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...
5. Demolished Preston
A typical scene in run-down Preston, with abandoned cars just sat waiting to be eventually scrapped. In the distance you can see the towering spire of St Walburge's Church Photo: National World
6. Demolished Preston
This image, captured in 1983, shows demolition of the old flax and cotton mill on Lord Street, Preston - standing in the shadow of the Guild Hall complex. To this day the area remains undeveloped Photo: National World
7. Demolished Preston
Rubble left on the pavement from a property on the corner of Birley Street in Preston in 1975 Photo: National World
8. Demolished Preston
One of the slum clearances in 1963, where properties were being demolished in Preston Photo: National World