Tithebarn Gateway & St John’s Shopping Centre, Preston

Located directly opposite the city’s central bus station, multi storey car park and recently redeveloped public realm, St John’s is the gateway to the City Centre and often the first impression for many arriving into Preston.

Our proposals for the Site fully align with Preston’s City Living Strategy and the Preston City Investment Plan, forming part of Preston 35 Regeneration Plan, breathing new life into the underutilised St John’s Shopping Centre and Tithebarn Gateway.   As such our vision is to create a thriving, residential-led mixed-use development that meets the needs of residents, businesses and the wider community by creating a bold and welcoming gateway that reflects the city’s ambition and character.

The proposed development includes:

• Over 500 high-quality new apartments designed for modern city living;
• Approximately 15,000 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial spaces for retail, food & beverage (F&B), or leisure uses;
• A 26,000 sq.ft city centre NHS neighbourhood health centre, supporting NHS priorities and Government ambitions of making more care available on people’s doorsteps as set out in the Government’s 10-year health plan;
• Repurposing retail floorspace that is no longer fit for purpose to enable a more consolidated retail offer at the Site which better aligns with Preston’s retail demand;
• Contemporary design and innovative infrastructure to meet modern expectations for sustainability and usability;
• Significant public realm improvements including a vibrant new public square and better pedestrian connectivity between the Harris Quarter, the covered market and the central bus station;
• Greener, healthier spaces with increased urban planting and biodiversity; and
• A safe, well-connected, and attractive environment for residents, visitors and workers 

The scheme aims to deliver a high-quality, welcoming environment that reflects civic pride and provides a vital link between key regeneration sites including the Harris Quarter, the covered markets, and the Animate leisure scheme.

Backed by Praxis, this investment responds directly to significant public sector investment in the city centre, including the adjacent Youth Zone that is currently under construction, the Tithebarn bus station as well as key regeneration schemes.  It also directly supports wider economic growth in the borough, including employment hubs such as BAE Systems and the National Cyber Force (NCF) Campus.

The proposed development covers two related sites:

• St John’s Shopping Centre: A retail shopping centre no longer fit for purpose with 23 retail units;
• Tithebarn Gateway: A largely vacant single-storey building with ground-floor commercial units and a rooftop car park providing approximately 34 spaces.

Together, the two sites occupy a prominent city centre location in the heart of the cultural quarter, directly adjacent to the Grade II listed Preston Bus Station and a short walk from Preston’s train station and markets.

Further information on the proposed development can be obtained by clicking on the public consultation boards below:

Preston Masterplan Board 1

Preston Masterplan Board 2

Preston Masterplan Board 3

Preston Masterplan Board 4

Preston Masterplan Board 5

Preston Masterplan Board 6

New Homes for Preston

• Over 500 much-needed city-centre apartments will be provided, supporting local housing targets and helping more people live in the city centre in support of Preston Council’s City Living Strategy.

NHS Neighbourhood Health Centre

• A new NHS neighbourhood health centre across the ground and first floor of one of the proposed buildings is being explored in partnership with the NHS to support healthcare provision for the City and help bring health services closer to home.

Improved commercial provision

• Replacement commercial floorspace will be provided along the ground floor of the proposed buildings to provide a consolidated and improved retail and F&B offer at the Site.

Public Spaces & Greener Places

• A new public square and greener walkways will provide spaces to relax, socialise and travel through, improving connectivity across the city.  The proposals will also result in amenity space for residents to enjoy.

City Centre Regeneration

• A landmark gateway scheme that contributes to the continued revitalisation and investment of Preston City Centre, strengthening links between key destinations and encouraging further investment.

Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

• The proposals will use low-carbon design and energy-efficient technologies to help achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Significant economic investments into the wider borough

• The scheme is expected to generate around £13.5 million in new tax revenues, including over £1 million in additional Council tax.
• It could also support the direct and indirect creation of around 1,700 jobs, helping to power local economic growth and opportunity
• Significant NHS investment will bring indirect and indirect health and social benefits to the wider community.