The investment, which is part of the City Deal, will help boost economic growth, create new jobs and improve the key gateway into Preston city centre.
Initial ideas to improve the overall environment include:
Welcoming the investment in New Hall Lane and the opportunity for local people to get involved, Councillor Peter Rankin, Leader of Preston City Council, said:
“City Deal is as much about improving neighbourhoods and infrastructure for existing communities, as it is about providing new roads and infrastructure to help create new areas to live and work in.
“The Council have worked closely with the Neighbourhood Forum and the Friends of Fishwick and St Matthews in drawing up their Neighbourhood Plan. Throughout the consultation on the Plan, residents have identified the appearance of New Hall Lane as a priority and these proposals will help address some of those concerns with significant improvements to the public spaces, including wider footways, improved parking and tree planting.
“As well as improving the appearance of the area, we want to make a real difference to the people and businesses who reside there – so that it’s an even better place to live and work. We would encourage as many people as possible to have their say and give us their views.”
County Councillor John Fillis, Cabinet member for highways and transport at Lancashire County Council, added:
“We are making tremendous progress with the Preston and Lancashire City Deal and in turn are beginning to transform the area into a true economic powerhouse.
“The next step is to deliver improvements in New Hall Lane and we are delighted that local people will have the chance to help shape the area where they live.”
Local people can give their views at Preston City Council’s website – www.preston.gov.uk/NewHallLane or at one of the public meetings being held during March: