The local plans, investments and decisions worth following.
3 selected records checked against official sources. A plan is not a completed project; each record shows the stage its source establishes.
The Harris, Market Square
The Harris restoration and reopening
The historic museum, gallery and library has reopened after a major redevelopment, bringing exhibitions and public facilities back into use.
Reopened and operating · evidence dated 2026-01-14
Responsible body: Preston City Council and funding partners
What the source says: The council confirms the September 2025 reopening and reports visitor activity through the end of that year. This verifies operation; early attendance is not treated as a forecast of lasting growth.
Next thing to establish: What is the approved cost, including ongoing maintenance?
Progress, funding and source
- Cost
- Not established by the evidence checked.
- Funding
- Not established by the evidence checked.
- Area covered
- Unmapped: a verified current ward boundary or council ward statement is still needed.
No verified ward footprint is assigned.
The Harris reopens to record crowds →
Source checked 2026-10-17. A plan or announcement is not proof of completion.
Questions for the next progress report
- Which funding is committed, and what remains conditional?
- Which neighbourhoods are covered by an official project plan, and which benefits still need testing?
- What is the next published milestone, and what evidence will show residents benefit?
Keep the Harris accessible during Friargate work →
Connect local skills to local opportunities →
Target support where disadvantages overlap →
How to track delivery →Friargate South, Cheapside, Market Place and Orchard Street
Friargate South street improvements
New paving, planting and improved cycling and walking space will connect streets around the Harris Quarter. Work is being phased to manage access.
Construction start announced for July 2026 · evidence dated 2026-06-26
Responsible body: Preston City Council and Eric Wright Civil Engineering
What the source says: The council announced work from 6 July, phased over approximately 12 months. It described around 20 weeks of vehicle-access changes. This source does not confirm the programme’s later completion.
Next thing to establish: What is the approved cost, including ongoing maintenance?
Progress, funding and source
- Cost
- Not established by the evidence checked.
- Funding
- Not established by the evidence checked.
- Area covered
- Unmapped: a verified current ward boundary or council ward statement is still needed.
No verified ward footprint is assigned.
Friargate South improvement works start →
Source checked 2026-10-17. A plan or announcement is not proof of completion.
Questions for the next progress report
- Which funding is committed, and what remains conditional?
- Which neighbourhoods are covered by an official project plan, and which benefits still need testing?
- What is the next published milestone, and what evidence will show residents benefit?
Keep the Harris accessible during Friargate work →
Protect access while Friargate is rebuilt →
Connect local skills to local opportunities →
How to track delivery →A phased development in Preston; location not disclosed in the reviewed announcement
Preston’s first new council-owned social-rent homes
The council has approved the next acquisition steps for 18 homes intended for social rent, following registration as a social housing provider.
Acquisition and investment approved to move to contract terms · evidence dated 2026-06-26
Responsible body: Preston City Council
What the source says: The June announcement records approval to progress the 18-home deal to heads of terms. All homes were expected to be ready by 2028, subject to the phased development timetable. Contract progression is not completed purchase, building completion or occupation.
Next thing to establish: What is the approved cost, including ongoing maintenance?
Progress, funding and source
- Cost
- Not established by the evidence checked.
- Funding
- £5 million was approved over two years for the wider social-rent ambition and similar schemes. The 18-home deal’s funding details were confidential in the June announcement.
- Area covered
- No verified current ward footprint is assigned. The named location or council-wide remit does not establish benefits in every ward.
No verified ward footprint is assigned.
Preston’s first new council-owned social-rent homes →
Source checked 2026-10-17. A plan or announcement is not proof of completion.
Questions for the next progress report
- Which neighbourhoods are covered by an official project plan, and which benefits still need testing?
- What is the next published milestone, and what evidence will show residents benefit?
Make the return to council-owned housing accountable →
Keep the new housing commitment affordable to run →
Make room for homes people can afford →
Target support where disadvantages overlap →
How to track delivery →