Wrapped in scaffolding the piece-by-piece dismantling of the Fylde Building at Preston’s university is gathering pace.
AdvertisementThe University of Central Lancashire is bringing down the 1960s block to make way for a new landmark building as part of a £200million investment in the city campus.
Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines, an honorary fellow of the university and widow of BDP architects founder Sir George Grenfell-Baines, has been given a tour of the demolition site.
She said: “I think UCLan’s Masterplan is amazing and I’m thrilled that BDP Architects is involved. Preston is finally starting to look like a city and these developments will make a tremendous difference that will benefit everyone – not just students but those people living and working in Preston too.”
The Adelphi Square plan sees a new public space created in the city and a changing of road priorities on the current Adelphi roundabout. The Adelphi pub remains where it is.
David Taylor, chair of the University Board, said: “It’s incredible how 12 months ago this hadn’t been talked about and yet 12 months on, work is well underway on demolishing this building. The Campus Masterplan is going to be fantastic, not only for the University but for the City too. Now we’re looking ahead to the next major stage of the project, the construction of the £30 million plus Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) which is due to begin in early 2016.”
Professor Mike Thomas, UCLan’s interim vice-chancellor, said: “I’m really excited to see the beginning of the future of the University. The links between ourselves, the City and the region are really coming together. Over the next few years we’re going to see regeneration which builds on us being a part of the City and it’s a testament to the staff and their dedication that we can have the ambition, and support of the Board, to move forward with it.”
Josie Linsel, President of the UCLan Students’ Union, said: “It’s an unbelievable scheme and there’s lots of excitement from students. Even though the Masterplan may not benefit those of us currently studying, it feels great to be part of something that’s going to be so big for Preston. Any students with questions can feed back to me and I’ll be ensuring their voices are heard.”
The demolition is due to take another three months.
What do you think of the Adelphi Square proposals? Do you have any memories of the Fylde Building? Let us know in the comments below