Preston bus station - 25 May 2019 (P1020192)

Saturday 25 May 2019 (0853) – Stagecoach North West 47334 (PX06 FYE), an Optare Solo new July 2006, and Preston Bus 40622 (PF13 XAC), a Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B5LH new in April 2013, seen leaving Preston bus station.

Preston’s iconic bus station opened in October 1969 and a leaflet published by Ribble Motor Services for the opening said it was the largest bus station in Britain.

The ground level passenger concourse is topped by a multi-storey car park with each deck featuring upturned fluted curves giving the building a most original look. In 2000 the City Council was planning its demolition to create a new city centre development but objections were raised to that plan and the campaigners successfully managed to obtain Grade II listing thus ensuring the building’s future.