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...
9. Demolished Preston
Not a hard hat in sight as the largest piece of stone to come out of the Thorne Croft Quarries, Longridge, was taken down from the front of the Lancashire Evening Post building in Fishergate, Preston, during the course of alterations in 1958. It was believed to be the biggest single block of stone in any local building Photo: National World
10. Demolished Preston
In this undated image you can see the spire of St Walburge's Church to the right, behind the PMC building and Howick Cross Coachworks in Preston. A worker clears the demolition wreckage Photo: National World
11. Demolished Preston
In this image from 1975 we see old Preston Railway Station, on Fishergate Hill. These are the rear platforms Photo: National World
12. Demolished Preston
Demolition of Loxham's showrooms in Fishergate, Preston in 1975 Photo: National World