Preston Masterplan

Our masterplan for Preston Bus Station and the surrounding area has transformed a key part of the city centre. Previously isolated by a sea of bus parking, a major new public square now connects the Bus Station with the high street, bringing people seamlessly into the building. Conceived as a highly flexible civic space, the square is regularly in use as a venue for community events and parades. The masterplan prioritises ground-level pedestrian access over existing underpasses below the bus parking. This required coordination of highways reconfiguration and implementation of separate bus and coach parking / boarding bays, supported by integration of passenger safety systems. Level access issues were resolved throughout.

The Bus Station has been fully refurbished, updating it to the needs of a twenty-first century transport hub. Inside, the building has been rearranged, improving passenger experience and flow, with new waiting areas leading to bus gates. A central information point, supported by staff facilities and security room, has been installed. Retail has been improved, new WCs, baby-change, and Changing Places Room provided. A dedicated 24-hour Coach Station has been created with standalone facilities. The refurbishment was completed in 2018 and the public square opened in 2019.

A new-build Youth Zone – also designed by our practice and opened in 2026 – creates an exciting destination for young people, revitalising Preston’s social heart. The main entrance opens onto the new public square, taking advantage of the prominent location to create a building that young people can identify with and be proud of. Marked by yellow columns that echo the bus station, a deep overhang provides a place to gather before going inside. Cycle parking is provided here, within the Bus Station and across the square.

Today, the Bus Station facilitates 10,000 bus departures each week, and the public square has become a thriving public space. The Youth Zone completes the transformation of this area of Preston for the community.

Awards: World Monuments’ Fund Modernism Prize, RIBA National Award, RIBA North-West Regional Award, RIBA North-West Conservation Award, Civic Trust Special Award (Reuse & Adaptation).