The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has disclosed that around £2 million of the funds spent on constructing Preston's new cinema, restaurant and leisure complex has been allocated to companies within Central Lancashire. The construction phase of Preston City Council's ambitious £45.8 million "Animate" project concluded recently, with fit-out operations now progressing smoothly in anticipation of an early next year opening.
Maple Grove Developments, alongside its parent company Eric Wright Group, has reported that a total of £7 million was expended across Lancashire, while £27 million was directed to businesses within a 37-mile radius of the site, covering areas including Manchester and Liverpool. The spending in Central Lancashire, which represents just over four percent of the total budget, aligns with the 'Preston Model' ethos aimed at enhancing local business through public sector spending retention within the city, reports .
Cabinet member for community wealth building, Valerie Wise, said: "Given the nature of the project and specialist build, the development has maximised local spend where it could, as well as providing training, education and apprenticeship opportunities for local people. This demonstrates that the council's community wealth building ethos is working in practice and benefits the local economy."
Nearly 200 Central Lancashire residents have contributed to the construction of a new building over the nearly two-year completion period, with Maple Grove research indicating that the project directly resulted in the creation of 44 jobs for locals. Additionally, the scheme has seen 31 individuals gain qualifications through 105 apprenticeship weeks, and almost a dozen work experience placements were provided.
Furthermore, 30 female students completed an 'introduction to construction' programme aimed at encouraging them to pursue careers in the industry. Scott Latta, social value manager at Eric Wright Group, commented on the impact: "We wanted to ensure that, in addition to boosting our economy, Animate would also open up opportunities for young people in our local communities to learn and get involved in the construction industry."
Cllr Wise also remarked on the broader economic strategy: "Community wealth building is a fair, inclusive and ethical approach to fostering sustainable economic development. In Preston, there is a strong relationship between welcoming inward investment and making sure our local communities can thrive and benefit from the opportunities that the regeneration and development of the city brings. It focuses on creating and sustaining local wealth, empowering communities, and ensuring that economic benefits are retained within the community rather than extracted."
The council-owned venue poised to offer an eight-screen cinema, Hollywood Bowl, a competitive games outlet, five restaurants and a street food hub, anticipates the creation of 300 full and part-time positions once operational. Maple Grove has disclosed that merely one percent of the waste from the site's development has been relegated to landfill.
Scott Latta remarked: "When looking at how a building will shape a place, we examine how to minimise its impact on the environment by utilising sustainable construction techniques, including establishing a local supply chain and workforce to help reduce carbon emissions."
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