Public to be given their say on major Preston road changes

The Lancashire Post understands that a consultation into options for a radical redesign of Friargate and Ringway is likely to begin in mid-March.

Lancashire County Council has been working with businesses and residents in the immediate area to develop a series of design concepts for the project – and these will form the basis of the wider opinion-gathering exercise during the spring. It is understood that the Mobility Centre on Ringway and Penwortham-based charity for the blind, Galloways, have also been consulted.

One of the main measures under consideration is the pedestrianisation of Friargate between the junction with Ringway and Marsh Lane.

While access would be permitted for delivery vehicles at certain times of the day, the focus would be on prioritising pedestrians and cyclists. Public realm improvements – including tree-planting, better paving and public seating could also be included.

It is hoped that the changes could give businesses on the street a boost and provide an opportunity for outdoor markets and alfresco dining.

Cycle paths could also be introduced on the busy Ringway to provide better connections for bike-riders between the bus and railway stations and the university, along with a new crossing point at the junction with Friargate and upgraded bus stops at the Friargate interchange.

A bus gate on Corporation Street is another possible option to provide a smooth alternative route for services diverted from Friargate.

A statement on the county council’s website outlining the overarching principles of the scheme says: “We aim to help reconnect the two sections of the city and encourage people to move between the university and the Harris Quarter and city centre via Friargate – and enhance the space around the junction and also provide a cycle hub area.”

The committee of Preston’s Business Improvement District (BID) has received a presentation on the project – and BID manager Mark Whittle welcomed the prospects for traders on Friargate as a result of the revamp.

“[We] were pleased to see proposed investment in that part of the city centre.

“Our job now is to encourage businesses in the locality to engage with Lancashire County Council, ahead of works beginning, to ensure the scheme designers are aware of business requirements in order to maintain their trade throughout the course of the works.

“Friargate will ultimately benefit from investment in the area and we hope that the consultation exercise, which is set to get underway soon, is a positive one for all parties.”

The project is one of several for which £40m was secured from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund at last year’s budget. £25m of that pot will go on the creation of a new railway station at Cottam.