Preston’s Guild Hall has lain empty since 2019 but is now in the process of a reopening after a long and, at times, tortuous process.
The venue shut four years ago after Preston City Council revoked the tenancy agreement it had with the late property tycoon Simon Rigby.
Now, as preparations continue apace to reopen the music and entertainment mecca, we take a look back at its varied history and pick on 11 interesting facts you may have not known about Preston Guild Hall.
9. 11 things you may have forgotten about Preston Guild Hall
The building cost £1.5m to build - the equivalent of £25.3m today. Reader Roy Payne has submitted this picture of Preston Public Hall Lune Street, which he took just before demolition began around 1974 to make way for the Guild Hall. Photo: submit
10. 11 things you may have forgotten about Preston Guild Hall
Legend has it that Elton John threatened to pull out unless the Guild Hall provided two kentia palm trees. Photo: Yui Mok
11. 11 things you may have forgotten about Preston Guild Hall
For David Bowie’s 1973 show, all the windows in the auditorium had to be blacked out to achieve the effect he wanted. Photo: Myung Jung Kim