"I think it's an eyesore": 11 derelict and abandoned Preston buildings, from run-down pubs to BHS
The past 15 years has been hard for some in Preston, with many abandoned and derelict buildings in the city centre evidence of tough times.
By Jack Marshall
Published 30th May 2023, 12:30 BST
Updated 5th Apr 2024, 17:33 BST
With the North/South divide growing and investment in former mill towns in the North dwindling, some areas and buildings in Preston’s city centre have been left to rot, leading many locals to complains about eye-sores which do little for the area’s reputation.
Fox Street: Declared an unsafe building, the property on Fox Street also has an occult history. From 1837 to 1840, Preston was the HQ for the Mormon Church, with most of the first British Mormons having emigrated to America from Preston. In July 1837, three Elders returned to the lodge at Fox Street to complete evangelical work, but they were supposedly attacked by the Devil, who sought to prevent their efforts. Photo: Google Maps
Roper Hall: Famous for being something of a popular student nightspot, The Roper was vacated in March this year, with a sign in the window explaining that the venue is now under the supervision of a security firm specialising in protecting vacant properties. Photo: National World
Shawes Arms: Dating back to at least 1824, the Shawes Arms was originally called the Black Horse Inn until 1843 and, sitting on the city side of the Ribble Bridge, was a beloved pub until it closed its doors in 2014. It was bought in 2015 by a buyer who intended to revive the pub but, due to the dereliction and frequent break-ins, it was put back on the market in 2019. Photo: Google Maps
Former site of the Cricketers Arms: Once owned by England and Lancashire cricketer Cornelius Coward, The Cricketers Arms remained empty for 13 years after pulling its last pint in 2009. Demolished with the view of building houses on the site, the area is still derelict and empty. Photo: Google Maps