The transfer of Preston Bus Station from Preston City Council to Lancashire County Council is nearly complete.
The city council’s cabinet met this evening to rubber-stamp proposals to sell the building to County Hall bosses.
County councillor Matthew Tomlinson was one of the county council cabinet who also met earlier to approve the county taking on the building.
He tweeted:
LCC agree to take over #PrestonBusStation. Exciting times ahead.
— Matthew Tomlinson (@CllrMTomlinson) December 5, 2013
The proposal faced opposition from Conservative county councillors who questioned whether the county should take on the building.
Lancashire County Council is proposing to spend £8.3 million on the building and revealed last week their war chest may be larger if heritage restoration grants now the building is listed can be sought out.
The city council now just need to agree a heads of terms agreement with the county council and the formal transfer of the building will take place.
It marks an incredible u-turn on the city council position on the Bus Station, this time last year the cabinet were voting to demolish the building.
A last-ditch bid from local businessman Simon Rigby to buy the building was then rejected.
Following a passionate campaign from Save The Bus Station campaigners the building was granted grade-II listed status by the culture minister Ed Vaizey in September this year.
The city council had its hand forced, changing their plan to preserve the building and finding a way to refurbish it.
A new city centre plan for the city was released in October and made it clear the refurbishment of the Bus Station as part of a new City Centre North area was vital.
What is your view on the Bus Station? Do you agree with the transfer of ownership or not? Let us know in the comments below