'˜No alternative' to ditching £40m Fishergate project

The £40m scheme was due to be discussed by Preston Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Thursday, where it had been recommended for refusal by planning officers.


But the application, including a three-storey extension with restaurants, a nine-screen cinema and extra retail units, has now been withdrawn.

Council planning bosses had said the cinema proposals could undermine over-arching plans for the city centre.

Keith Mitchell, Fishergate Centre manager, said: “I am extremely disappointed Preston’s planning department has recommended turning down our plans.

“We have spent a considerable amount of time in developing a really good scheme which offered a lot to shoppers and the wider city economy.

“The response we received from both the public and the business community has been hugely positive and supportive.

“Contrary to our hopes, neither Preston Council nor Lancashire County Council saw fit to fully support the scheme at this time, which we find very disappointing and, given the long overdue need for major investment in Preston, very surprising.

“We do, however, wish to continue negotiations with all parties and would like to resolve any outstanding issues in the very near future.”

The news came as Vue cinema announced they would not be leaving the Capitol Centre at Walton-le-Dale.

A statement from Vue said: “Vue cinema has been located in the city’s Capitol Centre for the last 20 years and is a well-known, popular destination for film fans in the local community and beyond.

“Vue is looking forward to continuing to operate within the centre providing the best in big screen entertainment for the foreseeable future.”

Fishergate bosses, however, said Vue was still committed to moving to the centre, subject to a successful planning application.

Meanwhile, Muse Developments on Tuesday submitted an application for a major development at the Markets Quarter to Preston Council.

The developer is working with the council on the plans, including an 11-screen cinema.

Read how the story unfolded:

The plans for the Fishergate Shopping Centre were recommended for refusal

Bosses at the Fishergate Shopping Centre insisted the city could support three cinemas

Vue cinema announced they would not be leaving the Capitol Centre

It was revealed that the Fishergate plans had been withdrawn