Preston Animate

Hambleton Steel were instructed by Eric Wright to deliver a comprehensive package of works for Preston Animate, a landmark regeneration project designed to revitalise the city centre.

Preston Animate will deliver a vibrant mixed-use complex that will feature an eight-screen cinema, 16-lane bowling alley with gaming zone, five family restaurant units, a food hall, public realm, a socialising unit and 164-space basement car park. National leisure brands including Hollywood Bowl, ARC Cinemas, Zizzi, Cosmo, Las Iguanas, Mad Giant Food Hall and Loungers have already signed up as tenants. A sole unit of 10,270 square foot remains available for an occupier to provide a suitable leisure, entertainment or social use and can be split into two units subject to tenant requirements. The multi-million pound investment is being built on the former indoor market and car park site.

Preston was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative and the Harris Quarter is a unique part of the city centre undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering. Once completed, Preston Animate will be a major step in the city's ongoing transformation and it is central to the city’s wider strategy for economic growth and urban renewal.

Hambleton Steel supplied and installed metal decking, precast (PC) stairs, PC terrace units, and the grouting of all PC items. Additional works included the installation of thermal breaks and acoustic pads to enhance energy efficiency and sound performance, as well as the steelwork fabrication and erection of plate girder box columns and cold rolled purlins. Hambleton Steel’s contribution ensured robust and efficient structural delivery, supporting the successful realisation of this ambitious civic development.

The team at Hambleton are excited to be part of such an important project in Preston. By contributing to the development of such a dynamic and transformative leisure and entertainment destination, we are playing a small role in the regeneration of the city centre.