MOST towns in the UK have a bus station – but few of them are ever described as a source of pride, or worthy of awards. However, one in the north has regularly been singled out for its unique architecture and “grace”.
n fact, Preston’s bus station is Grade II listed, meaning it is of special architectural or historic interest, and officially worth protecting.
It was once the largest in Europe, only to be taken over by Kamppi Centre in Helsinki, Finland in 2006.
It has also won several awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects, including both the RIBA North West Award 2019 and the RIBA North West Conservation Award 2019.
The awards followed a renovation to the building, which was originally built in the 1960s in brutalist style consistent with that era.
There had been talk of demolishing the terminal in 2013, but then culture minister Ed Vaizey stepped in to award it its listed status, preventing the destruction.
Instead, a £23million refurbishment project was completed in 2018, that breathed new life into the much-loved building,
Following the renovation, the Guardian described the station as “a thing of pride” for the people of Preston and included it in their 10 hidden gems of local UK architecture.
They said it is “the most beautiful example of brutalist architecture” and even compared its curves to the Sydney Opera House.
They added: “The grace and power of this structure is considerably less boring than the commercial miasma that now engulfs most centres of public transport.”
It remains a popular point of interest for visitors and locals as well, with plenty leaving positive comments on TripAdvisor.
One wrote: “The design of the building is great.
“We were on an architectural pilgrimage to see what is a building restored completely in the ethos of which it was designed and built in 1969.”
Another said: “This is a world class building architecturally.
“Worth visiting the city for this alone. Astonishing modern beauty. GO!”
A third added: “Many a year I have been in AWE of the nostalgic past era feel of the station.”
The station is listed among the top things to do in the town on TripAdvisor, with sights like Preston Minster and the Miller Shopping Arcade deemed less worthy of a visit.
The station has even featured on TV and in film, with scenes for martial arts movie IP Man 4 shot there.
Additionally, the bus terminal was the subject of a short film titled 56,000.
Meanwhile, some tourists think that this bingo hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the UK.
And these are the 10 most beautiful Wetherspoons in the UK.