Great Times is at the base of Lancastria House: Pic: George D Thompson

A Chinese restaurant in Preston at the centre of redevelopment plans for Market area of the city has announced it is closing.

Great Times on Lancaster Road is to shut on Saturday 28 March.

Advertisements

Sited at the base of Lancastria House – due to be demolished as part of a plan to create a new cinema and restaurant complex – the restaurant has been operating since April 1991.

Its owners say they are retiring and it is not known what future the Great Times restaurant had as part of the Markets plan.

A statement released by the restaurants owners says: “Dear Friends, It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the Great Times Chinese Restaurant shall be closing its doors for the last time on March 28th 2015.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to have been able to serve you at our Lancaster Road premises since we opened its doors in April 20th 1991, we are very thankful of your support over these years and getting to know you as more than just customers and clients but regarding you as close friends. Indeed some of you have been enjoying our food and company since 1984 when we opened our original humble premises on Guildhall Street, It has been with your support we were able to move to our current home next to the historic flag market and enjoy so many wonderful times over these past 24 years.

“However, as they say, all good things must come to an end and after 30 years we have decided to take a rest and retire, It has been a very difficult decision for us, taken with a few moist eyes, we shall miss you all.

“We take with us many happy memories that you helped to create and a great pride in being able to bring some happiness through our food and hospitality to the wonderful people of our proud town. We wish you the very best and please do come and see us before we close on March 28th.

“From all at Great Times.”

Last year the restaurant was the set for a Hollywood movie being filmed in Preston.

A Monster Calls, starring Liam Neeson and Sigourney Weaver, was filmed across the North West and included a scene shot in the Chinese restaurant.

Have you visited Great Times? What do you think of the news? Let us know in the comments below