Former Preston police station to become offices and shops

The new facility is expected to be opened in late 2025

A Grade II-listed Victorian police station in Preston will be converted into offices and shops after councillors approved plans.

Amounderness House, which was also a court, has been lying idle in the city centre for more than 20 years.

It has been due to be revamped since the city was allocated a share from the government's Town Fund in 2021, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

The new facility is expected to be opened in late 2025.

The £7.4m refurbishment, which was approved by Preston City Council's planning committee, will create retail areas and 26 offices for businesses.

The building was opened as a police station in 1857

Designed by Preston-based FWP Architects, the new building will managed by office specialists W_rkspace when it opens.

John Chesworth, the chair of Preston's Towns Fund strategic board, said the scheme would "help stimulate business, cultural, and community uses".

"We are making significant progress in regenerating the Harris Quarter and seeing a ripple effect of interest in what Preston is achieving as an attractive place to live, work and play."

Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown added that the "important heritage asset" would boost the local economy.

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