Designs revealed for £1m Winckley Square Gardens renovation

A £1m proposal to renovate Preston’s historic Winckley Square Gardens will ‘breathe new life’ into the area according to one of the experts behind the new bid.

The proposal has been developed by a partnership between environmental charity, Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan, Winckley Square Community Interest Company (WSCIC), a group helping to spearhead the revival of the Square, Preston City Council, Preston Business Improvement District (BID) and Lancashire County Council.

A Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) panel expects to make a decision in summer 2015, with works potentially starting in 2016 if planning is approved.

Babs Murphy of the Preston BID and Chief Executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “Through the development of a public-private partnership the site is expected to become one of the most beautiful and vibrant destinations in Preston. If successful it will have significant economic and social impact on the city.”