RIVERWORKS

This potential project of £800m will include houses, shops and offices and make more use of the River Ribble as a feature, including a promenade and weir. A central park area will stretch along the riverbanks.

Most of the development appears to be in South Ribble. The dynamics of the river are interesting; flooding, constraining flow, reducing the tidal length and slowing the flow of the river at the weir.

The greenbelt in that area has quite a classic view from Avenham Park with the Old Tram Road and ex-East Lancs Railway line converging towards Vernons Mill.

It is true that the river isn't used to best advantage and some of the river bank areas leave a lot to be desired. If the project is well done it could create a very attractive area. Once these projects get a momentum will its aspirations be realised, it could become another stretch of suburbia.

Preston councils view: Click here. The opponents view: Click here.