This image was taken when Moor Lane flats were built - in 1962 - and is a rare view from the roof of the flats looking toward the Avenham flats. In the distance can be seen the Parish Church in Church Street and next to it is the Sessions House. In the centre of the picture is the Masonic Hall and Saul Street Bathsplaceholder image
This image was taken when Moor Lane flats were built - in 1962 - and is a rare view from the roof of the flats looking toward the Avenham flats. In the distance can be seen the Parish Church in Church Street and next to it is the Sessions House. In the centre of the picture is the Masonic Hall and Saul Street Baths

31 historic retro pictures of Preston's infamous Moor Lane flats down the decades before they were demolished

By Jack Marshall
Published 13th Oct 2023, 06:00 GMT
Updated 16th Feb 2024, 13:46 GMT

Opened in 1962 and demolished in 2001, the flats remained etched into the memories of countless Prestonians.

Jutting out on the city’s skyline, the towers took two years to build and contained 288 flats which were home to more than 14,600 over the years. Sadly, they were condemned as dangerous and were scheduled for immediate demolition. Take a look at our best retro pictures of them in their heyday.

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A view of the top of Moor Lane flats - showing a number of telephone masts

9. Moor Lane flats

A view of the top of Moor Lane flats - showing a number of telephone masts Photo: RETRO

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One of the tower blocks - Westmorland House - on Moor Lane, Preston

10. Moor Lane flats

One of the tower blocks - Westmorland House - on Moor Lane, Preston Photo: RETRO

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Moor Lane flats under construction alongside Craggs Row windmill

11. Moor Lane flats

Moor Lane flats under construction alongside Craggs Row windmill Photo: RETRO

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When this image was taken in 1985 coachloads of teenagers from London, Birmingham and Manchester were reported to be paying £2 admission to tower block session parties where they were given a price list of drink and narcotics

12. Moor Lane flats

When this image was taken in 1985 coachloads of teenagers from London, Birmingham and Manchester were reported to be paying £2 admission to tower block session parties where they were given a price list of drink and narcotics Photo: RETRO

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