Plans for a multi-million pound library and knowledge centre in the heart of the area earmarked for Preston's new cultural quarter have been unveiled.

The exciting development, a joint project between Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council, will be located in the old post office and fish market buildings on Market Street.

The library will be a major development for the city and the county, providing state-of-the-art information, learning, knowledge, community and business development facilities.

The centre will also provide a regionally-important visitor attraction, housing important collections previously unavailable to the public.

It will also be a 21st century tourist information centre, acting as a hub and gateway for the city, county and region.

The estimated cost will be in the region of £25 million which will be sought from a variety of sources including the government's Private Finance Initiative, European funding and the North West Development Agency, and the building is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services and Communications, said:

"Proposals for a new library for Preston were first discussed in 1951.

"Now more than half a century later the dream of a new library in the heart of Preston is coming closer to reality because we are now making real and substantial progress.

"There is still a very long way to go but the unveiling of these designs and plans is proof that we are moving forward and that our generation may be the one which finally delivers a new library which will serve Preston and the entire county of Lancashire.

"I have looked at some of the best modern libraries in Britain over the last couple of years in places like Norwich and Bournemouth.

"I'm hoping that what we develop in Preston will not be among the best. Rather, I hope it will be the best and something the rest of the country will look up to."

Preston City Council officials believe that the new facilities will be a massive boost to the city's regeneration plans.

City Councillor Veronica Afrin, Executive Member for Community, Regeneration and Leisure, said:

"We can now see the plans for a high-tech library right in the heart of the city centre.

"It's still early days but these are ambitious plans that would transform the old post office building into a modern and important facility, where we would offer much more than traditional library services.

"We will continue to work with the county council to try and ensure that this vision becomes reality."

The futuristic project, designed by Gaunt Francis architects, will host a wide-range of facilities on six floors.

The original 19th-century façade of the post office will be kept intact and an environmentally-friendly glass building will be constructed inside and above the building - offering stunning views over the city.

The dynamic building will relate to the surrounding cityscape and will regenerate a historic and familiar Grade 2-listed landmark.

In addition to library and tourist services, exhibition areas may be included and there will be internet access, a café and restaurant, a crèche and conference facilities and modern disabled access.

These services will be housed in a fine structure which will provide plenty of natural light and warmth, which will enhance the public's enjoyment.

The existing central library is based within the Harris Museum and Art Gallery and the new premises will free up space for further exhibitions.

The services and facilities offered have been shaped by public and stakeholder consultation - through a vast cross section of the Lancashire population.