Help create a vision for Preston's future

It is hoped that the consultation will provide “a clear narrative for Preston to help attract future investment and promote the city’s cultural offer and events”.

The Mayor of Preston, coun David Borrow (inset), said: “I have the fortune of speaking with people in Preston every day and residents are very proud of their city.

“With unprecedented levels of growth and development going on it’s an exciting time for the city.

“This consultation will help everyone’s views to be heard; not just people who’ve grown up here, but the people who’ve chosen to call Preston their home.”

Residents can share their thoughts on life in the city at a week-long pop up event held at The Harris from Friday, February 14.

#whatsyourpreston is asking Prestonians to share what they like best about the city, their favourite memories and how they’d like to see it grow in the future.

The consultation project has been launched by Preston Partnership and The University of Central Lancashire alongside Preston based designers Wash Studio and Groundswell Innovation.

Jane Dalton, Creative Catalyst at Groundswell Innovation, said: “So often people decide what a place should stand for behind closed doors; from the outset we have all been keen to take a different approach.

“There is a clear desire here to reflect authentic views expressed by people who are passionate about Preston and what we have found so far makes a compelling narrative.”

The Climate Action Preston campaign group will be taking part in the consultation. The group's founder in Preston says she wants to see “our city taking the lead on tackling climate change”.

Outlining the group's priorities, Sonia Phillips said: “Transport in Preston should prioritise cycling, walking and public transport, promoting healthier lifestyles and making buses cheaper, more convenient and easier than driving while taking into account those who need extra support to get around. We need the cleanest air for our children to breathe and the least congested and safest roads.

"New housing developments should be built to the highest energy efficiency and environmental standards, taking into account how likely it is that residents will be exposed to extreme weather. We want to see significant improvements to existing housing to reduce fuel poverty and make it easy for everyone to heat and power their homes with locally-produced renewable energy.

"We want our schools to lead the way in equipping our children to deal with their future in a warmer world. Children need to learn about the climate crisis and what they can do about it in age appropriate ways, feeling supported and empowered, with the tools they need to engage positively with the world around them.

"Preston should be a city full of green spaces for the community to enjoy and share with wildlife. We want to see tree cover doubled responsibly and plenty of rewilding taking place with local people supported to grow their own food or be able to access local, healthy produce at reasonable prices.

"We want to move away from empty consumerism and instead ensure that families are able to buy or borrow everything they really need in a functional circular economy which produces very little waste.

"We want to see plenty of new 'green jobs' created to support the building of this sustainable future, and work shared effectively between local people so that no one needs to be unemployed and no one needs to feel over-worked.

"Finally, we want to celebrate the wonderful diversity of cultures and peoples in our city, giving everyone a voice and finding ways to bring communities together and promote good mental and physical health for all."

The #whatsyourpreston exhibition stand will be in the library of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery during opening hours between Friday, February 14 and Friday, February 21.