And in this collection of images from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s – and even a few from the 1930s - show just how bustling it was. The variety of different shops drew shoppers in their droves but a sharp decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s saw many stores boarded over and some demolished. At the moment though Church Street is having something of a renaissance with lots of new shops and restaurants finding a home there, all part of the Stoneygate Masterplan. Four high-rise apartment blocks are taking shape also, just off Church Street. Do you remember Church Street when it looked like this? READ MORE: Wander down Church Street in the 1990s. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Shopping memories of Plungington Road in the 1990s. MORE MEMORIES: Last of the old-school boozers in Preston
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1. Church Street
A temporary roundabout at the junction of Church Street and Stanley Street in Preston town centre in 1972. This junction is much changed today Photo: Archive
2. Church Street
This area of Church Street was set for major redevelopment in 1986. A number of council-owned properties would be demolished ready for future development Photo: Roy Payne
3. Church Street
A new lease of life was planned in 1984 for the run-down street which once formed the heart of the town's shopping centre. Housing, shops, restaurants and entertainment centres were involved in the plan to revitalise Church Street, Preston Photo: Norman Wiggins
4. Church Street
One of Britain's strangest "listed buildings" is this structure - railings that surround what was once a Victoria underground toilet in the middle of Church Street, Preston Photo: Roy Payne