Work begins on Preston’s multi-million pound Markets Quarter

Work on the first phase of the Markets Quarter project in Preston is set to kick off as contractors prepare to restore the Fish Market’s canopy.

The four-month transformation, beginning next week, will see the cast iron columns and roof structure at the site refurbished and painted, in addition to other repair works and new low-energy lighting.

The project, which is expected to span the next two years, includes the restoration of the larger 1875 market canopy and the building of an indoor market hall and car park across phases two, three and four.

In the fifth and final phase, contractors will deliver a new restaurant, cinema and car park complex.

Preston City Council’s cabinet member for community and environment, Cllr Robert Boswell, said: “We are very excited to see works begin on the multi-million pound Markets Quarter project starting with the restoration of the Fish Market canopy.

“This is the start of something great for the city centre. The linked phases of the Markets Quarter project are very much part of a package of new development that will lead to the transformation of this area.”

Speaking further, Cllr Boswell said he believes the new quarter will serve as a “key catalyst” for the regeneration of the rest of the city.

The site installation and maintenance arm of process solutions group FPE Global has been appointed to the project.

Its director, Roger Speakman, commented: “FPE Site Operations look forward to working on this historic grade II listed cast iron structure for Preston City Council.

“We aim to utilise our unique skills set attained over a long period of time working on listed structures around the country, to provide a refurbished structure that will last well into the future.”

Mike Horner, the regional director of the Markets Quarter’s appointed property developer, Muse Developments, said: “We are very excited to see the Fish Market Canopy restoration works get underway.

“We are currently working towards the submission of a planning application for that development in the spring.”

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