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.
Get a bespoke headline round-up, as well as breaking updates, when you sign up to the The Lancashire Post’s free emails
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.
Still fancy some more retro nostalgia? Be sure not to miss some of our recent popular picture galleries...
13. 1990s Preston
The battle of sexes has spilled out over a Lancashire bar. Things turned bitter at the Cartford Hotel in Little Eccleston, near Garstang, because local brewer John Smith has installed a new beer pump featuring a topless woman. John, who owns the Hart Brewery next door to the pub, fell out with barmaid Fiona McCulloch after she drew a bra on the female, who was advertising the beer called Temptress Photo: RETRO
14. 1990s Preston
Some of the Preston Grasshoppers junior trophy winners (front row, from left) Ben Murphy, Thomas Dickin and Ben Harvey; (middle row) Luke Billington, Stephen Johnson, Garth Dew, Jack Houston and Sam Chard; (back row) mini-junior section secretary Keith Mellalieu and England and North of England players Alex Sanderson and Stephen Borthwick, who presented the trophies Photo: Ian Robinson
15. 1990s Preston
A dozen drama-mad Preston children are to take to the stage in a production of modern folk tale Eric the Viking. And the budding actors and actresses are to work with Peter Duncan, former presenter of TV's Blue Peter and Duncan's Dares. The talented teenagers attended auditions at Preston's Guild Hall Photo: RETRO
16. 1990s Preston
Preston cub scouts are feeling as pleased as punch after receiving a message from John Major. The Prime Minister was just one of eighty politicians who signed a birthday card for the 1st Lostock Hall Phoenix Cubs, who are this year celebrating the 80th anniversary of cub scouting Photo: RETRO