Demolition plan would see shopping centre make way for new apartments and an NHS health hub

Preston's St John's Shopping Centre could be flattened to make way for more than 500 apartments, a new NHS neighbourhood health facility and a smaller number of replacement shops.

- by Paul Faulkner

St. John's Shopping Centre is 60 years old this year - but it might not survive see another significant anniversary

That is the vision at the heart of plans that would create "a bold and welcoming gateway" to the city, according to the firm behind the blueprint.

The proposed development, first revealed by the Post in July, would see three new high-rise buildings - the tallest being 15 storeys - spring up opposite the bus station.

A tree-lined 'central boulevard' would weave its way between two of the blocks on the levelled St John's plot, connecting the transport facility on Tithebarn Street to the markets quarter and new Animate cinema and leisure development off Lancaster Road. It would feature a new public square and green walkways with spaces to relax and socialise, as well as acting as a thoroughfare between key city sites.