Breathing New Life Into The City Centre
Chew’s Yard is an ambitious project led by Preston designer Ben Casey and cultural creator Christine Cort. This historic area of Preston, once overlooked, is now buzzing with life thanks to their vision as Alma Stewart discovers. Photography: Michael Porter
Though the Preston Playhouse was built as a Friends Meeting House for Quakers in 1847, it has been a well-known city centre theatre since 1949. But are you familiar with the rest of Market Street West, the home of the Playhouse? If you aren’t, you soon will be!
Running directly behind Friargate, those of a certain age will remember this particular area of the city centre because of The Gatsby and the Cherry Tree nightclubs on Great Shaw Street which were across the car park from Chew’s Yard. Also along this historic street, you will find Chain House Brewery Co and Lost Bar and Pizzeria, housed in one of Preston’s oldest buildings.
This street is of particular interest to designer Ben Casey. Born in Deepdale, Ben is a former Head of the School of Design at the University of Central Lancashire and established The Chase in Manchester in 1986, now one of the most awarded creative consultancies in the world. “I’ve worked and lived in Manchester and London.” said Ben, “Something like this in those cities would not have any impact, but here in Preston, it makes such a big difference so why not breathe more life into this formerly unloved area of the city centre?”
Joining him in this epic vision is Christine Cort, former Group Marketing Director at Time Out, the culture, entertainment and events magazine. Christine, originally from Blackburn, now runs her own company CC&Friends working on projects she finds inspiring across the world with people she admires. Previous to that, she co-founded the biennial Manchester International Festival (MIF) in 2005 where she was Managing Director. MIF is widely regarded as one of the most successful festivals in the world, with a reputation for staging world premieres and entirely new work, bringing visitors from across the globe to Manchester. Christine said: “When I was introduced to Ben through a mutual friend and heard of his plans, I caught his enthusiasm for the project. I saw Chew’s Yard in its derelict state but was moved by Ben’s determination to reinvent this area and I just had to get on board. We are both from humble beginnings and are passionate about giving something back to the community.”
Chew’s Yard, probably named after a former owner as was the custom of yesteryear, was once occupied by Walker Windows which has since relocated to Preston Docklands. The thoughtfully redesigned industrial workshops feature a host of independent traders and this charming space is large enough to contain five food stalls, communal dining space for 150 people and with room for live entertainment. Another huge open area with an industrial, quirky charm contains a bar and leads to outside space, with the versatility to host a number of different events. The beautifully landscaped garden courtyard also has an outdoor bar. On warm days, this peaceful green oasis, with a south-west facing aspect, will be the place to escape, capture the sunshine and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from noon until night. And now the people of Preston and beyond can enjoy the city’s newest, and most exciting, versatile venue.
Christine said: “Following on from the success of its 12 Days of Christmas Pop-Up in 2023, Chew’s Yard opened in early May with a packed programme of events catering for the whole family. It really was an incredible weekend! The opening night included singer-songwriter Rachel Waring getting the party started with upbeat, acoustic numbers followed by a spectacular explosion of colour and music as Lancaster’s 25 strong drumming group, Samba Espirito, got the party going with a parade along Market Street West. All our guests had a fantastic time.”
An exciting mix of live music, DJs, family-friendly events and creative sessions is set to be hosted in the events’ space. The Chew’s Yard Market returned on Saturday 4th May featuring artists, makers, craftspeople, photographers and creatives. Not only can visitors enjoy the facilities, the venue is also available for private hire.
It is a great start to Ben’s vision for creating a new cultural destination on Market Street West, having opened Lost Bar and Pizzeria and leasing his building to Chain House Brewery Co. The destination is called Market Street Social and will blend cultural activities with food, drink and entertainment. A billboard style outdoor art gallery along the opposite car park is also being planned.
The next phase, featuring a pub, wine bar and outdoor balcony sounds just as exciting: “Establishing Chew’s Yard is part of the first phase and the next plans include creating a pub on the theme of the Battle of Preston with one level reflecting the New Model Army and the other, the Royalists – it’s going to be a very exciting development. The pub will feature a glass terrace and will be home to a cocktail lounge with the ground floor a spit and sawdust pub selling great beer and pies.
“Prestonians seem to appreciate what we are providing here –truly independent venues where community matters. Chew’s Yard has already hosted community-centred events with visitors from two months old to 86 years old plus a number of four legged friends. At our pop-up event last year, we welcomed some visitors from Manchester who were killing time due to a train strike and ended up spending eight hours with us! They took real pleasure introducing Chew’s Yard to all their friends and family – it was a proud moment,” said Ben.
The venue hosts a variety of independent traders, each offering unique experiences:
• Trough: Curated grazing options showcasing the best of British produce from the founders of Goosnargh Gin.
• Seitanic: A plant-based kebab venture that gained popularity during a Christmas pop-up.
• Chamo: A top-ranked South American street food known for quality and affordability.
• Two Guns: Bringing Detroit pizza vibes with Italian influences to Preston.
• Escapade: Serving draft beer from Thornbridge and high-quality coffee from Atkinsons Coffee Roasters.
Christine concluded: “We are punching high, but Ben and I truly believe in the potential of the venue and of Market Street Social. If Chew’s Yard’s opening weekend was anything to go by, we know we can continue to bring customers some wonderful entertainment, food and drink. There are exciting further plans in place and together, Ben and I have the imagination and ambition to make it work not only as a cultural destination, but as a welcoming communal hub where people can come and enjoy this unique and special place.”
