Two 14-year-old boys have been arrested in connection with the fire, which broke out on Thursday night.
Demolition work to flatten the remains of the burned-out structure has been underway today, with nearby residents being evacuated from their homes.
Detectives investigating a fire at a former Preston nightclub have made a third arrest.
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"All efforts are being made to enable the opening of the businesses that have had to remain closed since Thursday evening, and contact will be made with each business as soon as possible. Photo: Iain Lynn
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We are now at a position where we are working towards opening the road closure on Church Street to pedestrians and traffic. There will be a new safe cordon in place from the underpass of Old Cock Yard, across the footpath, closing the footpath along to Main Sprit Weind. The bus stop within the cordon will remain closed. This will allow businesses in this newly opened-up area to reopen. This is estimated to be in place later this evening. A further update on the time for this will be given in due course. Photo: Iain Lynn