Our proposals seek to breathe new life into the underutilised St John’s Shopping Centre and the neighbouring site along Tithebarn Street by delivering:
- Around 500 high-quality new apartments designed for modern city living;
- Approximately 15,000 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial spaces for retail, evening economy, or leisure use;
- A potential new city centre NHS neighbourhood health centre, supporting NHS priorities and requirements through provision of 26,000 sq. ft. unit spread over two floors;
- Removal of a deteriorating and poorly configured shopping centre;
- Delivery of a high-quality design with improved and innovative technology that will incorporate modern design and operational infrastructure;
- Significant improvements to the public realm, including a new public square;
- Greener spaces with enhanced urban greening and biodiversity; and
- A safe, well-connected, and attractive place to live and work.
The scheme aims to form a key gateway to the city for people arriving via the adjacent Preston Bus Station and will act as a vital link between key regeneration sites including the Harris Quarter, the covered markets, and the Animate leisure development.
The investment by Wansfell Ltd is a direct response to the significant public sector investment the City Centre has seen in recent years, including the Harris Quarter, Youth Zone, the covered market, Tithebarn bus station and Animate, and also responds to the wider economic proposition with increased employment at BAE Systems (Samlesbury and Warton) and the National Cyber Force (NCF) Campus at UCLAN.
Wansfell Ltd is a major investor in Preston and owns both sites forming this proposal. They are one of the UK’s most active and reliable property investors, with over £1 billion of acquisitions since 2009 and are looking to invest in St John’s Shopping Centre.
They also have a significant portfolio across the North West including key assets in Kendal, Salford and Skelmersdale. Their in-house real estate arm, Praxis Real Estate Management Ltd, manages their portfolio and brings deep experience in complex regeneration schemes.
The proposed development covers two related sites:
- St John’s Shopping Centre: A currently underutilised discounted retail shopping centre with around 26 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 directly adjacent to the Grade II listed Preston Bus Station and a short walk from Preston’s train station and markets.
New Homes for Preston
- Around 500 much-needed apartments will be provided, supporting local housing targets and helping more people live in the city centre, directly supporting Preston Council’s City Living Strategy.
Community Health Centre
- A new 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.
Improved commercial provision
- Replacement commercial floorspace will be provided along the ground floor of the proposed buildings to enable improved retail and food and beverage (‘F&B’) provision at the Site.
Public Spaces & Greener Places
- A new public square and greener walkways will provide space 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
- The proposed development will make a major contribution to the ongoing revitalisation of Preston, enhancing links between major city destinations.
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 delivery of approximately 500 new apartments will generate around £13.5 million in additional tax revenues, including over £1 million in additional Council tax income .
- The proposed development would also support the employment of around 1,700 people, thereby encouraging growth in the local economy2.
We want to hear from you! We are hosting a two-day consultation event on 18th July and 19th July between XXpm – XXpm. The public consultation will be held at Retail Unit 17 in St John’s Shopping Centre where you will be able to take a further look at our existing plans and ask members of the design team any questions you may have.
Your views are important and will help shape the final plans prior to the submission of the planning application in August 2025. Please take a few minutes to review the proposals and share your comments via our online feedback form or by completing the paper copies of the questionnaires available at our in-person consultation event.
Complete our online feedback form here
