Restoration of historic markets wins regional RTPI award

The Royal Town Planning Institute has given Preston Markets the 2018 Regional Award for Planning Excellence for its regeneration of the historic market.

The stunning restoration of Preston Markets, including two historic Grade two-listed canopies, has won the top planning award in north-west England. The project was led by Preston City Council and designed by the Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) in collaboration with Greig & Stephenson Architects.

The project has resulted in the complete visual transformation of the area. The refurbishment of both canopies was carried out to an exceptional standard and comprised full restoration of the decorative metalwork, repainting, roof repairs, and re-lighting.

The "Preston Model"

Collaboration with local people was at the heart of the project. Market customers and the market traders were engaged with extensively regarding the design and implementation of the new markets.

Students at the University of Central Lancashire also designed three different size units that slot together and can then be arranged in different combinations. They can be stacked one under the other and locked, enabling the market area to be cleared for other uses outside of trading times.

RTPI North West Chair, Bob Philips, said:

“The planners of Preston market have given local residents a contemporary venue that local people can enjoy and be proud of.

“The restoration is a celebration of the traditional British market with a modern twist. The provision of upcycled shipping containers to create the Box Market not only has green credentials, but is also an attractive and contemporary urban design.

“Local professionals, students, and contractors were all employed on this outstanding project. Through this “Preston Model”, the Council and other Preston-based institutes are investing in Preston and wider Lancashire to ensure that benefits are invested in local areas.”

Leader of Preston City Council, Councillor Matthew Brown said:

“We are delighted that Preston Markets has won these two outstanding accolades at the RTPI North West awards. It is a credit to the Preston Markets project team and contractors who have made it all possible. A special mention must also be made to the late Peter Rankin who did so much to drive the project forward to its successful conclusion.

“We will ensure Preston Markets continues to thrive and deliver a unique, vibrant, shopping experience to the visitors and residents of Preston.”