It was a huge undertaking and building was marred by controversary and tragedy when construction was halted by the collapse of the structure. One man was seriously injured, but thankfully went on to make a full recovery. The covered market was finally given a grand opening in 1875 and it has proudly stood in the heart of Preston since then.
Plans to redevelop the covered market – including a glass enclosure – were first proposed way back in 1988, but the idea was shot down. Preston City Council were not be thwarted though and they finally got their wish granted when in 2018 the new covered market was unveiled – complete with a wooden clad and glass interior.
17. The old fish market which forms one of two covered markets in Preston Photo: Norman Wiggins
National World
18. A view of the fish market which sits across from the older covered market, pictured in 1980 Photo: Archive
National World
19. Bruce Jenkins, Lawrence Bateson, Ray Worrell and George Lowe were all market stallholders on Preston's covered market in 1985. They were protesting about controversial new rules on loading and unloading their vans issued by Preston Council Photo: Bernard Howe
National World
5 / 7