Animate, Preston

A major city centre leisure scheme is coming together on the site of Preston’s former covered market.  This £45m building investment is being brought forward by Maple Grove Developments, in partnership with the landowner and funder – Preston City Council.  Detailed planning consent was secured in 2022 and works began on the site in January 2023.

The impressive building will face the recently refurbished listed market hall and offer a south facing terrace for its restaurant customers.  Over 100,000 sq ft of leisure and restaurant space is being created across three levels with on-site parking and extensive public realm, which helps connect the new project with the city’s famous bus station.

Lettings have been announced for the two leisure anchor spaces.  The Arc Cinema will operate eight screens in new state-of-the-art auditoria, whilst Hollywood Bowl will be offering 16 ten pin bowling lanes and an on-site gaming zone.  Restaurants including Zizzi’s, Las Iguanas, Cosmo and Loungers have all signed up for space at Animate.  Lettings of the competitive social space and street food hub are expected before Animate opens its doors to the public in early 2025.