The new owners of city centre tower block Crystal House are to rename the 1960s building, once labelled the city's biggest eyesore.

They hope the new name – Cubic – will help shake off the block's negative image as it undergoes a dramatic transformation.

The base of the building has already been reclad and plans were approved last year to turn the former offices on eight floors into 48 apartments with views over the city.

But new owners Altius Property Developments want to add another two storeys to the top of the building, providing space for 10 more apartments.

A planning application has been submitted to Preston Council and will be considered in the coming weeks.

The ground, first and second floors will continue to operate as shops, with Moss Bros poised to move back into their refurbished store and Sportsworld to take-up home in a two-floor premises.

A 12-month building programme is to start early next year.

Glenn Siddall, consultant at King Sturge Residential, which is marketing the one and two-bedroomed apartments, said: "We're getting rid of associations with Crystal House, because it's been a bit of a blackspot for about 20 years.

"The name is a new, contemporary one because it's a new, contemporary building with new, contemporary apartments."

For the full story, read Thursday's Lancashire Evening Post.

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