Update on Preston Market and car park demolition

The boarded up former Market Hall which was closed in February 2018 Pic: 70023venus2009

Demolition of Preston’s former Market Hall now looks imminent.

Preston City Council has confirmed they have awarded a £1.53million demolition contract to Bradley Group.

The Preston-based firm, who have their headquarters in Kent Street, are due to begin the work in the coming months. They specialise in asbestos-clad buildings.

Demolition of the markets is the second part of a major renovation for the area following the opening of the £4million new market hall under the cover of the Outdoor Covered Market.

The new Preston Market was referenced throughout the interview Pic: Keith Heyworth — The new Preston Market Pic: Keith Heyworth

The 1970s-built art-deco market is due to be flattened, along with the Market car park and the vast majority of Lancastria House, to make way for a multi-screen cinema and restaurant complex.

The view from Orchard Street looking up towards the Markets — The view from Orchard Street looking up towards the new Markets

Cabinet member for environment councillor Brian Rollo said: “Markets Quarter is Preston City Council’s flagship project and we are delighted to be moving into the fourth phase with the appointment of Bradley Group to demolish the old market hall and car park.

“This will lead the way for the final phase of the works which will complete the transformation of the area.”

However, work on the market demolition has now been delayed until the New Year. It had previously been given as starting in the ‘late summer’.

Contracts director of Bradley Group Andrew Hill said: “We’re thrilled to have been awarded this contract and to be part of Markets Quarter scheme. This exciting project has been making history at every phase and we pleased to be part of that story.”

The Market car park remains open until Christmas.

What do you think about the contract award and the markets plan? Let us know your views in the comments below