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 are shocking. They also feature countless buildings now wiped clean from the face of the cityscape.
Take a look and see if you can remember them...
ICYMI: Bygone Preston: 'I stepped back in time and visited Preston in the 1980s - here's what I saw'
1. Demolished Preston
The former Hawkins cotton mill in Gordon Street was demolished in 1972 Photo: National World
2. Demolished Preston
It took just three hours for this Preston landmark, known to hundreds of thousands of railway passengers since the 1880s to be knocked down in 1961. It was built as a shelter for the town's old drivers with their horse-drawn vehicles. Later it became a welcome shelter for cabbies. The hut was still in use the night before this demolition work took place Photo: National World
3. Demolished Preston
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 Photo: National World
4. Demolished Preston
Two of the shops which once formed part of a prosperous shopping area awaiting demolition in the Adelphi area of Preston in 1967 Photo: National World