A former window company’s workshops may seem an unlikely setting for a cultural revolution but when you consider the pedigree of the team behind Chew’s Yard in Preston which officially opens today, everything starts to fall into place.

Designer Ben Casey who runs global consultancy The Chase and Blackburn-born Christine Cort, former global marketing director for Time Out and co-founder of the Manchester International Festival, have been working on Chew’s Yard for the past 18 months.

“We have taken something which had been mothballed for quite some time,” said Christine, “and brought it back to life to become a place where good things happen.”

The old industrial premises on Market Street West, next to Preston Playhouse, have been transformed into a dining and entertainment complex complete with food and drink hall, performance space and garden area.

“I was introduced to Ben and he explained his vision to me a year and a half ago,” said Christine. “I’m from Blackburn, I sit on the board of Marketing Lancashire yet I feel I’ve never really done anything really meaningful for Lancashire.

“Ben’s intentions are so honourable in this project. He is funding it all himself and it has already cost millions in acquiring and transforming the spaces.

“It was almost impossible for me not to be involved.”

Ben, who was involved in the redesign of Preston North End’s Deepdale Stadium has already brought Lost Bar and Pizzeria and Chain House Brewery to Market Street West. Chew’s Yard is the latest phase of redevelopment.

There are also plans for two weavers’ cottages on the block and to create a ‘boulevard of art’ running the whole length of the street featuring work by local, national and international artists.

At Christmas a ‘pop-up’ version of Chew’s Yard opened for 12 days attracting hundreds of people and lots of positive comments.

“That showed us what is possible,” said Christine. “Even in that short space of time it had a real magnetic pull. People would come for a drink or a bite to eat and they’d return the next day.

“It’s got a real community feel to it which is what we were hoping for. We are not targetting a particularly demographic or target market.

“It is for everyone which means you have so much more freedom over what you can do.”

Already six independent companies will be part of the food hall offering everything from a snack to a full blown meal with more being lined up.

“Entertainment can range from anything from Hacienda DJs to a storytelling session for children,” said Christine. “We’re looking at acoustic nights, comedy and jazz. We’re going to show the Euros, we’ve applied for a wedding licence and we’ll host private parties

“It is a truly democratic space. At Christmas in one day we had an 18-month-old baby, a 90 year-old man and 19 dogs come through the doors - I loved that.

“We are doing something unique and championing local independent businesses and suppliers. It is this urban oasis, a truly democratic space - I can honestly say it’s one of the favourite projects I’ve ever done.”

Chew’s Yard opens at midday with a samba band performing outside. It will be open from noon until 10pm today; from noon to 11pm, tomorrow; noon until late on Saturday; and noon til 6pm on Sunday and Monday.

To keep up to date with the events follow Chew’s Yard on Facebook or Instagram.