Hope and pessimism over city redevelopment
Some businesses support Preston's £700m Tithebarn regeneration plans, it was claimed today.
But there is still massive pessimism that the project will ever happen amid frustration caused by delays.
The Lancashire Business Survey asked 150 companies in 17 sectors from across Lancashire their views on the project, including businesses in Blackburn and Blackpool where there has been council opposition.
The results show 89% say "the development would be good for the city" though only a small majority (52%) thought it "would come to fruition".
Downtown Preston in Business chairman Frank McKenna, who helped lead the survey, said: "The figure of support is very high especially as it includes businesses from right across the county.
"The fact only a small majority thought the project will happen is a bit of a concern.
"I think the business community of Preston is getting frustrated with publicity saying this, that and the other but actions speak louder than words.
"We support the initiative being suggested but there isn't really an awful lot of confidence about delivery. Confidence can start to disappear."
Hugh Evans, policy director of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We're not surprised by these figures. Most businesses do recognise the importance of Tithebarn, particularly in terms of regeneration, job creation and new business opportunities.
"You only have to look at the success of Liverpool One to appreciate the improvements that this scheme has made to the city.
"However the longer we wait for the bulldozers to start work the more doubts businesses have about the scheme going ahead. Tithebarn is vital for Preston and we want to see work start as soon as possible."
But Coun Eric Fazackerley, the lead member for resources at Preston Council, is still confident plans will go ahead and blames delays on factors outside the city's control.
He said: "I think there's a lot of people who haven't got the right information – all you need is one comment in the press or on the television and people say it's not happening.
"Frank McKenna is absolutely right but the difficulty is with who has caused that delay in delivery – us or someone else? I say we are getting on with it as fast as we can. All Preston Council members are on board and we have recognised that we have something good here."
Coun Fazackerley also launched a further attack on campaigners in Blackpool and Blackburn who have spoken out against the scheme.
He threatened: "If for instance, and I'm not saying this will happen at all, Grosvenor (the developer) want out, we would approach the North West Development Agency to say we are in a similar position as Blackburn and Blackpool and want our own regeneration money.
"The funding pot is finite so Blackburn and Blackpool would get less money if Tithebarn did not go ahead."
The survey also showed 57% of businesses thought Preston Council was not "business-friendly" and was failing to boost the city's economy.
Mr Fazackerley said: "We are friendly towards business. We are doing our best – we have got a good team that works hard with business."
He gave examples of progress including a recently-launched apprentice scheme and how the city is looking to develop buildings for company offices.
A spokesman for the Preston Tithebarn Partnership (PTP) said: "We are delighted that the vast majority of Lancashire businesses believe Preston Tithebarn will have a positive impact on the city.
"This is in line with feedback received during the public consultation conducted last year. The PTP is dedicated to providing the most exciting, effective and sustainable plans for the redevelopment of Preston city centre.
"The timetable is in-line with other major and complex developments of this scale. Submission of the planning application in September was a major milestone and our focus now is on securing approval."
Previous stories
>> 'Piecemeal' projects are Tithebarn Plan B
>> Ken Clarke takes swipe at Tithebarn rivals
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 29 July 2010
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 15 C to 17 C
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