Council issues progress report on Leyland town centre facelift - including market refurbishment

Almost two dozen new council homes are nearing completion in Leyland as part of a revamp of the town centre.

The 22 affordable properties, on Quin Street, are “fully formed and soon to be finished internally”, according to South Ribble Borough Council. Sixteen of the dwellings are townhouses and the other six apartments.

A new central car park has been formed, with the surrounding roads now beginning to take shape - and work on a pedestrian footbridge is also currently under way.

The authority has given a progress report on regeneration projects being carried out under the Leyland Town Deal - including the refurbishment of Leyland Market, which has now begun in earnest.

It comes after the district recently welcomed a government representative to view the work done to date on the £34m initiative, £25m of which has come from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with the remainder from the borough council.

With the two principal contractors now on site, progress is also being made on other aspects of the scheme, which will see a new-look market and the creation of a market square and new commercial premises.

The market refit, which is being delivered by Eric Wright Construction, has so far seen site preparation undertaken and internal finishes and windows stripped out ready for the roof to be replaced.

Coun Matthew Tomlinson, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, “I’m extremely pleased with the progress being made on the Leyland Town Deal works. This is a truly transformative project for our town, and it’s something we’re immensely proud to be delivering for our communities.

“As well as revitalising key areas of the town centre, the scheme will provide much‑needed affordable homes for local people, which will be owned and managed by the council.”

The Town Deal programme aims to revitalise key areas of the town centre, enhance public spaces and support economic growth.

Jeremy Whittle, managing director at R.P Tyson Construction Ltd., which is delivering the Quinn Street housing, said: “This development represents an important step in providing high-quality, much-needed housing for the local community.

“At R.P. Tyson Construction Ltd., we are committed to working collaboratively with South Ribble Borough Council and our partners to ensure these homes are completed to the highest standards. It’s great to see the project progressing well on site and we look forward to handing over homes that will have a lasting positive impact for residents and the wider area.”

South Ribble based Wilson Mason are the architects on the project.

Meanwhile, Steve Reid, pre-construction director at Eric Wright Construction, added: “We are proud to be working in partnership with our valued clients, South Ribble Borough Council.

“Today marks the start on site for this project following successful enabling works. We are pleased to be the contractor delivering such important works that will not only boost the town centre economically but provide improved community facilities for years to come. We look forward to providing further updates as the project progresses.”