Construction Concludes on Preston’s New £45m Entertainment Complex

The construction phase for Preston’s new £45m cinema and leisure complex has reached completion. Building work on the Animate scheme, located in the Harris Quarter at Preston’s former indoor market area, began last year. Tenants who have committed to the complex, such as an eight-screen cinema, a bowling alley, a street food hub, and a cocktail bar, are now cleared to commence the fit-out of their respective spaces. The complex is scheduled to open its doors to the public next year. A portion of the funding for the project came from the £20m Preston’s Town Fund, which has also been allocated to the Harris Museum and the Grade II-listed Amounderness House within the city. John Chesworth, chair of Preston’s Towns Fund, stated: “All of those projects will be delivered by 2025/6. “That £20m we hope will realise £200m of investment from it, so a real big catalyst we feel for development in the city centre.” Councillor Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building, commented: “I think the fact that we’re going to have these restaurants means you’ll come here for a night out.”We’re well on the way to being complete and I’m absolutely confident we will be.” Listeners can access content from BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and engage with BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its approach to external linking.