Plan to redevelop Preston following failed Tithebarn project

Parts of Friargate may be given over to the university

New plans to redevelop Preston city centre are to be published by the council.

The plan replaces the £700m Tithebarn regeneration scheme, abandoned after the flagship store pulled out making it no longer financially viable.

The council is also deciding what to do with the bus station after the government granted the building Grade II-listed status last month.

Five key areas would make up the city centre under the new scheme.

The Corporation Street and Friargate corridors could be given over to the university and developers encouraged to build more office buildings and student accommodation.

The City Centre North area, which includes the markets and bus station, could be home to a new cinema.

Stoneygate, Church Street and surrounding streets would see new shops, restaurants and cafes.

A new supermarket could also be built on London Road, and Winckley Square would continue to be restored.

City centre planning manager John Crellin said: "Tithebarn was a comprehensive, one-hit, big scheme by a private developer.

"Now we're looking to do it on a site-by-site basis."

Views are now being sought from landowners and the public before the plan is considered in more detail.