13 incredible retro pictures of Broadgate in Preston back in the 1980s, from old school playgrounds to new houses

By Jack Marshall

Published 29th Nov 2023, 11:37 BST

Updated 1st Dec 2023, 10:52 BST

Located close to Preston city centre, Broadgate has seen plenty of development over the decades.

With the area’s fortunes having ebbed and flowed, here we take a look back to what it looked like in the 1980s – Broadgate has been a rich neighbourhood, a place popular with students, a conservation zone, and has even been described as an area ‘of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. Take a look at some of our best archive pics.

Fancy some more nostalgia? Check out these other recent retro articles…

31 old school retro pictures of Preston's Yates's wine bar and pub down the decades, from 1980s parties to 2000s nights out

17 mind blowing retro pictures of Preston’s famous Cotton Court down the years, from pre-war 1930s to modern day

Old school: amazing collection of 17 retro pictures to take you back to Walton-le-Dale in the 1990s and 2000s

These cheeky chappies were helping out with construction work being done in Broadgate. Do you recognise anyone?

1. 1980s Broadgate

These cheeky chappies were helping out with construction work being done in Broadgate. Do you recognise anyone? Photo: RETRO

This row of terraced houses in Broadgate are considered as listed buildings. The terrace became listed buildings in 1979 and this means that any work carried out on the homes must conform to strict conditions that won't alter the or spoil the appearance of them

2. 1980s Broadgate

This row of terraced houses in Broadgate are considered as listed buildings. The terrace became listed buildings in 1979 and this means that any work carried out on the homes must conform to strict conditions that won't alter the or spoil the appearance of them Photo: RETRO

Children are quick to try out the new slide in the public park area built on the site of the old Preston to Southport railway line in Broadgate

3. 1980s Broadgate

Children are quick to try out the new slide in the public park area built on the site of the old Preston to Southport railway line in Broadgate Photo: RETRO

Old and new homes line this pathway in Broadgate, Preston

4. 1980s Broadgate

Old and new homes line this pathway in Broadgate, Preston Photo: RETRO