Decision details

The report will set out a series of proposals necessary to support improvements to Preston Bus Station and Multi Storey Car Park.

The committee were presented with a report setting out a number of proposals in respect of Preston Bus Station and Multi Storey Car Park which would support the vision of creating a modern and vibrant public service hub. The development would include a new Youth Zone for young people, the refurbishment of the bus station, the creation of a public open space and the upgrading of the multi-storey car park.

The committee were taken through the recent history of the site and also particularly the proposals to develop a Youth Zone in Preston. It was reported that the proposal to site the Youth Zone at the Bus Station site was supported by Onside, the organisation behind Youth Zones across the country, and also represented a better financial deal for the council than the original proposal on the County Hall car park site.

It was made clear that the £3m contribution from the CYP capital programme was that set aside by the previous administration for the Youth Zone.

The Committee considered the information presented, particularly in relation to the estimated costs and funding arrangements.

It was proposed and seconded that:

The cabinet be asked to defer the decision to give an opportunity

a.  To ensure all appropriate costs were included in the assessment, to guarantee a life span for the building of 25 years

b.  To ensure that the costs are properly funded

c.  To seek opinions on the site of the Youth Zone from young people, via the Youth Council

On being put to the vote, the motion was lost.

In considering the recommendations to Cabinet, it was noted that it was intended to amend recommendation 4(6) to read 'To review with external grant funding organisations the potential for external grant funding'.

Resolved: That the recommendations in the report to Cabinet be noted and that support be given to the proposed amendment to recommendation 4(6) to read 'To review with external grant funding organisations the potential for external grant funding'.