The renovation of Preston Bus Station has won praise from a national newspaper.
AdvertisementThe Guardian sent its architecture critic to review the work ongoing by Lancashire County Council.
Rowan Moore, writing in The Observer, waxes lyrical about the grade-II listed building and lavishes praise on architect John Puttick who won the brief to work on the Bus Station.
Blog Preston posted Mr Moore’s comments onto our Facebook page and here’s what Prestonians had to say in response:
Paul Valentine is a Bus Station supporter, he writes: “There’s a lot to hate about the bus station, especially in its previous neglected guise.
“The present bus station is easy to park in and acts as a prominent gateway to the centre. When the market and Guild Hall improvements are finished, it will serve this ‘quarter’ well.
“The pity is that Preston Council didn’t willingly commit to arriving at this destination. There was no brave plan to keep the station and permit the refurbishment of it or the Guild Hall. Both have been taken off the City Council’s books.
“The Council took too long with the Tithebarn scheme and dithered on a replacement station – all which retrospectively would have placed Preston’s future on this side of town in the hands of one or two big retailers – retailers who are now across the country closing stores and axing jobs.
“It may lack a lot, and it used to be soulless, but I’m not sure any proposal to replace it has been worthy.”
Cliff Sale added: “Brilliant article – pity so many from the city don’t appreciate what we’ve got.”
Emma Lowther-Wright said: “A wonderful structure and space. So pleased it was saved.”
Read more: Coach station opens at Preston Bus Station
Simon Walsh writes: “The Guardian praise anything that will self birch Britain. His article speaks in Marxist tones about how dubious the John Lewis investment would have been. Much better to serve up a rehashed lump of liability (I didn’t say painted poo) why oh why haven’t they painted the depressing ground floor roof. When will that side of Preston move on?
“I sat in Winckley Square park last Tuesday. Wonderful place, people relaxing, playing. An oasis of calm with wild areas left unmown. Many species of birds. A tribute to the park’s designers.”
Barbara Aldridge said: “A description from someone who will never have to use the bus station!”
And we’ll leave the final word to Tabitha Boydell who said: “The Guardian have made it sound very romantic haven’t they.”
Read more: Changing Places toilet opens in Preston Bus Station
What do you think about how the Bus Station revamp is progressing? Let us know in the comments below