Twentieth Century Society deplores Preston bus station demolition plans

The Twentieth Century Society deplores Preston City Council’s decision last night to demolish their iconic 1960s bus station. This short-sighted decision would rob Preston of its most recognizable landmark building, and deny a legacy of superb architecture to future generations.

We are convinced the station could be imaginatively refurbished and re-used. Its strong presence could accommodate relatively radical changes without diminishing its architectural impact. Even if there is no immediate proposal for re-use, the council admit that demolition would cost £1.8m – a fraction of this would maintain the building while proposals to retain the building – recently mooted by local architects and RIBA – are being worked up.

Built in 1969 to the designs of Building Design Partnership, the building featured on the World Monuments Fund 2012 international list of historic sites at risk. The building is a rare survivor of the transport mega-structures of the 1960s and is one of the most significant Brutalist buildings in the UK.

An epetition has been set up by Save Preston Bus Station. Follow this link to sign:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/43236