Last month, Preston’s iconic Avenham tower blocks were demolished to make way for a more modern development, with plans for the cleared site yet to be revealed.
The looming 11-storey structures, built in the 1960s at the junction of Avenham Lane and Manchester Road, comprised Richmond House, Carlisle House and Lincoln House.
Plans to demolish the three towers first emerged in 2022, five years after the buildings’ cladding was removed following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in London in 2017.
While this has been the latest change to Preston’s ever-changing skyline, other iconic structures have also disappeared over the years, including the Preston Bus depot in Deepdale Road, Wesley Street Mill and Preston's indoor market and car park.
Here, we take a look back at the buildings that once formed part of Preston.
1. Sharoe Green Hospital
Sharoe Green Hospital in Fulwood which opened in 1869 was originally built to house 1,500 people. The facility finally closed in 2004, and following an arson attack was demolished in 2006.
2. Wesley Street Mill
This former home of the Bamber Bridge Spinning and Weaving Company closed as a working mill in 1959. Demolition began in 2013. The site was eventually redeveloped into housing.
3. Whittingham Hospital
Whittingham Hospital originally opened in 1873 as the fourth Lancashire County Asylum to accommodate 1,000 patients. The hospital eventually closed in 1995 and was demolished in 2014.
4. Moor Lane flats
Built in the 1960s, Preston's Moor Lane flats were toppled in 2001 after abseiling surveyors found the 40 year old buildings were unsafe. 300 people were evacuated from the surrounding area during the controlled explosion.