1969 – Preston Bus Station

Dating from a time when the north-west was a thriving industrial area and private car ownership was burgeoning, Preston Bus Station (its distinctive serrated profile deriving from a very fresh look at how to make the levels of car parking above it read as a coherent building), was conceived with air terminals in mind rather than the draughty canopies of bus stations elsewhere.

The building became a national cause celebre when it was threatened with demolition and is now not only saved and Grade II listed, but elegantly restored.

Ex-chairman David Cash, said of the news: “The building is a heroic structure of its era, and is well worthy of its listed status.”

[Read: Hugh’s reflections on BDP’s history in his article – A Gathering of Idealists]

Story by Hugh Pearman