Inspiration For Redeveloping & Modernising The Bus Station Is Already In Preston.

Preston Bus Station and the Preston’s new Premier Inn – separated at birth?

Many times on this site Ben Casey’s impression of a possible future for Preston Bus Station has been quoted as an example of how the bus station can live on for the passengers, commuters and shoppers of the Tithebarn redevelopment.

There are clear similarities between the lower portion of the Premier Inn and the lower portion of the bus station – a fully glazed double height unit with large concrete columns at the front which support the structure and separate the units from each other. There’s also a horizontal bar running half height through the glazing at the Premier Inn building which will be used for signs and branding.  This is yet another striking example of how space at the bus station could be repurposed in order that it can be revitalised as a modernised 21st century public transport facility and also fit in with the vibrant new retail area that is planned for Preston.

1. Will the Lend Lease, the Tithebarn’s scheme’s Australian developers, who have already refused to fund a replacement bus station be interested in investigating this plan?
2. Will Building Design Partnership consider this option as they draw up plans to replace their own 41 year old building with a generic retail space even though it’s currently rated as the best work in their 50 year history?
3. Will Preston City Council now take this golden opportunity to modernise the bus station and leave an iconic public transport facility at the heart of the new retail expanse, a building which has been voted as the people of Preston’s favourite city centre building?