The city centre became a focal point for redevelopment, with new shops, cafes, and entertainment venues opening, drawing residents and visitors alike. Fishergate and the surrounding areas saw a mix of established high street stores and independent retailers, making shopping in Preston an exciting experience.
The opening of the Guild Hall and Charter Theatre added to the cultural vibrancy of the town, hosting concerts, shows, and events that brought people together. Preston Bus Station, an iconic example of Brutalist architecture, remained a major hub for public transport and symbolised the town’s industrial strength.
Sports were also at the heart of community life, with Preston North End playing in the Football League and fans filling Deepdale with excitement.
The 1990s were also a period of educational growth, with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) expanding, attracting students from across the country and helping Preston establish itself as a university town.
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Join us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we explore a collection of archive images from Preston in the 1990s, showcasing the people, places, and moments that shaped the era.
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5. 1990s Preston
Two visitors from America were made to feel right at home when they visited Lancashire for a reunion with a friend of 35 years. Celeste Lake and Elixabeth Botelho from Fairhaven, New England, travelled to Preston to visit the Fulwood home of their friend Doreen Britton whom they first met when she worked in a store in the US. The friends could not resist a trip to Lytham St Annes to see the lake that bears their home town's name and were treated to a traditional English tea and cakes with the Mayor of Fylde Coun George Calwdwell. Above the Fylde Civic party present a book to Americans Celeste Lake and Elizabeth Botelho. Looking on (centre) is Doreen Britton Photo: RETRO
6. 1990s Preston
Peter Taylor from the Preston and North Lancashire Blind Welfare Society eventually smiled when the local police (left to right) Inspector Mark Tottman, Community Officer for the Kingsfold area Peter Rigby and Sgt. Alan Roberts from Penwortham Police Station took the handcuffs off and presented him with a cheque for 550 raised at a recent 60s and 70s night Photo: RETRO
7. 1990s Preston
Balshaw's High School player Gareth Hargreaves scores against Leyland St Mary's Catholic High School, in the South Ribble and Preston High School Rugby League Tournament, played at Leyland Warriors ground, on Moss Side Way, Leyland back in 1997 Photo: RETRO
8. 1990s Preston
When the chips are down these youngsters know what's cooking. Preston scouts have named their top of the shops after running their own competition to find the finest local fryer. The children from the third Lea St Peter and Pauls troop surveyed a series of local fish and chip shops. After dishing up top marks for taste and value for the money, the champion chippie title was handed to the Happy Haddock on Plungington Road. Pictured: Some of the boys sample the chips while their scout leader hands over the award to Peter Mullin Photo: RETRO