New shops planned for site of 'controlled collapse' in Preston
Three new shops could be built in the gap left by a store whose demolition saw debris strewn across a street in suburban Preston.
The former West’s carpet and interiors outlet on Blackpool Road in Ashton-on-Ribble was being brought down back in May after defects were identified that meant it was too dangerous to be left standing.
However, the process took on a sudden turn of speed when the remnants of the building fell onto the pavement, burying a security fence as it went.
Mick Patel, the contractor whose Sapphire Properties Investment Ltd. firm was responsible for the site – but was not carrying out the demolition – insisted that the collapse was both controlled and planned.
He said assistance was given at the time by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, which was at the scene only because someone who “didn’t understand what was going on” had called them to attend the site.
Preston City Council later said it had passed the matter to the Health and Safety Executive, but no action is thought to have been taken in relation to the case.
Now, Sapphire Properties have unveiled plans to construct three new ground-floor retail units on the site, along with six flats across two floors above.
Documents accompanying a planning application to the city authority state that the proposed development “will enhance the viability and vitality” of the long-established local shopping parade.
The company had previously been intending to convert the former carpet shop into a cafe-bar following the partial demolition of part of the existing building and the creation of a two-storey extension. However, as work began , it became evident that the whole plot would have to be cleared because of what Mr. Patel said were “double storeys sitting on a single brick”.