Bus Station campaigner John Wilson

Preston Bus Station received national media coverage today in a feature on BBC2’s Daily & Sunday Politics Show. The show’s ‘Soapbox’ segment was presented by long-time Preston Bus Station campaigner John Wilson.

Joining presenters Andrew Neil and Jo Coburn were Culture Secretary Ed Vaizey, RIBA President Angela Brady and Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh.

Despite recent news stories reporting that The 20th Century Society has submitted an application to English Heritage for the building to be listed, Ed Vaizey said he was unaware of any such move.

RIBA’s Angela Brady stressed the architectural importance of the modernist structure and pointed out that the Culture Secretary had the power to spot list the building immediately if he so desired.

While sidestepping Angela’s invitation to spot list, Ed insisted that he would consider all representations over the buildings future at the appropriate time and place.

Despite being pressed on the issue, he refused to share his personal opinion on the merits, or otherwise, of the controversial building, saying that it would be wrong for him to express a personal opinion at this time. Although, after being shown pictures of other listed modernist ‘icons’, including Forton Services on the M6, he admitted that he was a fan of modernist architecture!

If indeed, there is a pending application for the building to be listed, the bus station’s supporters may well be encouraged by the culture Secretary’s penchant for modernism!