The gardens of Preston’s ‘Little London’, Winckley Square, are to have their official business opening at a special ‘Centenary Hangout’ on Thursday 26th January.
The area, which has recently undergone a million-pound sensitive restoration project, will welcome businesses from the region to celebrate the rejuvenation of the city centre’s professions heartland.
In celebration of the Chamber’s centenary year, which comes to an official close during this event, a symbolic tree will be planted and dedicated to the Chamber in recognition of their historical support of the local business community and their key involvement in ensuring the area received critical attention.
Chamber CEO Babs Murphy said: ‘The Chamber’s Centenary programme has been enjoyed by thousands of individuals representing hundreds of local businesses. The Centenary Hangout officially signifies the end of our centennial year and the start of a new-chapter for Winckley Square’.
Preston Business Improvement District (BID), which is staging the event in recognition of the Chamber’s milestone, financially contributed to the Winckley Square improvement works on behalf of city centre businesses which helped to secure vital Heritage Lottery Funding in order for the project to be completed.
John Boydell, chair of Preston BID said: ‘The Winckley Square Community Interest Company, the body established to protect and develop the square, in partnership with the BID, local authorities and Groundwork CLM have done a tremendous job of bringing the square back to life. The area is of great professional and historical importance to the city and to see a major project like this realised creates a great deal of positivity amongst local businesses’.
The Centenary Hangout takes place in the gardens of the Square between 2.00pm-4.00pm on Thursday 26th January and businesses are invited to reserve their complimentary places to attend the event by emailing: bid@lancschamber.co.uk or calling (01772) 653000 option 5.
