Fishergate Public Realm Investment

Preston City Centre public realm investment is focused on the delivery of high quality attractive shared spaces for both pedestrians and vehicles.

The project, funded by £1.38 million from the European Regional Development Fund and £2 million from Lancashire County Council, aimed to improve two of the key approaches to Preston City Centre. The main areas involved were the stretch from Preston railway station up Fishergate as far as Lune Street, Corporation Street from the junction with Ringway up to Fishergate, and along Ringway to the Friargate crossing.

Preston's new look city centre is now a 'shared space' where pedestrians and vehicles have equal priority with less clutter, more space and no traffic lights. Work also included the widening of pavements and adding trees to line the high street to enhance the attractiveness of the area. 

Fishergate public realm investment has also worked towards achieving one of the key priorities in the city's overarching City Investment Plan in terms of achieving a step change in sustainable movement and accessibility in the city. It has also contributed towards achieving one of the aims of Preston's Transport Plan (PDF, 3 MB) in terms of providing 'great streets and spaces'.

Public realm improvement phases

Phase 1

Completed work in the initial phase visually improved the following two key approaches to Preston City Centre:

• From Lune Street on Fishergate through to Preston Railway Station 
• Down along Corporation Street to the Friargate junction at Ringway

This phase of works was part funded by ERDF.

Phase 2

Starting at the Lune Street/Winckley Street junction, where phase 1 ended, public realm works continued through to Preston Minster replicating those in phase 1.

Phase 3

This phase focused on improvements from Fishergate to Preston Bus Station. Improvement areas include:

• Church Street
• Lancaster Road
• Lord Street
• Tithebarn Street

Outcomes

• Businesses have reported seeing higher footfall almost immediately after works were completed
• The works have significantly enhanced the attractiveness of Preston City Centre for everyone and has become a viable location to invest and do business
• £80m estimated GVA to Preston economy 
• 51% reduction in collision rate
• The improvements have and continue to act as a catalyst for private sector investment, boosting the local economy

Investment and development opportunities 

If you are an investor or developer interested in finding out more about current investment and development opportunities within Preston City Centre please contact Invest@preston.gov.uk

Preston Fishergate regenerated video

Map addresses for public realm investment

• Preston Railway Station entrance, off Fishergate
• Butler Street, Preston, PR1 8BN
• Corporation Street, Preston, PR1 2UP
• Chapel Street. Preston, PR1 8BU
• Lune Street, Preston, PR1 2NL
• Guild Hall Street, Preston,  PR1 3PB
• Cannon Street, Preston, PR1 3NT
• Cheapside, Preston, PR1 2AR
• Glovers Court, Preston, PR1 3LS
• Birley Street, Preston, PR1 2QY
• Fishergate, Preston, PR1 2NJ
• Church Street, Preston, PR1 3DH