A former Preston pub is to become a home for vulnerable adults.
The green light has been given to plans to turn what used to be Oblivion, on Grimshaw Street in the city centre, into supported accommodation.
The hostelry closed down more than five years ago and – along with an adjoining property – has already undergone refurbishment for conversion into 11 one-bedroomed apartments.
Now, Preston City Council has granted further permission for the refitted buildings to be used as specialist housing. No additional physical alterations will be required.
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According to documents lodged with the authority, the premises – to be operated by registered social landlord Excel Housing Solutions – will be staffed 24 hours a day “to provide ongoing care and supervision for residents”.
Overnight staff will work “waking shifts” and the arrangements will “provide full coverage and allow for prompt response to needs or emergencies”.
In its application, the organisation said: “[Excel Housing Solutions] is also registered with the Housing Ombudsman and aims to fully comply with all regulatory standards concerning anti-social behaviour and tenant satisfaction. Our objective is to provide quality, supported accommodation for our residents.”
City council planning officials concluded it was likely there would be no difference between the level of noise generated for the approved apartments and the proposed supported accommodation – and so would not adversely affect neighbouring residences.
In a report outlining its reasons for approving the application, the authority added: “There is a small area of usable outdoor amenity space to be used by residents to the rear – and the property is also located within the city centre, close to outdoor amenity space such as Avenham Park which would provide further outdoor recreation space for future residents.”
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/montreal-during-fall-right-a-woman-smiles-and-poses-in-montreal.jpg?id=61530402&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=2%2C0%2C3%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you've been noticing more tourists wandering around <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/old-montreal">Old Montreal</a> or struggling to grab a seat on your favourite terrasse this summer, there might be an explanation for it!</p><p>A <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250828583129/en/Whats-In-Whats-Out-FlightHub-Reveals-the-Latest-Travel-Shifts-and-Booking-Trends">new report</a> just confirmed what many locals may have already suspected: Montreal is on the rise as a go-to destination in Canada. </p><p>Released on Thursday by FlightHub, the <a href="https://unveiled.flighthub.com">Unveiled 2025 report</a> highlights where North Americans have been travelling over the past year, based on booking data from October 2024 to June 2025. The report looks at everything from popular destinations to travel trends and flight data.</p><p>One section of the report lists the top 10 Canadian destinations for 2025, showing which cities kept travellers curious and coming back. While some of the usual suspects held on to their top spots, Montreal made a noticeable jump this year.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtl21xssPE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtl21xssPE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>The city landed in fifth place — up three spots from last year. According to FlightHub, "Montreal jumped several spots this year by leaning into doing what it does best. Its patios, markets, galleries, lively events, and late-night corners come together in a way that makes staying out feel like part of the plan."</p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/best-places-to-live-in-canada-montreal-fourth" target="_blank">Montreal's ranking</a> will be no surprise to anyone who's spent a summer weekend in the city. Between the steady stream of festivals, charming neighbourhoods, and the city's love of good food and long nights, Montreal continues to be a solid pick for both short getaways and longer stays.</p><p>Still, the cities that ranked ahead of Montreal might raise a few eyebrows.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL8oNhvx_YK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DL8oNhvx_YK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Toronto came in at number one once again, with FlightHub noting its consistent appeal as a city that "offers personality and something new around every corner." </p><p>Vancouver held its spot at number two, known for its balance of nature and urban life. Calgary ranked third, with easy access to the Rockies and a growing lineup of local festivals and food events. Edmonton took fourth, described in the report as "festival-packed" with enough entertainment to fill a weekend or more.</p><p>Just behind Montreal, Winnipeg landed in sixth place (dropping one spot from last year), while Ottawa climbed two positions to seventh.</p><p>Here's a closer look at the full list:</p><h3>Canada's top ten destinations</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMafrn0o5a6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMafrn0o5a6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><ol><li>Toronto, ON</li><li>Vancouver, BC</li><li>Calgary, AB</li><li>Edmonton, AB</li><li>Montreal, QC</li><li>Winnipeg, MB</li><li>Ottawa, ON</li><li>Kelowna, BC</li><li>Halifax, NS</li><li>Saskatoon, SK</li></ol><h3></h3><br/><p>So while Montreal didn't crack the top three, its steady climb shows the city is continuing to gain traction with North American tourists — and there's a good chance it could climb even higher next year.</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
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