Preston’s Instagram community went on their latest exploration around one of the city’s new developments.
Moving away from the bold architecture of the Harris and the Town Hall, where the first two InstaMeets took place, we went exploring Union Lofts.
The development is inside the former carriageworks in Guildhall Street and photographers, pro and amateur, had the opportunity to see what Etc Urban are up to.
Going across a number of levels there was the chance to see the former snooker hall, with its old wallpaper still showing, and also the show flat which is complete.
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An InstaMeet gets together people who regularly post pictures of the city of Preston to explore buildings and places in the city – and upload their photos to #igerspreston.
Based for the night was Society 1, the co-working space in Cross Street, round the corner from Union Lofts, with ample Wi-Fi for uploading all the filter-based snaps.
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Lucinda and Neil from Etc Urban gave three groups guided tours, complete with hard hats and hi-vis on.
Read more: Inside the city’s newest loft apartments
Neil Thornton of Etc Urban said: “This was an opportunity to explore one of Preston’s old Victorian buildings, full of history, captured in a moment between its former identity as a carriage and autocar manufactory and it’s new lease of life as loft apartments for 21st century living.
“Some of the original fabric of the Union Carriage Works has been left intact and much of it, like the huge timber trusses in each apartment, have become features in the new homes.
“It’s important to reuse our old buildings, preserve the heritage of Preston because this is what helps give our city its character.”
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Ed Walker, editor and founder of Blog Preston, said: “It’s great to see the InstaMeets growing in popularity. We had nearly 30 people at this time and what I love is seeing people sharing their pictures and having those conversations about the city and its development.
“We’ll see where we can get to explore for next time. A big thank you to Lucinda and Neil for opening up the building on a cold and damp Monday evening and to Cat and Brendan at Society1 for being our base for the evening and making everyone so welcome.”
Keep your eyes peeled on Blog Preston for news of another InstaMeet in February/March 2019 – and if you’re interested in showing us round your building in the city then drop ed@blogpreston.co.uk a line.