Agora Shopping Centres has unveiled proposals for a major extension to the Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston city centre. The plans will take the scheme to more than 500,000 sq ft (46,450 sq m).

Agora Shopping Centres has unveiled proposals for a major extension to the Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston city centre. The plans will take the scheme to more than 500,000 sq ft (46,450 sq m).

Agora is a specialist north western retail fund run by Warner Estate in a joint venture with Bank of Scotland,

Warner Estate is proposing to build a 180,000 sq ft (16,720 sq m) extension to the existing 360,000 sq ft (33,445 sq m) scheme. The development will provide space for a combination of a new anchor department store and further shop units. The proposal will also increase the existing parking from 850 to 1,150 spaces.

The Fishergate Shopping Centre was developed in 1986. Existing tenants at the scheme include Debenhams, TK Maxx, TJ Hughes, Littlewoods, Argos and H Samuel. The developers said the design of the extension reflects the desire of both Agora and Preston City Council for a landmark building.

Warner Estate property director Richard Moore said: ‘Preston’s profile is improving considerably as a visitor destination within the Northwest.

There is no reason why we can not begin to compete with Manchester and Liverpool in terms of our retail offer.

By bringing more shops and a new department store to the shopping centre we hope to create a gateway to the city from the adjacent railway station that the people of Preston can be proud of - as well as giving them the kind of shopping experience that all our visitors deserve.’

Work is expected to begin in February next year, with completion in 2006.

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