Tithebarn Gateway & St John’s Shopping Centre, Preston

Thank you for visiting our public consultation website. This website has been created by Lambert Smith Hampton on behalf of Wansfell Ltd (c/o Praxis Real Estate Management Ltd) to present our exciting vision for a major new development in the heart of Preston city centre.

Prior to submitting a formal planning application, we are firstly seeking your feedback on our initial proposals to deliver new homes, public space, commercial floorspace and community facilities as part of an exciting mixed-use development at St John’s Shopping Centre and Tithebarn Gateway.

Key Contact

person-photo

Paul Shuker

Head of Planning Consultancy (North West)PR+I

07769727394

PLANNING APPLICATION CONSULTATION

Introduction

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. 

About the Applicant

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 Vision
We want to create a high-quality scheme that supports Preston’s continued growth and regeneration within the city centre. Led by NW Architects and Planit, our prosed scheme features three high-quality buildings with landscaping and a public square to create a welcoming and attractive place within the city centre.
Timeline
Initial development of proposals 2023 - 2025 
Local engagement sessions 18th July 2025 - 19th July 2025
Submit planning application August 2025
Statutory consultation period Approx. September 2025
Determination period for planning application August - December 2025
Planning decision date Late 2025 / Early 2026

The Site

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.

Key Benefits

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.
Have Your Say

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

 

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