Drones will help to shape the landscape

The plan is part of joint initiative between Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire.

The pair have spent the last six months working with global innovation foundation Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre, who are running the Flying High Challenge, to explore how the city could capitalise on drone technology .

The UCLan Civic Drone Centre and Preston City Council have worked alongside key groups such as the North West Aerospace Alliance, Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, and the wider city community to understand how have a positive impact on Preston and beyond.

The construction and regeneration in the city project has been selected by Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre because it could have major benefits.

Derek Whyte, assistant chief executive of Preston City Council, said: “This is a prime example of how the council is working with partners across the city for the benefit of its residents. We are keen to spearhead innovation and technology such as drones to create more opportunities for skills development and employment opportunities now and in the future,” adding:”we are looking forward to continuing to work with UCLan on further developing user cases for drones.”