Bradley preps UCLan demolition first phase

Bradley Demolitions has been appointed to demolish the 1960s Fylde Building at the University of Central Lancashire’s Preston campus, to make way for a multi-million pound library link building and new public realm.

The demolition is the first phase of a £200m investment by UCLan in Preston.

Built in the 1960s, the Fylde Building was originally constructed as offices and was bought by UCLan, then Preston Polytechnic, in the 1970s. It has most recently been used by the University’s school of languages but has been empty for the last year.

Alongside a replacement building on the Fylde site, the wider area will be redeveloped to create a gateway to the University. At its centre will be a remodelled Adelphi roundabout with the construction of a new public space, provisionally known as Adelphi Square.

Paul Morris, UCLan director of facilities management, said: “The Fylde Building was no longer fit for purpose but its demolition marks the end of an era and the first significant change to Preston’s landscape as part of the masterplan. Exciting times are ahead and the building will make way for a new, more open public space which will benefit both students and the wider community.

“Essential site preparation is currently being carried out and the demolition is expected to take around 16 weeks. We’re working with local authorities to keep disruption to a minimum and will be keeping people informed as much as possible. This is a significant development for the city, the removal of the Fylde Building is only the first step but a key one as the project starts to come to life.”