The start of work on a new park in Preston, designed to provide green space for thousands of new homes, may be delayed by up to five years. The proposed 'linear park' is intended to create a single green corridor through the rapidly expanding north-western part of the city.
This provision was included in a 2017 masterplan that outlined the development of approximately 5,500 homes in the area over the next two decades. A recent report presented at a meeting of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal indicates that the project, led by Preston City Council, is still in its "early stages".
The report suggests that the park will likely be "designed, delivered and maintained by a procured organisation" on behalf of the council, in consultation with the local community. It also states: "The estimated start date for the linear park is likely to be in the next 3-5 years and will include an alternative off-road route for the Guild Wheel. It will also provide an opportunity to enhance biodiversity, as required under new government legislation."
The North West Preston Masterplan proposes that it will be one of two new 'metropolitan parks' in the area, extending from the junction of Sandy Lane and Bartle Lane towards a point just north of Hoyles Lane.
It is anticipated to connect to a second park further east, directly south of the M55, which is envisioned as a "formal civic park with landscaped gardens and play areas", reports .
The proposal for a linear park has sparked debate due to the planned inclusion of electricity pylons running through its centre. At a city council planning committee meeting last year, Carol Henshaw, cabinet member for the environment, challenged the project's merit given this aspect and suggested planting a canopy of trees to mitigate the visual impact of the powerlines.
The land surrounding the pylons was deemed unsuitable for housing, necessitating an alternative application. When pressed for updates on the green space's development, a Preston City Council spokesperson shared that while physical work is some time off, planning is underway: "The linear park is one long green route that will be delivered through the North West Preston/Bartle area, as set out in the masterplan, which includes references to parks in the east and west. It will provide a pedestrian and cycling green connection for most of the parcels of development currently being delivered and planned in that area – and a place for wildlife and recreation.
"The masterplan provides guidance on the nature of the park, but the detail is yet to be determined. The council has commenced work on its delivery and more detail should come forward in 2025."
The city council has proposed a unified approach to the creation of a linear park, requesting housebuilders to surrender the necessary land rather than individually developing parts within their own projects. This is to ensure consistency in the park's design.
The authority has also confirmed that roads will inevitably intersect the park at certain points. In addition to this, North West Preston is set to see the development of local parks, neighbourhood play areas and a significant 'destination play area', all aimed at improving the quality of life for incoming residents.
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