PRESTON could soon become home to city slickers living in penthouse suites if plans for a luxury apartment block get the go-ahead.

The latest proposal from Preston-based architects, Frank Whittle Partnership, is for a 42-unit ten storey building in Lawson Street with two top-floor suites with exclusive access to the roof-top garden.

The proposals would mean demolition of the New Bailey Chambers, just off Ringway, and the new complex, complete with underground parking, could be up by the end of next year.

David Robinson, managing partner of Frank Whittle Partnership, of Ribblesdale Place, said: "This is one of the first new apartment blocks of city centre style living which has become so popular in Liverpool and Manchester. Preston is a different market, it is secluded enough to maintain its own identity but attracts people from the surrounding parts of Lancashire. I think it has the same appeal as Chester." The units are expected to go on sale for more than £100,000.

It comes as Leyland-based Rowland Homes put a planning application in to convert offices into 40 self-contained flats in Ribblesdale Place in picturesque Winckley Square.

Meanwhile just out of town in Fulwood, the former cattle market in Brook Street is also the site for a proposed residential area where Fairclough Homes North West aim to build 86 houses and 50 apartments.

These plans are expected to be discussed at a planning committee meeting on Monday, September 16.