The Heaton Group is delighted to confirm the successful completion of the acquisition of the former Park Hotel site on 18th February 2026, marking a defining milestone in the delivery of Farington Square, a significant regeneration project for Preston city centre.
The completion follows approval of the revised scheme by Preston City Council in October 2025, with full planning permission formally granted on 19th February 2026.
The site was acquired from the Lancashire County Pension Fund, whose assets are managed by LPPI.
With the necessary milestones achieved, The Heaton Group is confidently moving into the delivery phase of Farington Square.
Restoring an Icon and Creating a New Destination
Farington Square will deliver 239 high-specification apartments alongside The Farington, a 92 room spa hotel featuring a gym, café and coworking space.
At the heart of the scheme is the careful and sympathetic restoration of the original hotel building, an iconic structure with deep roots in the city’s history. Rather than replace it, The Heaton Group will preserve and celebrate its architectural character, working with award-winning interior designers to create a contemporary hospitality experience that honours the building’s heritage.
The scheme has been thoughtfully designed as a refined, wellness-led destination that respects the building’s heritage while creating sustainable long-term value.
John Heaton, Managing Director of The Heaton Group, said:
“This is an incredibly proud moment for us. Securing ownership and planning permission allows us to move forward with confidence. Our focus has always been on restoring this landmark building properly and creating something Preston can be proud of.
Farington Square represents quality, and longevity, in a city that’s redefining its future.”
A Scheme Aligned with Preston’s Transformation
Located within walking distance of Preston Train Station, Farington Square sits in a prime strategic position within a city undergoing significant transformational change.
The recent major regeneration proposals in the city centre, including the reimagining of retail-led environments into open, people-focused public spaces, further strengthen the long-term fundamentals of the regeneration project at Farington Square.
As a more accessible, lifestyle-driven city centre is on the horizon, the demand for high-quality residential living, wellness facilities and elevated hospitality experiences will grow.
Farington Square has been designed precisely for that future.
All residents will enjoy shared access to The Farington Hotel’s premium amenities, creating a vibrant, integrated community. The newly built residential buildings constructed in red brick complement the restored hotel and harmonise the overall scheme, surrounded by new pathways and landscaped green spaces.
Building on a Proven Track Record
This is Heaton Group’s 6th major development and investment within Preston City Council. Heaton Group has a strong history of delivering complex regeneration projects across the North West, combining heritage restoration with high-quality residential and hospitality development.
Farington Square builds on that legacy, not just as a commercial investment, but as a statement of long-term confidence in Preston.
With acquisition completed and full planning secured, preparations will now begin for mobilisation on site.
Further updates will be announced as the project progresses.
