The concerns have sparked calls for a swift decision on plans to bring the Grade II listed building back into use
Concerns have been raised over the security of one of Preston ’s most significant historical buildings after it was struck by vandals and fly-tippers.
The blueprint – which includes the conversion of the neighbouring Regent House building into nine holiday lets – was lodged with Preston City Council back in June. The LDRS can reveal the proposal will be considered at a meeting of the authority’s planning committee in December. It is understood the process has involved discussion with Historic England, which had already placed the building on its at-risk register.
The one-time art school, which was operated by the University Of Central Lancashire for a time, was last in use as the Darul Aloom Islamic Institution before being vacated in 2014. It is now controlled by Bolton-based Harris Investment Group Limited, the firm behind the conversion plans. The latest security fears come almost two years after unauthorised access – gained under a previous ownership – enabled the building to be turned into a cannabis farm.Arson poses an ever-present threat to vacant and historically important properties, a concern heightened in Preston after a spate of city centre fires in recent years, including at St. Joseph’s Orphanage and the former Odeon cinema.
A spokesperson told the LDRS: “The council is in regular contact with the building owners to ensure that buildings are safe and not open to access – and to protect those of heritage value, including listed buildings.
Ldrcontent Preston City Council
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