A last look at the interior of the old Empire Theatre on Tithebarn Street in Preston. The stage boards have gone and the boxes and bingo site remain - but not for long. The Empire - which opened in 1911 - was Preston's oldest surviving theatre until it was converted into a bingo hall in 1964. It was torn down in 1976A last look at the interior of the old Empire Theatre on Tithebarn Street in Preston. The stage boards have gone and the boxes and bingo site remain - but not for long. The Empire - which opened in 1911 - was Preston's oldest surviving theatre until it was converted into a bingo hall in 1964. It was torn down in 1976
A last look at the interior of the old Empire Theatre on Tithebarn Street in Preston. The stage boards have gone and the boxes and bingo site remain - but not for long. The Empire - which opened in 1911 - was Preston's oldest surviving theatre until it was converted into a bingo hall in 1964. It was torn down in 1976

I hardly recognise these retro scenes of Preston in various states of ruin and regeneration

Claire Lark
By Claire Lark

Nostalgia and Property Writer

Published 20th Feb 2025, 11:41 BST

Preston has certainly seen a lot of change over the years...

And, while regular city-goers may bemoan the seemingly-constant roadworks and building projects going on these days, rest assured that ‘twas always thus, as demonstrated by these incredible pictures.

I hardly recognise these retro scenes of Preston in various states of ruin and regeneration. They also feature countless buildings now wiped clean from the face of the cityscape.

Take a look and see if you can remember them...

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Don’t miss our weekly retro newsletter, it’s fun, it’s free, it’s the LEP.

All that was left of the former North West forensic science laboratory in Jordan Street, Preston, in 1970

29. Demolished Preston

All that was left of the former North West forensic science laboratory in Jordan Street, Preston, in 1970 Photo: National World

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The Empire is pulled down in Tithebarn Street, Preston, back in 1976

30. Demolished Preston

The Empire is pulled down in Tithebarn Street, Preston, back in 1976 Photo: National World

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Demolition of the Whittingham Hospital

31. Demolished Preston

Demolition of the Whittingham Hospital Photo: Donna Clifford

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