scheme – branded as Friargate South – which will run from the Ringway up to the Flag Market and is also now due to include Orchard Street.
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