Architects from 16 different countries have been registered their interest in creating plans for Preston Bus Station.
AdvertisementNow a grade-II listed building the Bus Station is due to house the Preston Youth Zone and see major repairs undertaken.
Lancashire County Council has launched a competition for architects to submit their plans for the brutalist-style building.
More than £13 million is due to be spent on creating the youth zone on the St John’s side of the building and pedestrianising the apron between the shopping centre and the building.
County council chiefs say more than 8,000 people have visited the architecture competition website from more than 80 countries.
Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted at the strong level of interest in this competition, since it was launched less than a fortnight ago.
“We hope that this will lead to some outstanding plans coming forward to develop this iconic building.
“This is an exciting time and good news for Preston and Lancashire in general. We’re looking forward to seeing the ideas that come from our competition.
“It’s important that we protect the integrity of this listed building, while creating an exciting new facility for generations of our young people.”
Kathryn Morley, chief executive at OnSide Youth Zones said: “This is an incredibly exciting time in the development of Preston Youth Zone. It is fantastic to see so much interest in the Preston Bus Station project; OnSide is thrilled to be involved and can’t wait to get started.”
The competition for the designs is being run by the Royal Institute of British Architects – who were part of the campaign to have the building listed at its third attempt.
Hugh Broughton, RIBA Adviser, said: “This bold competition provides an exciting step in creating a bright future for this modernist masterpiece. We are really looking forward to seeing what innovative ideas designers can come up with to complement the daring and uplifting architecture of the existing bus station.”
Five architects are expected to be shortlisted from all the entries.
How do you think the Youth Zone should take shape? Do you support it? Let us know in the comments below