Apartments approved for listed Preston arcade

Green Light: Miller Arcade, which is to become home to 45 apartments

A landmark building in the centre of Preston will become home to new studio apartments, after plans were given the green light.

Part of the Grade II listed Miller Arcade in Preston is to be converted into 45 apartments, and a restaurant will also be created in the building.

When I first came to the city 40-odd years ago it was the building that most struck me.

Coun Brian Rollo

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the plans, hoped to preserve the building and bring the upper floors back into use.

Speaking at Preston Council’s planning committee, Coun John Browne said: “It does have a special feel to it, Miller Arcade. It’s an absolutely lovely building and I think what’s being suggested is a very good idea. It will preserve the building and bring it into use.

“I’m glad this is happening and I wish it very good will that it’s a success and that it flourishes.”

The meeting was told the apartments were to be rented rather than sold, because of management issues relating to the shared space and the building as a whole.

Plans for the Lancaster Road site also include a decked roof garden.

Chairman of the committee, Coun Brian Rollo, said: “It’s a landmark building in the city.

“When I first came to the city 40-odd years ago it was the building that most struck me.”

A report said: “The proposed development would deliver a sustainable development which would preserve, conserve and enhance the heritage designations of a key historic site within the city centre. “Objections have been considered but the proposed residential uses can be adequately accommodated on the site with measures to control noise and odours from existing uses and the proposed restaurant use.”