‘Daily debris cleans’ needed as former St Joseph’s Orphanage targeted by vandals

St Joseph’s Orphanage frontage in Mount Street with debris Pic: Blog Preston

A half-demolished former orphanage site in Preston city centre is leading to ‘daily clearing of debris’ due to vandalism.

What was the St Joseph’s Orphanage and Mount Street Hospital in Mount Street behind Winckley Square and Fishergate has become a target for anti-social behaviour.

Those living nearby have shared pictures with Blog Preston of what they faced treading their way through each day when they walk by.

The resident, who asked not to be named, told Blog Preston: “This has been an ongoing problem for years for residents and those passing by. Despite repeated calls to the council, little has been done to fence off the pavement immediately below the site and force the owner(s) of the site to make the building more secure.

“There is loose masonry on the parapet roofline immediately above this debris fall which will come loose in high winds. It won’t be long until there is a fatality or serious injury.

“I think both the former Odeon site and now the St Joseph’s Orphanage site show an all too familiar tale of a lack of due care and diligence, and an insouciant approach from Preston City Council and landowners. Not only to look after and secure their properties or force their owners to, but vigorously market them if they wish to see them sold on and redeveloped.

“It is obvious that the current owners of the St Joseph’s Orphanage have no intention to redevelop the site as per the approved application in 2020, and the remaining Grade II listed tower and chapel are in serious danger of arson, vandalism and further decay.”

Debris on the floor of Mount Street Pic: Blog Preston

The former orphanage was subject to plans to be converted into an apartment complex, while retaining its grade-II listed tower and chapel.

Previously owned by Czero Developments the site was sold to London-based Zimrock in 2022. Demolition work began that year but quickly ground to a halt.

A Preston City Council spokesperson said: “Our street cleansing team attend Mount Street on a daily basis, this is required to remove the constant debris left near this site.

“We also have regular conversations with the owners of empty buildings in the area to reiterate their responsibility in ensuring the security of buildings in their ownership.”

The city council declined to comment on whether any enforcement action had been taken against the owners.

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