One of Preston’s most concealed historic landmarks is about to be sprung open to the public – for one day only.

St Joseph’s Orphanage, in the heart of the city centre, is getting set to offer exclusive, safe tours in the Grade-II-listed Victorian building which has been derelict for years.

As the centre of many illegal break ins, vandalism and accidents, re-developers of St Joseph’s Orphanage are trying to put an end to the crime.

Read more: How you can go behind the scenes of Preston’s hidden heritage

By opening up the former orphanage and hospital for exclusive tours, Czero Developments hopes it will stop people illegally trespassing to view the dangerous building.

The specialist historic building developers are currently working to ensure the building is made safe for the tours, which will be taking place on Thursday 13 September as part of Heritage Open Days. Only the date has been confirmed so far, further timings will be released on the Heritage Open Days website.

Following the tours, Czero Developments will then continue to carefully redevelop the site into brand new affordable family homes, while preserving the most important parts of the building.

A member of staff now permanently remains on the derelict site at all times to prevent trespassers.

Preston Police have been called out on numerous occasions to deal with illegal trespassers which has resulted in youngsters trapped inside the building, the ignition of fires and broken glass windows.

Cllr Drew Gale, for the town centre ward, said: “​I think it’s fantastic this amazing building is being brought back into use and am sure the heritage open days will prove popular.”

Will you be attending the Heritage Open Day tours? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below