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.

Still looking for some more nostalgia? Check out these other recent pieces...

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17 retro pics of 1970s, 1980s & 1990s Preston shops, including Sam Allardyce, Fishergate & St George's Centre

31 old school retro pictures of Preston from 1995 to 1999, from Miss UK & politicians, to North End & clubs

An afternoon of fun and music could mark the turning point for the residents of a strife-torn flats complex. Their summer festival may not have been as lavish or big as many Lancashire carnivals but in many ways it was more important. For the people who live in three high-rise blocks on Moor Lane, Preston, it was a towards creating community spirit in a place where it has been sadly lacking. Pictured: A group of lads calling themselves 'Level One' gave demonstrations of breakdancing

25. Moor Lane flats

An afternoon of fun and music could mark the turning point for the residents of a strife-torn flats complex. Their summer festival may not have been as lavish or big as many Lancashire carnivals but in many ways it was more important. For the people who live in three high-rise blocks on Moor Lane, Preston, it was a towards creating community spirit in a place where it has been sadly lacking. Pictured: A group of lads calling themselves 'Level One' gave demonstrations of breakdancing Photo: RETRO

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One of the WFL bulldozers cleaning up at the site of the demolished Moor Lane flats in Preston

26. Moor Lane flats

One of the WFL bulldozers cleaning up at the site of the demolished Moor Lane flats in Preston Photo: RETRO

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Contract director, John Smith, from Jack Smith Builders Ltd, reads an 1873 copy of the Preston Guardian which was discovered in a time capsule during building work on Moor Lane in Preston

27. Moor Lane flats

Contract director, John Smith, from Jack Smith Builders Ltd, reads an 1873 copy of the Preston Guardian which was discovered in a time capsule during building work on Moor Lane in Preston Photo: RETRO

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The new Preston exchange being built, bounded by Moor Lane, Walker Street, North Street and Warwick Street, with the Elizabeth Street (Moor Lane) skyscraper flats in the background

28. Moor Lane flats

The new Preston exchange being built, bounded by Moor Lane, Walker Street, North Street and Warwick Street, with the Elizabeth Street (Moor Lane) skyscraper flats in the background Photo: RETRO

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