Developers have handed Preston's £700m Tithebarn dream a boost after pledging to fight a public inquiry into its future.
But despite the backing of Grosvenor and Lend Lease there are fears renewed attempts to have the bus station listed could still scupper the project.
Preston Council chief executive Jim Carr said the Preston Tithebarn Partnership (PTP) made it clear in a meeting with town hall chiefs it was still committed to the project, despite the Government calling it in for a public inquiry.
It follows weeks of fears that the developers could pull the plug on their involvement because of the expense involved in fighting the probe, due to be held next year.
Mr Carr said: "The Preston Tithebarn Partnership is still fully committed to making this happen. We are meeting again soon to talk about our tactical approach (to the inquiry)."
Figures of around £800,000 to fight the inquiry have been mentioned, but Mr Carr said they were "always inflated".
However, a new attempt by the 20th Century Society to have Preston's landmark bus station listed could destroy the scheme.
The Department of Communities and Local Government is expected to make a decision in the next two months.
Mr Carr added: "If it is listed, we are back into the realms of 'we don't know'."
Council leader Coun Ken Hudson said: "It is a potential site for John Lewis and therefore has a big effect and we hope the Government minister involved will see fit not to list it."
>>'Public inquiry could jeopardise Tithebarn scheme'>>Bus station battle revived on internet>> Vote in our latest web polllepbusiness: News from the Lancashire business community 