Menu

Opinion: What should happen to the old Post Office?

Posted on - 11th November, 2011 - 9:00am | Author - | Posted in - Opinion, Redevelopment
the old post office

The top of the old Post Office which stands on the Flag Market. Photo by Tony Worrall

The former post office building situated right in the heart of the city is a beautiful, iconic building and is extremely important to the people of Preston.

Advertisement

Forming, as it does, one side of the civic square of the city, our wonderful Flag Market, it is grade II listed and is crying out for a heritage restoration project to bring it back into use. This may seem strange but I was looking at it the other day and it definitely has the look of a French chateau!

Advertisements
Preston Weekender advert

It is currently maintained by the city council basically to keep it watertight, although we are really keen to get the building back into use as quickly as possible.

We are speaking with a number of potential occupants, but it is clear that anyone serious about taking over the building will need a credible business plan.

A lot of money will be needed to convert the inside of the building which would be extremely difficult to adapt and modernise, as it is on different levels and extremely quirky with such details as rain gutters on the inside of the building.

Advertisements

Despite the problems it has much potential given its size, location and history and needs an investor whose aspirations and ideas for it match that of the people of Preston.

As a council we are always open to hearing from investors who have credible ideas and business plans that will ensure a bright future for the building and we are keen to explore different options e.g. boutique hotel, voluntary services hub, new building for the food market. Any other ideas?

What do you think the old Post Office should become? Let us know your views in the comments below.

This is a guest post from Peter Rankin, he is the Labour leader of Preston city council and a ward councillor for Tulketh

Share
Advertisements
caritas fostering advert
Preston in pictures 24.03.24 - Penwortham [Church of St Mary] 240323JPGDSC_7658 - Bus stationDSC_7676 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7681 - former Post Office, cenotaph and Town HallDSC_7682 - Central Methodist church, Lune StreetDSC_7668 - Fish (aka Box) MarketDSC_7672 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7674 - Miller Arcade View more Advertisement Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

    Advertisements
Advertisement Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails