John Puttick’s firm is based in New York, but it saw off the challenge of nearly 100 other architects to win this contract, thanks to a proposal for combining open public space and the Youth Zone with a refurbished terminus.
Speaking to a reporter from the Lancashire Evening Post, Puttick said:
“When I heard our design had won I was absolutely thrilled. It is a privilege as an architect to get the chance to work on a public project such as this.
“I think for most architects that is what they aspire to and for us it is a wonderful opportunity.”
A judging panel selected the design submitted by Puttick’s firm, having polled the local public on the six submissions that made the final shortlist.
Those submitting entries will have known that they could rely on shops offering full colour printing in Preston to ensure that their proposed designs looked as good as possible.
The leader of Lancashire County Council, Jennifer Mein, said that the chosen design was her favourite of those submitted.
A planning application is now being put together, with the hope being that the council will receive it within the next three months.