A landmark
reimagined

One of Preston’s most recognisable landmarks is set for a major new chapter, as plans move forward for a £70m transformation of the former Park Hotel in the heart of the city.

Backed by £8.6m in funding from Homes England, the project marks another bold step in Preston’s regeneration journey — bringing new homes, new energy and renewed purpose to a long-vacant gateway site overlooking Avenham and Miller Parks.

Secured through the UK Government’s Building Infrastructure and Land Fund (BIL Fund), the investment has been made possible through a collaborative partnership between Preston City Council, Homes England, Hive Land & Planning and Heaton Group.

Vacant since 2011, the historic building will be brought back to life through an ambitious mix of heritage restoration and contemporary development. Plans include a 92-bedroom apart-hotel alongside 239 new Build-to-Rent apartments, creating a vibrant new destination for city living.

The scheme will be delivered by Heaton Group, whose growing presence in Preston includes developments such as The Exchange on Pole Street. Having recently acquired the site from Local Pensions Partnership, the developer is now progressing plans to transform the prominent building into a place that blends hospitality, heritage and modern urban living.

The funding award reflects the strength of Preston’s long-term regeneration vision and the power of public and private sector collaboration to unlock transformational opportunities across the city.

Nick Thompson, director at Hive Land & Planning, said: “This is a fantastic outcome for Preston and testament to the hard work and collaboration of key stakeholders. We are very pleased that Homes England have endorsed the City Council’s regeneration vision with this substantial funding award.”

Councillor Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building and city regeneration, and Chris Hayward, director of development and housing at Preston City Council, added: “We are wholly supportive of this significant collaboration which marks a huge step forward in the city’s regeneration journey. The Park Hotel is an historic, beloved piece of the city’s legacy, a magnificent structure overlooking two of our finest Grade II listed parks, a prominent landmark and welcome into the city from the West Coast Main Line. It’s a huge boost for this area and Preston’s City Living Strategy.”

Duncan Inglis, director of MPP North at Homes England, said: “The transformation of the Park Hotel is an excellent example of how Homes England funding and close, cross-sector partnership working can drive forward regeneration and deliver new homes.”

John Heaton, managing director at Heaton Group, added: “The Park Hotel is a cornerstone of Preston’s heritage. We’re proud to be delivering a scheme that combines regeneration, hospitality and housing.”

Professor Graham Baldwin, vice chancellor of the University of Lancashire and chair of the Preston Regeneration Board, concluded: “This is an excellent example of the public and private sector working together to bring forward a quality scheme. Preston is a great place to live, to be educated, to work and to visit — and this key development will only strengthen that offer.”

Back