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Prestonians have given their thoughts on proposals for the latest revamp of a stretch of Friargate.
Known as the ‘Friargate South’ scheme it will continue the new-look paving and ‘street scene’ which was put in place for the section of Friargate running from Ringway to the university.
Preston City Council undertook a consultation about its plans for an area of Friargate which is becoming increasingly desolate with the majority of units near the St George’s Shopping Centre empty along with the former shops at Wilko and along that row down from The Black Horse.
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The new paving would run from Ringway up to Cheapside and the Flag Market and also be continued up Orchard Street to the market.
Including Orchard Street in the works is conditional on the government accepting the city council’s plans to redistribute the Levelling Up funding which was earmarked for Ashton Park Sports Hub which was scrapped.
Concerns raised during the consultation about Friargate South included too much focus being put on cycling and the volume of electric delivery cyclists on this stretch of the street.
Others felt the investment was better focused on Church Street and the number of empty shops in this stretch of Friargate was also mentioned.
What were the positives?
A summary of the Friargate South scheme from the city council states: “The majority of comments when asked about what they liked were positive and in favour of the scheme and supportive of the investment in this area of the city centre, which most felt was overdue and much needed.
“A large number in particular liked the tree planting and green aspects; bringing the area up to date (modernising); the provision for cycling and the fact that the scheme joins up Fishergate South with Fishergate North; pedestrianisation of the area; and creating a better more attractive area with opportunities for outdoor dining.
“Generally, the respondents were pleased with the proposed improvements to the city centre, as they felt the area needs modernisation to help attract more businesses, enhance the shopping experience and help with the nighttime economy.”
What were the negatives?
The city council’s report said: “Although many liked the scheme there were many and varied concerns, some not able to be addressed by this project:
“The top concern was about promoting cycling to the detriment of cars and pedestrians; no need for cycle lanes in a busy pedestrian area as it was perceived as dangerous; too many electric delivery cyclists which are seen as a nuisance; no consideration for disabled and older people who may not cycle.”
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When is it happening?
Investigatory engineering works have started in the past week in Friargate and Orchard Street and then the scheme should begin during early 2025.
Cabinet member for community wealth building and city regeneration, councillor Valerie Wise, told Blog Preston last week: “The public may have seen some investigative works being carried out on Friargate South and Orchard Street this week.
“Contractors (Eric Wright Civil Engineering) are carrying out the works on behalf of Preston City Council, digging small trial holes along the stretch of pavement to test and check underground for any electrical cables, utilities and the general condition of the ground.
“These pre-construction ground investigations are being carried out ahead of a multi-million pound active travel improvement scheme that will be carried out later in 2025. This is a standard part of the contractors works package to ensure the job is designed and priced accurately.
“Lancashire County Council granted a permit to carry out the works. All the businesses in the vicinity were informed by the contractor prior to the works starting and works are due to complete at the beginning of November.”
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