The transformation of Amounderness House in Preston is gathering pace, with the refurbishment works well under way including the installation of the mezzanine deck which marks a major milestone in the £10 million project.
Preston City Council is delivering this ambitious scheme to transform the historic Amounderness House. Built in 1857 as a police station, the building later became a magistrates’ court.
The Council is working with Maple Grove Developments (MGD) to deliver the scheme and the Council has appointed Preston-based Eric Wright Construction to carry out the works.
When complete in summer 2027, the Grade II listed building will offer high-quality, flexible workspace comprising 26 offices, four studios, and dedicated meeting and event space. The facility will be operated by Preston-based bespoke workspace provider Wrkspace.
Key features of the Grade II listed building are being retained and carefully restored, including the former prison cells and their cell doors, together with much of the original bare brickwork. To carry out these unique renovation works, a vast array of skilled trades and craftsman are involved, with over 60 workers on site in a typical day.
The works will also include a new spiral staircase, creating a striking focal point and providing a second access route to the mezzanine level. A new three-storey contemporary style extension will provide a main entrance and reception area at ground-floor level, accessed from a landscaped courtyard, with office space and facilities on the first and second floors.
Councillor Valerie Wise, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building at Preston City Council, said:
“It is fantastic to see the progress being made on the transformation of Amounderness House. The installation of the mezzanine deck is an important milestone, which complements the character of this historic building. I am equally committed to protecting the features that make Amounderness House so distinctive, including the former prison cells, its original cell doors, windows and brickwork. By combining sensitive restoration with high-quality modern facilities, the project will bring this important Grade II listed building back into use for many years to come.”
Nick Hague, Project Director at Maple Grove Development, said:
“It’s great to be at Amounderness House and see the works continuing to progress at pace. Eric Wright Construction has made excellent progress over recent months, successfully navigating a number of unforeseen challenges that have arisen during the restoration of this historic listed building, which has been vacant for over 30 years. With the introduction of the new mezzanine floor, the new office space is really taking shape and I’m excited to see it continue over the coming months.”
Dave Watson, Senior Project Manager at Eric Wright Construction, added:
“As a joiner by trade it’s a pleasure to be working on a listed building, where traditional joinery has been used in the roof and windows. Our team have been hard at work delivering a very challenging and logistical project, and we are on track to complete in Spring 2027. The next phase of work will see us putting back an internal structure to the revised new build.”
Amounderness House is one of six major projects under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, for which the City was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s Towns Fund in March 2021.
Harris Quarter is a unique area of Preston undergoing a £200 million investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a vibrant destination for culture, leisure and employment, including the renovation of the Harris Museum and Gallery, the Animate cinema and leisure complex and the Vault Youth Zone.
