Crossings will be improved, parking spaces will be doubled at the request of residents and businesses, and the amount of street clutter will be reduced. There’ll also be more space for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
The changes, which aim to encourage economic development in the local area, have been given the go-ahead by Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, as part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal project.
The improvement on New Hall Lane will run from the junction with Mosley Street and extend just beyond the junction with Acregate Lane.
The aim is to improve the facilities for pedestrians, with wider footways and a larger crossing in the centre of the shopping area, and near to the school and church.
There will also be improvements to the crossings at the junctions with Acregate Lane and Skeffington Road.
Public transport will be enhanced with a priority given to buses stopping along the route.
Local businesses have been asked about parking spaces and loading areas, to help to finalise the details before work starts.
Detailed design work will now be carried out, with work on the improvements taking place early next year.
County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The aim is to improve the space for pedestrians and make it a much nicer area. In turn this will help to make it more eye-catching and appealing to both shoppers and businesses.
“We want to reduce accident rates and improve the air quality, while also encouraging cycling and public transport.
“The City Deal programme is making major changes to the city and surrounding areas, helping people to get around and improving the places where they live and work. This is yet another scheme that’s going ahead as part of this major project.”
Deputy Leader at Preston City Council, Councillor John Swindells, added: “Preston is really starting to take shape and benefit from the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal investment.
“Local residents and business owners have had their say on the improvement plans, and we thank everyone who was involved in that process.
“New Hall Lane is a major gateway into the city and these improvements will show visitors what Preston has to offer.”
Launched last year by Lord Heseltine, the City Deal is an agreement between the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
New Hall Lane forms part of the wider Warton to Samlesbury Enterprise Zone Public Transport Priority Corridor, which will see improvements to public transport, cycling and walking over the ten year City Deal period.
The need to improve this section of New Hall Lane was identified in the Central Lancashire Highways and Transport Masterplan, which was published in 2013.
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