Historic Miller Arcade in Preston Set for Major Residential Redevelopment
Dozens of apartments could be created within Preston's historic Miller Arcade as part of a major redevelopment plan aimed at revitalising the city centre shopping precinct. Newly unveiled proposals seek to bring the vacant upper floors of the 19th-century building back into use after years of standing empty, marking a significant transformation for the beloved landmark.
Detailed Proposal for 46 New Homes
A total of 46 residential properties are proposed across the top three storeys of the Grade II-listed Miller Arcade, which is bound by Church Street, Lancaster Road, Birley Street and the Flag Market. The conversion plan, submitted by Darwen-based Icon Heritage Limited, includes 24 one-bedroom flats, 18 two-bedroom flats, and four studio apartments.
Residents would enjoy shared access to an impressive array of communal facilities, including a cinema, gym, library, workspace, meeting room, kitchen, and lounge. Access to the residential floors would be via an existing doorway on Lancaster Road, situated beneath the building's distinctive gold-plated 'Miller House' sign.
Preserving Heritage While Introducing New Life
The much-loved Miller Arcade, renowned for its Victorian Baroque architecture modelled on London's larger Burlington Arcade, opened in 1899 as Preston's first indoor shopping area. The ground floor retail units would continue trading as normal under the current proposal, ensuring the building's commercial heritage remains intact.
According to planning documents lodged with Preston City Council, the conversion would require minimal external alterations, focusing primarily on repairs to the building's fabric and refurbishment of windows. These windows would be upgraded with secondary glazing to help block out noise and retain heat, improving energy efficiency.
The planning statement emphasises that internal reconfiguration will take "a sensitive design approach that prioritises the retention of existing architectural features...which are considered heritage assets." It adds that introducing residential spaces "brings a new life – and the new use will help bring Miller Arcade back to becoming of even greater importance in Preston."
Historical Context and Previous Plans
The floors now earmarked for apartments have a rich history, having previously housed hotels, Turkish Baths, a wine lodge, and most recently offices. This conversion proposal comes eleven years after a similar scheme by a different company received planning approval but was never delivered.
That earlier vision, unlike the current proposal, included plans for a new restaurant and roof garden. The applicant for the current scheme sought pre-application advice from Preston City Council and was informed that the principle of the residential conversion was "wholly acceptable."
The redevelopment represents a significant opportunity to preserve an important piece of Preston's architectural heritage while addressing housing needs and bringing sustained activity to the city centre. If approved, the project would transform underutilised space into vibrant residential accommodation, creating a new community within one of Preston's most iconic buildings.
