Views sought on city revamp plans

The development is expected to be finished in six years

Residents and businesses in Preston have been urged to tell the council what they think about the city's £700m regeneration plans.

Developers submitted an application for the Tithebarn development - which they said would change the shape of Preston - last month.

New shops, a bus station, a cinema, bars, restaurants, 500 homes and 2,700 parking spaces are all planned.

The consultation runs until 7 November ahead of a decision in early 2009.

Drop in events at venues throughout the city have been organised to give people a chance to view the plans.

Planning guidelines

Councillor Stuart Greenhalgh, chair of the planning committee, said: "The Tithebarn redevelopment plans will affect a large area of the city and it's crucial that local people, businesses and organisations take this opportunity to have their say.

"The plans will be on display at the Tithebarn Information Centre, Lancastria House and Citizenzone as part of the consultation road show, so there are plenty of opportunities for people to see the plans and give their opinion.

"As with all planning applications, the committee will take people's comments into account, along with the local and national planning guidelines when it makes a decision."

The scheme is being led by Preston Tithebarn Partnership which includes developers Grosvenor and Lend Lease, as well as Preston City Council.

If approved, the project is expected to be completed by 2014.