Tithebarn Market, Preston

Client / Grosvenor

A radical refurbishment of historic market sheds in the civic heart of Preston, and the construction of a brand new mixed-use building.

The brief / Greig & Stephenson was commissioned to revitalise the historic market in Preston town centre, using two existing listed structures. Grosvenor also wishes to create a new building on the north side of the market place to replace the uninspiring modern market, which dates from the 1970s.

The context / The impressive Covered Market with its hipped roof, 32 iron perimeter columns and its decorative castings dates from 1875. The smaller and much simpler Fish Market was built in 1924. In recent years neither building has been used to its full potential. To the north, the 1970s building currently housing the town's market is a poor retail facility and is out of place architecturally amongst the fine 19th-century buildings close by.

What we did / Drawing on our experience at London's Borough Market, G&S drew up plans to refurbish the listed market buildings and restore market trading to them and the surrounding streets. The old market structures will be repaired and cleaned and protected from the elements by new glass screens to the perimeter. New services will be incorporated including water supply, electricity, heating, ventilation, smoke detectors and sprinklers. New retail units will be incorporated in addition to the market stalls. All new elements will be free standing so they can be removed without damaging the fabric of the original structures.

We also drew up plans for a new building, with retail space on the ground and first floors plus office and residential units higher up. The new building will have a canopy to protect pedestrians from the elements, recreating the lost route of Liverpool Street.

Impact / Our plans will restore the old market buildings as striking and unique features of the town centre. New elements will complement the original structure and make the market more visible, more accessible for pedestrians and easier to reach from car parks, the bus station and other shopping areas. Together with the new building, the development will encourage east to west footfall, linking old retail areas with new.