Preston bus station decision welcomed

Posted 28 January 2010 at 00:00

Preston City Council is welcoming the Government’s decision not to list Preston bus station as being a building of significant architectural or historic interest.

This decision removes a potential obstacle to the proposed Tithebarn development of Preston City Centre, which includes a proposed new replacement bus station.

Welcoming the announcement that Preston bus station should not be listed, Councillor Ken Hudson, Leader of Preston City Council said:

We are delighted that common sense has prevailed and Preston bus station has not been listed. The building is an eyesore and is simply not worthy of being listed. It is too big, expensive to maintain and does not meet the needs of modern day bus passengers. At least now we can focus on securing planning permission for the Tithebarn development and proposals for a brand new bus station that is fitting for the city of Preston.”

Richard Coppell, Development Director, Lend Lease said:

We are pleased with the Government’s decision not to list the bus station, which removes a potential obstacle from the development of the Preston Tithebarn scheme. Our focus now will be to work with the Council in order to agree our response to the call in by the Government.”

Background Information

• Preston Bus Station is an 80 bay bus station built in the 1960’s. As well as a bus station, the building also serves as a multi-storey car park with room for 1160 cars.
• In 2001, an application was made for the bus station to be listed. That application was rejected. Another similar application was then made in 2009. This has now been considered by the Department for Media, Culture and Sport and once again this application for listed status has been rejected.
• The Tithebarn development is a retail led regeneration of Preston City Centre.
• The Tithebarn development provides for a new bus station, revitalised Preston Markets, a new cinema, cafes, bars as well as new offices and homes. Tithebarn also includes a new John Lewis and Marks and Spencer anchor stores, as well as other improvements to shopping in the city.