UK town shopping centre to be demolished for 3 tower blocks - 'tired and half empty'

Plans to demolish a shopping centre to make way for new homes have been given the thumbs-up. The huge development plan in Preston will see St John's Shopping Centre in Preston knocked down and replaced with three new tower blocks.

The new builds, ranging from 11 to 16 storeys high, will feature 500 apartments, commercial units, and an NHS health centre. The reconstruction plan has been described by planning officer Patrick Marfleet as "a very important regeneration opportunity within the city centre".

As well as the high buildings, plans also include the construction of a tree-lined central boulevard, transport linking Tithebarn Street to the markets quarter and the new Animate cinema, a restaurants and leisure development near Lancaster Road.

The current shopping centre houses around 20 retailers, and is described on its website as "the perfect place to grab a bargain". Though Mr Marfleet has argued that the precinct "a pretty tired and...half-empty state these days", reports BBC News.

Chris Hartley, who presented the proposal on behalf of applicant Wansfell Ltd, said: "For many visitors arriving by bus [in] Preston city centre, this location forms their very first impression of the city.

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"Today, that impression is shaped by an outdated retail centre which does not fully serve the needs of Preston's residents, businesses or visitors".

The committee heard that NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board supported the plans for a health facility in the tallest building, with Mr Hartley adding that it would be "a major investment in local healthcare provision".

Though plans for a Preston health centre are believed to be in the early stages of development by the NHS.

Some parts of the development had raised eyebrows, including committee member Michael Peak, who said that the ratio of 23 car parking spaces to nearly 500 homes is "a joke".

Though Mr Marfleet said that the development site is located close to public transport facilities, such as the bus and railway station.

The committee also heard that the authority had granted developers an exemption to the 30% quota of affordable homes, or up to £3.5m contribution to new school places requirements, after it was argued that it would not be financially viable

Despite receiving the go-ahead, a more detailed final proposal and further permission are required for the construction work to commence.