A view of Winckley Square Gardens

Preston’s Winckley Square is often described as the finest example of a privately planned Georgian development with open space in the North of England.

Just metres from the bustle of Preston’s main shopping area, the square is a peaceful refuge, home to a mixture of offices and residential property, and an important link between the city centre and Avenham and Miller parks to the South.

Work was recently completed on the £1.2m ‘sympathetic restoration’ of the gardens. The project has been led by the Winckley Square Community Interest Company (WSCIC) and Groundwork in partnership with Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, Preston BID and Preston Historical Society.

Improvements included:

  • New and improved entrance and access points
  • The restoration of all the railings around the Gardens
  • Resolving the current flooding problems through improved land drainage
  • Introducing lighting into the Gardens to improve security at night times
  • New, wider footpaths with new high quality surfaces
  • Replacement of worn and outdated 1980s seating
  • Cleaning and repairing the Robert Peel statue, restoring its original inscriptions, and providing a higher quality setting for the statue

The design process included a dedicated conservation management plan developed by a team of notable Preston historians from groups such as the Preston and South Ribble Civic Trust, Preston Historical Society, Lancashire Gardens Trust and Blog Preston.

New heritage reference points, plaques and displays have already been placed throughout the Gardens. A series of activities taking place over the next 2 years will further help raise awareness of the heritage and historical significance of the Gardens, encouraging local residents and visitors alike to visit and use the gardens on a regular basis. Examples include regular historical walking tours, school visits and events like the Victorian Fair that will take place on Saturday 21st January, starting at 11am.

A Facebook page has now been created for Friends Of Winckley Square Gardens. It contains latest news, updates and details about forthcoming events at the Gardens, as well as providing opportunities for people to share photographs, thoughts and memories.


For more information

Please contact Andrew Suter.

T: 01942 821 444
E: andrew.suter@groundwork.org.uk