Preston Bus Station: Grade II Listed

Preston Bus Station was given a Grade II Listed status by English Heritage yesterday. The City Council had wanted to demolish it and build a smaller bus station, whilst redeveloping the rest of the area. Buses use both sides of the 'station' where there are 40 stands on each. A multi storey car park is used above the bus station and it was that design that clinched the listing. I took this set of images last week, expecting an announcement to be made by English Heritage.

Listed by English Heritage as a building of national importance and special interest, the bus station was built in the 1960s. It is seen as a prime example of the Brutalist school of architecture and has been described by English Heritage as "one of the most impressive civic buildings of its day.'"

The bus station, it has to be said, is a cold, featureless and a slightly uninviting area, which looks really dated. It really does need a makeover to add a bit of colour and light.

The barriers look obtrusive and the signage throughout the bus station need updating with a modern look.

The barriers give a claustrophobic feel to the place and restrict freedom of movement for the passengers. It needs to be more of an inviting space with individual timetable posters alongside each stand. 

This is the infomation office for Preston Bus, although you would never have thought it! 

A not very friendly warning - part one ....... 

A not very friendly warning - part two. There are so many restrictions, it makes you wonder whether bus passengers should be barred as well?!!! 

Preston Bus Infomation. Oh not its not. See the earlier image above for their information office in another part of the bus station. Why hasn't this sign been removed? There seems to be a lack of pride in the place (possibly due to lack of money being available as well to be spent on it) and not a very good 'advert' for the city of Preston. 

Whether having a Grade II Listed status will make any difference to the bus station, only time will tell. But it desperately needs refurbishment.