Official completion of Preston's Peace Garden

Local dignitaries came together at the new-look Peace Garden this week to mark the official completion of a £14.7m scheme to transform Preston city centre.

The renovation of the Peace Garden is the final piece of major work in the Transforming Friargate North and Ringway project.

The scheme aims to change the way we travel in and around Preston city centre by improving connectivity for bus passengers, cyclists and walkers, and has brought about the pedestrianisation of Friargate, making the area more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

The project is being delivered by Lancashire county council, in partnership with Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire, as part of its successful Transforming Cities Fund bid.

Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:

"This ambitious initiative, aimed at revitalising Preston's city centre, has now come to fruition, creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space that encourages sustainable travel."We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the partners, engineers, and community members who contributed to this project and for your patience."This has been a massive undertaking that has brought many challenges that we have had to overcome, and its completion marks a significant milestone in Preston's history, and future."

Work on the Transforming Friargate North and Ringway scheme began in 2021 on Corporation Street.

Ahead of the International Day of Peace on Saturday, representatives from the county council, Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire came together at the Peace Garden, which has been revitalised through the project.

The Mayor of Preston, Cllr Phil Crowe, and Cllr Alf Clempson, vice chairman of Lancashire County Council, had the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially mark the completion of the scheme.

They were joined by local artist Salina Somalya, who was commissioned for a special mural at the revitalised Peace Garden, which features poems and artwork etched into the concrete paving.

Salina was commissioned to create a central feature design that continued the link with the peace theme. The design had to include a dove motif to maintain the link with the site's history yet provide a fresh piece of artwork to rejuvenate the space.

Salina Somalya said:

"My concept was to consider a motif of the dove/peace symbol that referenced back to the history of the site as well as represented the present and future people of Preston, illustrating how we can live in harmony with one another through our customs, celebrations and language.

"I wanted to implement a design that was sensitive to the diverse communities within Preston, expressive and celebratory."I'm chuffed to have been awarded this commission on my home turf and to have the opportunity to enjoy the Peace Garden with the rest of the Preston and wider communities."

A commemorative red plaque is also incorporated into the landscaping of the Peace Garden in memory of Mary Elizabeth Slater, a field nurse from Preston who served in the Spanish Civil war before returning to nursing in London during the blitz.

The plaque was originally unveiled in the Peace Garden June 2018 by the Preston Historical Society. It was removed whilst the improvement works were carried out to keep it from being damaged and has now been reinstated into its rightful place.

Cllr Nweeda Khan, Cabinet Member for Communities and Social Justice at Preston City Council said:

"Preston is proud of its status as a City of Sanctuary that welcome refugees and asylum seekers from all over the world that need a safe haven from conflict and persecution. The Peace Garden is symbolic of the city's commitment to our pledge to help and care for those in need and sends out a message of peace and hope to all our citizens."

The garden is a restful corner of the busy city, a place where people can go for a few minutes of quiet reflection, or to take a few minutes to read the inspirational messages of hope and peace that are incorporated into the Peace Wall and are integral to the design of the Peace Garden."

Claire Lowe, Strategic Development Lead at the University of Central Lancashire, said:

"Friargate North links our University to the city centre so it's essential for our student population that this area is a safe, attractive and vibrant space. The project has delivered a street with a welcoming atmosphere and the Peace Garden perfectly complements this."

Minister for the Local Transport, Simon Lightwood said:

"This scheme will deliver huge improvements which will transform transport across Preston. "Improved walking and cycling infrastructure will deliver greener journeys and reduce congestion in and around the city. From buses to walking and cycling, we will continue to ensure everyone has access to affordable and reliable transport, however they choose to travel."