Mount Street Hospital or St Joseph’s Orphanage are just two of this listed building’s guises over the years – but however you remember it, this was a grand old Preston monument. And as the news settles in that much of this institute in the heart of the city centre is to be demolished, we’ve dug out these pictures that show just how bad a state of decay the place was in. These pictures were all taken in 2018, and Mother Nature is never kind on rooms left open to the elements. Some parts, like the chapel and the tower will be restored, but three apartment blocks and 10 townhouses will stand on the rest of the site. READ MORE: Farewell to Mount Street Hospital. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lane Ends from the 60s to 90s
. Mount Street Hospital in Preston
The Victorian Grade II Listed building dates back to 1872 Photo: Neil Cross
. The former operating theatre
Imagine the view from the old operating theatre... now left open to the elements Photo: Neil Cross
. The former Mount Street hospital
Peering into one of the equipment sterlisers in the operating room Photo: Neil Cross
. The former Mount Street hospital
This was part of St Joseph's orphanage Photo: Neil Cross
. Mount Street hospital
Every window is smashed, leaving the place open to the elements, thieves and vandals Photo: Neil Cross
. Mount Street hospital
A huge pile of broken and unwanted furniture fills one of the rooms Photo: Neil Cross
. The former Mount Street hospital
Even old paperwork was left lying around in the hospital Photo: Neil Cross
. Mount Street Hospital
The hospitals two top floor theatres, where their giant operating spotlights can still be found Photo: Neil Cross
. The former Mount Street hospital
What was once a place where people paid for their medical care is now a crumbling ruin Photo: Neil Cross
. The former Mount Street hospital
Old medical equipment left open to the elements Photo: Neil Cross
. The former Mount Street hospital
This is what the ravages of weather, vandals and thieves have done to this once great structure Photo: Neil Cross
1. The former operating theatre
Imagine the view from the old operating theatre... now left open to the elements Photo: Neil Cross
2. The former Mount Street hospital
Peering into one of the equipment sterlisers in the operating room Photo: Neil Cross
3. The former Mount Street hospital
This was part of St Joseph's orphanage Photo: Neil Cross
4. Mount Street hospital
Every window is smashed, leaving the place open to the elements, thieves and vandals Photo: Neil Cross