Makeover bid for Preston St George's shopping centre

A bid has been submitted to the town hall that could also lead to entertainment and leisure facilities coming to the city centre location.

Centre bosses say the “high-quality” designs will better reflect the success and “good health” of the shopping location and wider city centre.

As part of the application, developers have also bid for permission for a more flexible use agreement, providing options to bring drinking establishments and leisure facilities in addition to the restaurant, café and retail use.

The changes to the centre’s frontage on Friargate will include lantern lights, an improved canopy over shop fronts, new security shutters and Juliet balconies.

Although the most striking aspect may be the “living wall” of plants and vines .

Planning documents read: “The living wall will create visual interest, improve biodiversity and enhance the natural environment in an area dominated by the built environment.

“The living wall will act as a pollution sink, help to reduce noise and soften the built environment.”

The bid comes months after the city council launched a fresh approach to improving the look of the city centre by providing best practice guidelines for businesses.

The St George’s application adds: “The existing external Friargate frontage is dated and requires improvement to reflect the nature and quality of the shopping offer proposed.”