Steelwork commenced at Preston Animate leisure complex
Installation of the steelwork has commenced at the Preston Animate scheme, following the recent completion of piling work.
It is estimated that 1,150 tonnes of steel will be used to construct the frame, which is being installed sequentially in multiple phases, rather than floor by floor, due to the location of the scheme. Construction is expected to complete in late 2024.
Animate is the flagship development of the Harris Quarter, being one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme.
The scheme is almost fully pre-let and will include an eight-screen cinema, 16-lane bowling alley with gaming zone, five family restaurant units, a street food hub, public realm, a competitive socialising unit and 164-space undercroft car park, with national leisure brands including Hollywood Bowl, ARC Cinemas, Zizzi, Cosmo, Las Iguanas and Loungers already signed up as tenants.
John Chesworth, Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board, said: “The ongoing erection of the steel frame is the latest landmark in the delivery of Animate and another key moment for the ongoing renaissance of Preston. The Animate complex has already attracted well-respected national leisure brands, that will create an impressive offering of activities to increase footfall to the city, bringing additional economic benefits.
“We continue to make progress with our collective vision for Preston, and momentum is building.”
Leader of Preston City Council, Councillor Matthew Brown, added: “Animate is the flagship project of the Harris Quarter regeneration programme, part of the wider £200m City Investment Programme, heralding a new era for Preston and its residents. Animate will act as the catalyst for the wider city’s social, economic and physical regeneration, creating lasting and meaningful benefits for all.”
Nick Hague, director at Maple Grove Developments (development partner of Preston City Council),concluded: “Animate will be an exemplar of what can be achieved when the public and private sector work together. A huge amount of collaboration between all of the key players has allowed us to reach this latest stage of the delivery of Animate and we’re excited to see the installation of steelwork as we continue to deliver this outstanding scheme for the people of Preston.”