Through various different guises the company made a home and name for itself through the years. The story of BAE can be traced all the way back to 1897 when Dick, Kerr & Company first bought a warehouse to build trams and electric locomotives. In 1905 Dick, Kerr & Company formally became known as the United Electric Car Company Ltd. And in 1918 they started to manufacture aircraft – and in particular military planes. But it wasn’t until 1960 when a merger produced British Aircraft Corporation, with the site at Strand Road an integral cog in the wheel, producing various sub-assemblies and component. However, the glory days didn’t last and the factory was controversially closed down in 1992. The whole site was bulldozed in 1994 to make way for what we see today – a mixture of housing, shops and offices. Other parts of Strand Road are also included. READ MORE: Pictures of some of the nicest buildings in Preston. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: And photos showing some of the ugliest buildings in Preston. MORE MEMORIES: Look at Preston’s Cheapside through the years
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5. Strand Road, Preston
This image from 1994 shows the old BAE car park on Strand Road, Preston Photo: Lindsey North
6. Strand Road, Preston
Only one half of this massive shed remains as workers set about demolishing the former BAE site on Strand Road, Preston, in 1994 Photo: Archive
7. Strand Road, Preston
Suddenly there was a clear view of St Walburgs Church from Strand Road, as vast buildings were reduced to rubble in 1994 Photo: John Atkinson
8. Strand Road, Preston
This great aerial shot of Strand Road in 1994 shows just how large an area the BAE site commanded - and this is only half of it! Photo: Archive