Imagine a future for an iconic Bus Station

Tomorrow the people of Preston can voice their ideas for the future of the landmark, which councillors have voted to demolish.

Re-Imagine Preston Bus Station, at the controversial transport hub, is an all day free workshop to develop ideas for what might be done with it.

The drop in event will feature expert speakers, including Professor Kevin Rhowbottom, from UCLAN’s School of Architecture, Professor Tom Jefferies, head of Manchester School of Architecturen and an expert in Brutalist architecture, Dr Christina Malathouni, from University of Liverpool, and Stella Hall, the director of last year’s Preston Guild.

Gate 81 believe that the building should not be razed but adapted to serve the people of the city.

Newly commissioned public art installations, inspired by the place, will be shown for the first time, and visitors can join culture walks of the area.

Local art collective 0point3recurring have created a video installation and celebrated sculptor and painter Chris Jones will unveil his latest work, created specifically for the bus station, on the day, which will then remain on show for a month. Originally from Preston, he is now based in London but says absence has made his childhood memories more important.

He says: “It’s only now I’ve lived away from Preston for a good while that the everyday things I associate with the city have become important.”

The day, which runs from 8.30am to 7pm, is organised by arts campaign group, Gate 81, – the name refers to the bus station’s 80 bus “gates” or stands – formed to oppose the demolition.

Ruth Heritage, of Gate 81, said: “We’re hoping to develop some great, community focussed urban planning ideas from Gate 81’s hands on design workshop.

“For us, the most important part of this process is about opening up the debate around what to do with Preston City Centre to its residents.”