Visionary Project…
Chew’s Yard is an ambitious project led by designer Ben Casey and cultural creator Christine Cort, who have breathed new life into a space that is now buzzing with activity, writes Alma Stewart. Photography: Michael Porter
When creative business duo Ben Casey and Christine Cort, both from the Ribble Valley, were introduced, little did they know it would lead them on a journey that would see the transformation of a derelict space into a thriving, industrial-style social and cultural hub – Chew’s Yard.
Running directly behind Friargate, Preston, those of a certain age will remember this particular area because of the Gatsby nightclub on Great Shaw Street which sits across from Chew’s Yard.
This street was of particular interest to Ben, former Head of the School of Design at the University of Central Lancashire and founder of 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,” says Ben. “Something like Chew’s Yard in those cities would not have any impact, but 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, who lives in Wilpshire. She is the former Group Marketing Director at Time Out, the culture, entertainment and events magazine. Originally from Blackburn, Christine 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.
Speaking of the Chew’s Yard development, which is the first phase of this visionary project, Christine explains: “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, has seen the space thoughtfully redesigned into industrial workshops featuring a host of independent traders – it is large enough to contain a food hall featuring five different traders, a communal dining space for 150 people with room for live entertainment too.
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. People from throughout the region can now enjoy the city’s newest, and most exciting, versatile venue.
Christine adds: “Following on from the success of its Christmas pop-ups, 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 event space. The Chew’s Yard Market returned at the beginning of this month 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 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 ongoing 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.
“People seem to appreciate what we are providing here – truly independent venues where community matters. Chew’s Yard has already hosted community-centred events. At our pop-up event last year, we welcomed 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,” says 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 vendor known for quality and affordability.
• Two Guns: Bringing Detroit pizza vibes with Italian influences.
• Escapade: Serving draft beer from Thornbridge and high-quality coffee from Atkinsons Coffee Roasters.
Christine concludes: “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.”
