Preston City Council has granted planning permission and listed building consent for the construction of a new indoor market hall.
The new market hall and the overall plans for the new markets have been designed by Preston-based Frank Whittle Partnership working with market specialists Greig & Stephenson Associates.
Situated under part of the existing larger covered market, the new market hall’s design uses glass and timber walling to maintain views of the canopy roof structure while creating indoor space for new market stalls.
Restoration of the larger market canopy is already under way and will be completed in time for construction of the new indoor market which is scheduled to start in early 2017.
The opening of the new Market Hall will then enable the current indoor market to be redeveloped, making way for a new cinema, restaurants and new multi storey car park. A planning application for this final phase has been submitted by Muse Developments and is working its way through the system.
Preston councillor Robert Boswell, cabinet member for environment and community, said: “This wonderful design for our new market hall is a credit to the architects. It strikes absolutely the right note creating a modern, innovative structure that will enhance the use of the stunning historic market canopy. The building will provide a great setting for the new indoor market both for our market traders to trade from and for the people of Preston to shop, eat and spend some time in.
“Together with the on-going refurbishment of the market canopies and the upgrading of the outdoor market, our market plans are really taking shape. This is great news for Preston and brings us another step closer to realising the vision for the Markets Quarter.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
