My Home Town: Preston

The future of Preston has been widely speculated over the last years, and since the Markets Regeneration Project, I personally feel that our Council have shown the public that they mean business. With the latest launch of the Stoneygate Masterplan, this energy and confidence is demonstrated further. Investing in Preston is a no brainer, but investing in the right way is key! It seems simple writing this out loud, but with the branded phrase ‘Preston Model’, there exists a process to the key of regeneration success. Experience and resources are important foundations of any project, however combine that with local talent, knowledge and a deep passion for place and culture…. Produces a fine regeneration cocktail that I feel must be concocted – for the success of Preston’s emerging renaissance.

We must keep going

After the scrapping of the Tithebarn Project, redevelopment has taken a more local and inward investment approach. Now with the growth of the City Living strategy taking off; presenting much improved ROI for developers. Those who appreciate that by investing in design led schemes, pays dividends by raising the rental/sales values. It goes to show that if you build it well, the people will come. The improved night life offer works towards an incentivised approach to retain traffic into the evening. Combined with investment into public realm, the award-winning Preston Bus Station and restored Winckley Square park, the city has never felt so loved! But it can’t stop here, it mustn’t! The final pieces in the puzzle are far from complete, and further investment is required to realise the many more ideas and aims that we have for our City. One of the ways our Council and business community have tried to steer this, has been through the formation of a Preston Partnership. Having been formalised as a CIC in 2018, the goal is to support, inspire and help ‘connect the dots’ with investors, professionals and the local authorities for economic success.

Improving Preston

Preston born and bred, I have always dreamt of developing my home city into a thriving, sustainable eco-friendly place. A core purpose in my professional career to date, has been to open people’s eyes to opportunity through creative thinking. With my continual love for Preston I plan to work on bringing people together, renovating buildings and spaces, and building new innovative architecture. As an Architect, I have no shame in admitting that I want to look back when I’m old. and smile in all that we achieved, and how I have personally done my bit for our environment and culture.

👉Check out John’s interview for Place north West!

Contact us!

We enjoy helping people realise their dreams and watching them fall in love with their new home which is why it’s always free to meet with us. To develop your dream or if you just want to enquire give us a call on 01772 935959, or get in touch via: www.studiojohnbridge.co.uk