Developers the Heaton Group and Paul Butler Associates have submitted an application to transform Preston's Park Hotel in Lancashire, UK, into an aparthotel. The conversion plans include the addition of a gym, cafe, and workspace, and the developers emphasise the "sensitive" nature of the project.
But concerns have been raised by heritage preservation groups, including the Victorian Society, who argue that the proposed conversion would harm the city's historical assets.
The Park Hotel is a red brick, Gothic-style building near Preston's railway station, originally constructed in 1883 and listed as a Grade II heritage site.
Developer's perspective
The Heaton Group stated in their planning permission application that the vacant buildings of the Park Hotel were deteriorating and falling into disrepair.
They highlighted the significant benefits of their proposed scheme, particularly the provision of high-quality residential accommodation, which they believe is much-needed.
The developers also claimed that the development would positively impact the character and appearance of the Avenham conservation area and its surroundings.
Victorian Society's opposition
But the Victorian Society's conservation adviser, Guy Newton, expressed concerns about the proposed conversion. Newton argued that the development would permanently damage the existing 19th-century relationship between the Park Hotel and the wider landscape.
He emphasised the building's integral role in the nearby municipal parks and urged the council to reject the application. Newton suggested that the developers should instead work on a scheme that restores the original building and creates new, more sensitively designed accommodation.
He stated that this represents a unique opportunity to get a key site right for Preston.
Historic England supports restoration but highlights potential harm
In response to the application, Historic England has expressed support for returning the building to its original use. However, they raised concerns about the current proposal's potential negative impact.
Historic England argued that the conversion would cause considerable harm to Miller Park, located in front of the site, and moderate harm to the surrounding Avenham conservation area.
The application for the conversion of Preston's Park Hotel into an aparthotel will be reviewed by the city council's planning committee at a later date. The committee will consider the arguments presented by both the developers and the heritage preservation group before reaching a decision on the proposed project.
