The Site

The site location is in the North-West of England, UK.

Lancashire, Preston

Site in context

Site Boundries

2 important buildings in Preston surround the site. The Harris Museum (bottom left of the site), a grade 1 listed building, it is an example of neo-classical architecture and has been around since 1893. And the Bus Station (top right of the site), built in 1969 and was the largest bus station in Europe at the time.

Above the site is a where the Prince's theatre used to be, built in 1882 by Henry Hemfey, the theatre was closed down in 1964 to make way for the new bingo hall and the St John's shopping arcade. Below the site is The Guild Hall, built in 1972 to replace the Public Hall, which is still there today.

There are 2 examples of Brustalist Architecture next to the site. The Guild Hall and Preston Bus Station.

Brutalist Architecture was a popular style during the 1950's to the 1970's which came from the modern movement. Its key characteristics are the use of concrete for the material, repetitive use of angular geometries, expression of the buildings function and structure on the exterior of the building. The bus station was voted Preston people's favourite building in a survey in 2010 even though its faced numerous attempts of demolition, in 2005 a redevelopment project of the area was given the go ahead which meant for the destruction of the bus station, several attempts to make the bus station a listed building have failed.

There are 2 main open areas near the site. One is the market (although is is covered it still has a large open area of space) the other being the public square infront of the Harris Museum. I want to be able to maybe somehow link these spaces into the site or create another open area within it.