Fylde Building set to be flattened

The University of Central Lancashire’s Fylde Building is being demolished.

Work is already underway to clear the site, by the Adelphi roundabout, to make way for the university’s £200m redevelopment plans for the city campus.

The double-fronted building is coming down to make way for a new multi-million pound building which will link directly with the current university library in St Peter’s Square.

Preston-based firm Bradley Demolition has been appointed to carry out the removal, which forms a key part of UCLan’s masterplan to create a unified, sustainable and welcoming campus.

Built in the 1960s, the Fylde Building was originally offices and was bought by Preston Polytechnic in the 1970s.

At one time it was home to the journalism department and most recently housed the university’s school of languages but has been empty for the last year.

UCLan Director of Facilities Management Paul Morris 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.”

He added: “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.”

The who area around Adelphi and the main Foster campus forms part ofa `10 year vision which includes a wider redevelopment plan to create an iconic gateway to the university.

At its heart will be a remodelled Adelphi roundabout with a new public space, provisionally known as Adelphi Square, drawing university and the city together.

The masterplan has been put together in conjunction with both Lancashire County and Preston City councils and has been the subject of a public consultation.

It is also hoped the project to spark a major focus on regeneration and business investment in the university quarter benefiting Preston and beyond.