The Bus Station needs multi-million pound repair work to its concrete structure

Repairs to Preston Bus Station and its crumbling car park are due to begin in the coming months.

Lancashire County Council has tabled plans to fix up the grade-II listed building in the heart of the city centre.

Inspection work on the car park ramps took place during May, and the plans for the Bus Station also include new lighting, changes to car parking areas and other work.

The architect behind the scheme, John Puttick, said: “We are delighted that the Preston Bus Station project has reached its next milestone with planning going in for concrete repair works this month. We look forward to submitting our own applications later in the summer for the refurbishment of the listed 1960s station and the design of its new neighbouring Youth Zone building.

“One of our key objectives at Preston has been to improve the civic quality of the project as a whole and we are therefore looking forward to a much improved experience for all people using these buildings.”

A planning application for the Preston Youth Zone and work to create a new public space on the city centre side of the Bus Station is due later in the summer.

Repair costs for the building have been mounting since the county council bought it for £1 from Preston City Council.

The county council has pledged £23m on the Bus Station project overall, with the Youth Zone being the bulk of this cost.

Revised designs for a smaller Youth Zone were unveiled in May, but were met with criticism for scaling-back on the project.

Another view of the Youth Zone alongside the Bus Station

Related: Youth Zone chief defends new design from criticism

Leader of the county council councillor Jennifer Mein said: “This is another important stage for our plans to improve this major transport hub and provide high quality facilities for public transport users and motorists. We’re also looking to bring a new building full of high-quality services and activities for our young people.

“Our plans are a major investment in the city centre, which will also enhance the regeneration of the Markets Quarter.

“The plans are part of our Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, which is already delivering improvements to roads and public transport. This will make it easier for people to get around and bring new people into the city, which benefits the local economy.”

Read more: See all the designs for the Bus Station which didn’t make the grade

Because the Bus Station is a listed building, granted in September 2013, it means the county council must submit a planning application each time it wishes to carry out any work which may affect the structure.

What do you think of the repair work plans? Do you use the Bus Station car park? Let us know in the comments below