Guild Hall

Significance

Preston Guild Hall is a theatre of considerable architectural, historic and communal significance. Opened in 1973 to replace Preston's former Public Hall, it was designed by Robert Matthew, Johnson Marshall & Partners (RMJM), one of the leading architectural practices of the post-war period. It is an important surviving example of post-war civic architecture, closely associated with Preston's unique guild tradition and the wider redevelopment of the city centre. Its significance is further enhanced by its connection to RMJM, whose nationally recognised work includes the Category A-listed Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh and the Grade II-listed Hillingdon Civic Centre. Together with the adjacent Preston Bus Station, the Guild Hall forms a rare and important surviving example of comprehensive civic planning from the late twentieth century.

The Guild Hall derives significance not only from its architectural importance, but also from its longstanding role as Preston's principal cultural and entertainment venue. For over fifty years it has been at the heart of the city's cultural life, hosting internationally renowned performers including Bing Crosby, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and The Smiths, as well as the UK Snooker Championship between 1978 and 1997. These architectural, historic, artistic and cultural associations make Preston Guild Hall a theatre of considerable significance, contributing strongly to Preston's identity and cultural history.

Why is the theatre at risk?

Originally owned by Preston City Council, it was sold to a local businessman Simon Rigby in 2014 to alleviate the council of escalating operating and repair costs. Ongoing financial issues saw Mr. Rigby close the venue in 2019 as the business entered administration. The council, one of the company’s creditors, subsequently reclaimed possession of the theatre.

The Guild Hall was closed during the legal case between Mr. Rigby and Preston City Council. It returned to council ownership in 2023 with a planned reopening later that year. The re-opening was postponed due to suspected ‘crumbling concrete’ Reinforced Autoclave Aerated Concrete (RAAC), in the roof panels. This was later confirmed and the venue has been closed since.

Theatre potential

The Guild Hall is the only professionally operated theatre in Preston. It’s centrally located in The Harris Quarter – the cultural and civic heart of Preston. The area is home to some of the city's most iconic buildings of both cultural and historical significance. These include the Grade I listed Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library, Miller Shopping Arcade, the historic Preston Markets, Preston Minster, Preston Town Hall and the internationally acclaimed, RIBA award-winning Preston Bus Station.

The area is undergoing a £200m regeneration programme led by Preston Partnership and Preston City Council, kickstarted by £20.9m from the Towns Fund.

There is strong support for the venue in the local community, media outlet Blog Preston started a petition in March 2026 requesting Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, support Preston City Council in finding a way forward. The petition has over 3,000 signatures. Preston’s MP Sir Mark Hendrick has also written to the Secretary of State requesting support.

Current situation

The RAAC present in the roof panels of the Hall and Charter Theatre does not affect the foyer of the building. Preston City Council opened the foyer as a performance space, Guild Hall Lounge, which has been operational since October 2024.

In March 2026, the council announced it would be making a decision on the future of the Guild Hall within the next year. The options currently being considered are: refurbishment of the existing building, demolition and re-build on the same site, or demolition and re-build elsewhere within the city centre.

Theatres Trust is actively working with Preston City Council to secure the future of theatre provision in Preston.

Image credits: Main image Grand Hall audititorium - Preston City Council. Exterior image - Theatre Trust