This is when Preston's cinema and leisure venue Animate will open its doors

Building work on the development had provisionally been due for completion sometime in 2024 and remains so - but is now expected to be finished towards the end of that year. There will then be a period for each of the tenants to fit out their premises.

The Post understands that there is desire for the outlets within the scheme - known as “Animate” - all to begin trading at the same time in order to maximise the impact of the scheme.

Just three of the nine units that will make up the development are left to be filled and there are active discussions ongoing with interested parties - including to find an overarching operator for a street food hub, which will offer a chance for local independent traders to gain a foothold in the city-owned venture.

The tenants so far confirmed for four out of the five eateries that will feature on the plot - where the city’s old indoor market and multi-storey car park once stood - are all nationally-recognised brands: Las Iguanas, Zizzi, Cosmo and Loungers.