Take look at what the new apartments for the heart of Preston will look like as work gets started

Developers the Heaton Group have broken ground on the project in Pole Street, on the site of the former labour exchange and, as a result, have named it The Exchange.

Due to be completed in in April 2023, it will have two main towers and 200 residential apartments along with a concierge, large communal residents lounge, shared working space, a gym, a landscaped courtyard, plus a roof garden and terrace for residents to enjoy.

Split over three buildings on Pole Street in the middle of the Stoneygate redevelopment area, The Exchange will be made up of one, two and three bedroom apartments and, when complete, there will be retail units on the ground floor, which the developers said will have a focus on local independent businesses to compliment the area and create opportunities for people in the city.

Acting as The Heaton Group’s exclusive sales agent, Ronnie Garrett, managing director of Alliance Investments, said: “The standard of accommodation and amenities provided in the Exchange is perfectly suited to the growing young professional market in Preston and is already proving to be incredibly popular with buyers.

"The Exchange caters for the future of Preston, delivering a new level of quality to the city and seamlessly aligning with the city’s masterplan.”

As well as The Exchange, The Heaton Group is also in development with Bishopgate Gardens in Ormskirk Road, a 130 unit development that is due to open this summer. It also has a further three schemes under construction in Greater Manchester.

The Pole Street site, previously known as Bhailok Court was prior to becoming the dole office, where the Matthew Brown brewery was sited in Preston before its move to Blackburn in 1927. The builders have been asked to keep a watching brief for any architectural remains of the brewery.

Heaton Group said the new building would have an emphasis on communal and social living,with the spacious roof garden and terraced area for residents.

Inside, co-work and social spaces to encourage life outside of the apartment and to offer an alternative space to work from home and encourage a healthy work life balance with alternative working spots away from the living space.

To further encourage a better lifestyle and a focus on well being, The Exchange will feature a high spec onsite gym for its residents, as well as secure bike storage.