Preston Bus Station: Architectural History, Politics and Democracy in a Post-World War II Designation Saga

Abstract

This paper discusses the fifteen-year fight for the statutory heritage designation of the Central Bus Station and Car Park in Preston, Lancashire, England – a case that has become known internationally as a landmark of post-WWII heritage. It focuses on democratic politics within architectural heritage by examining the opposing roles played by democratically elected politicians and by members of the general public engaging in direct democracy. The discussion elaborates on how research in architectural history took on an “insurgent” political role: supporting the formal expert position and public participation to overturn official heritage policy. The paper situates the case study within the broader development of architectural history and heritage studies, and argues that criticality has infiltrated practices in both areas. It also argues that social and cultural practices in architectural heritage are changeable, such that “democratic” approaches appear in various guises and require close scrutiny. Although the geographical location of the building is outside the Asia-Pacific region, the issues relate to the heritage of modern architecture in many parts of the world.