Preston to receive £1.55m to bring empty high street buildings back into use
No decision yet on which buildings will benefit
Preston is set to receive £1.55m of government funding to tackle empty and derelict buildings in the city.
Preston City Council said the city has been selected as one of the local authorities in the UK to receive money from a new £125m Derelict Buildings Fund.
The fund follows the government's launch of its Hope on the High Street strategy.
The council said the money will be focused on three areas.
The first is bringing long-term vacant or derelict buildings back into community or commercial use.
The second is creating examples of how high streets can diversify, with a greater mix of uses, including community assets and uses that increase footfall outside usual retail hours.
The third is building the council's capacity and capability to deliver high street regeneration projects.
Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building and City Regeneration, said: "This is a huge vote of confidence in Preston and a welcome boost to tackle some of the issues with our empty heritage buildings that are in need of attention. The funding could provide a valuable opportunity to carry out some essential renovations to bring one or more of these properties back into use."
She added: "Ongoing investment such as this will help us to create a more vibrant, attractive and resilient city centre, support our local businesses and high street retailers and attract further investment and business onto our high street."
The council has not yet decided where the money will be spent.
Councillor Wise said: "We were only informed of the funding last week and so we have not yet had a chance to consider fully where this funding will be best spent. However, we have a priority list of heritage properties that are in the most urgent need of attention and through public consultation, collaboration with stakeholders, property owners and landlords, we will make an informed decision on where the money is spent in terms of feasibility and deliverability in line with the timescales and guidelines of the funding criteria."
In December 2024, the council set up a dedicated taskforce to tackle empty and derelict buildings in the city centre.
It was created in response to growing concerns about safety around the buildings, and works with Preston Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
The council said its regular inspections play a vital role, alongside work with the Preserving Preston's Heritage Group.
The group encourages people to report any unusual, suspicious or anti-social behaviour around empty buildings.
The council said the Hope on the High Street strategy is part of the government's vision for good growth in every postcode.