News

Landscape Institute competition set to regenerate Preston's Winckley Square

21st January 2008

A major project to regenerate Preston’s Winckley Square is now underway.

Preston City Council has teamed up with Preston Vision Board, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and the Landscape Institute to launch a scheme that will see the re-design of Winckley Square to make it a more attractive and better used area and encourage more people to use it as a link between Avenham Park and the city centre.

The first stage of the project involves finding a suitable consultant to draw up proposals for the regeneration scheme and the council has commissioned the Landscape Institute to run a design competition to search for an outstanding landscape architect.

Five landscape design practices have been chosen to take part, with the winner being announced in March.

The designers have been provided with a design brief which sets out the main issues to be addressed. The winning design must cater for a number of activities such as outdoor events, and could include an eye-catching feature which will attract visitors from Fishergate. Imaginative public artwork will form part of the design, and improved lighting and drainage must be included.

The designs must also be sensitive to the heritage of Winckley Square Conservation Area.

Councillor Anthony Gornall, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The design competition marks the start of an exciting regeneration project that will breathe new life into Winckley Square.

“Although it has always been an important feature of the city centre, the square currently feels a little tired and is underused, but this project will address these problems and transform it into a vibrant space that will be used for a variety of activities.

“We’re already running a number of regeneration projects such as Tithebarn and the improvements to Avenham and Miller Parks and this scheme is another key programme which will add to the vibrant city centre and make Preston an even better place to live, work and visit.”

Nigel Thorne, President of the Landscape Institute, said: “Landscape architects are specialists in the transformation of public spaces, with all the different demands placed on them. A key goal is creating a sense of place and through that bringing meaning and value to the spaces that communities share. The renovation of Winckley Square through our competition will create an outstanding location right at the heart of Preston city centre.”

Mike Brogan, city vision manager, said: “Winckley Square is an important area of the city centre being home to a number of businesses and residential properties.

“There have been a number of improvements to the square over the years, but this work has been uncoordinated and doesn’t make the best use of the space provided.

“The square is built on various levels and is within a conservation area, which makes it very challenging and this competition will help us select the best landscape architect for the job. This is an important project and we’re pleased to be working with the Landscape Institute and NWDA to take it forward.”

Peter White, Executive Director of Development at the NWDA, said: “We’re pleased to fund this important project. Winckley Square is a key part of Preston city centre and these improvements will help to regenerate the area while maintaining its historic character. This work builds on other projects, such as the regeneration of Avenham and Miller Parks and will help strengthen Preston’s reputation as a thriving, up and coming city.”