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The City

Welcome to Preston - England's Newest City - located right at the heart of North West England.

Preston is an ancient place, receiving its a Charter in 1179 - with its historic Preston Guild celebrated every 20 years with the last celebration in 1992.

Preston - at the centre of Lancashire - has a strong cultural, economic and retail base. Its location as an attractive place to live, work and invest has seen major expansion.

The area is also on the threshold of major regeneration. Objective II, SRB, and Neighbourhood Renewal funding will see a transformation of Preston’s inner urban areas. This transformation is community led with the Council and its key partners giving full support.

The Council - in partnership with the private sector - is also working on a multi million pound scheme to redevelop Preston's City Centre through better retail, transport, housing, office, culture, leisure and other mixed uses.

Preston's student population is acting as a major catalyst too. With over 25,000 students, the University of Central Lancashire in Preston is the sixth largest and one of the fastest growing Universities in the UK.

Culturally, Preston has much to be proud about including - the Grade I listed Harris Museum and Art Gallery, home to nationally important collections and a vibrant temporary exhibition programme, Preston Guild Hall and Charter Theatre, the Museum of Lancashire, the County Record Office and Library, splendid Victorian parks and gardens, as well as the National Football Museum - home to FIFA, the World Football Authority's, historic collection.

To find out more about Preston and things you can do please see www.visitpreston.com

Key facts about the city of Preston:

  • population of 129,000
  • awarded city status in April 2002 by the Queen in celebration of her Golden Jubilee
  • located at the centre of Lancashire's business and transport network - within easy access of M6 (Birmingham and the Lake District), M61 (Manchester), M55 (Blackpool) and M65 (East Lancashire)
  • the commercial and administrative centre of Lancashire and the seat of Lancashire County Council
  • a major centre for learning and the location of the University of Central Lancashire which has a student population of 25,000
  • the average house price is £65,881
  • the average gross weekly earnings is £379.20
  • economy is largely based on traditional manufacturing industries such astextiles and engineering. Major employers include: Alstom (train manufactures) and BAe Systems (military/commercial aircraft manufacturing)
  • The unemployment rate for Preston is 4.2% (January 2002)

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