It’s unfortunate that two Grade II listed empty buildings in the middle of Preston have been damaged by fires in the last month.
The first fire was in Mount Street at the old Grade II listed, St Joseph’s Orphanage on the 4th November 2024. This building was empty and having some reconstruction to the tower facing Theatre Street which doesn’t seem to be effected.
Photo of the tower taken on 23rd July 2024
Photo of St Joseph’s former orphanage, after the fire, in Mount Street taken on 21st November 2024. The road is fenced off.
The other fire was behind Grade II listed building at 131, Church Street on the south side. The fire weakened the listed building and it has since been pulled down.
Photo of the listed building just prior to demolition taken on 21st November 2024.
There are several old warehouse style buildings in that area of Preston. None of them look in good condition. They are attractive but presumably the work to make them usable costs too much.