Banqueting suite approved in Deepdale

A banqueting suite is set to open in a Preston neighbourhood after getting the go-ahead from city planning officials.

The two-storey facility, on Sedgwick Street in Deepdale, was built in 2023 with the intention of it being used as a kitchen showroom – but it has stood empty ever since.

Now, Preston City Council has approved plans by IMC Banqueting Limited to convert it into a space that will host events including birthdays, weddings, Eid festivities, work parties and awards ceremonies.

In its application seeking permission from the town hall, the firm said alcohol will not be permitted on the premises – and all food consumed on site will be brought in ready prepared.

The venue will have a seating capacity of around 100 people and the company explained that, following recent renovation works, the building already benefitted from a “modern and minimalistic” layout – with “white walls and marbled flooring [and] delicate and attractive lighting and other decorative features…fitted around the site”.

The suite will be available for private hire 5pm until 10pm, seven days a week.  Although the applicant had already suggested a 10pm closure time, council environmental health officers insisted on it being included as a condition of planning approval – along with a ban on amplified music – so that nearby residents are not disturbed.

There are five dedicated parking spaces for the banqueting suite building, but another 13 shared bays are also available – and Lancashire County Council highways chiefs noted that those sports were more likely to be free during the hours when the facility is in operation, as “neighbouring business close for the day”. A daytime parking restriction on the north side of Sedgwick Street also ends at 6pm, freeing up more space for guests.

There was no public opposition to the conversion of the site from retail to general use. The smaller building that used to stand on the plot operated as a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom showroom until just over a decade ago.