Changes to visitor access to Lancashire Archives and Lancashire Certificate Services as major roof revamp gets underway
Preparations for major roof works at Lancashire Archives are beginning this week.
The 12-month project will replace a leaking roof at the purpose-built 1975 building and is vital to protect the future delivery of the archives and local history service.
Lancashire Archives and Lancashire Certificate Services, based in the same building, are set to remain open during the work.
However, people are being advised that the visitor car park at Lancashire Archives on Bow Lane, Preston, is closed from this week until the end of the work.
This means people visiting the archives or the certificate service are urged to allow extra time for their journey and use nearby alternative parking or public transport.
In addition, short closures in the run up to work starting will also take place at both services.
- Lancashire Archives will be temporarily shut from Thursday 1 October to Wednesday 7 October inclusive.
- Lancashire Certificate Services will be running a reduced service from Friday 2 to Monday 5 October inclusive. Anyone wanting to make a personal application or pick up a certificate in this time will have to go to the Registration Office to make their application or collect the certificate that they have ordered.
Lancashire Archives and Lancashire Certificate Services will stay open during the entire duration of the work. However, any research visitors to Lancashire Archives must book in advance from 8 October this year. There also be reduced on-site events at the Archives, while activities involving some schools and groups will be switched to other venues.
Lancashire Certificate Services customers can visit as normal.
A Lancashire County Council spokesman said:
“We recognise that the car park closure will cause some inconvenience for people visiting Lancashire Archives and Lancashire Certificate Services, and we thank visitors for their patience while this essential work takes place.
"This investment will address the building’s long-running roof issues and help protect Lancashire’s important archives for future generations. Both services will remain open, but we encourage visitors to plan ahead, allow extra time and check the arrangements before travelling.”
For more details, go to Visit us - Lancashire County Council, and for details of publicly available collections at the Lancashire Archives, go to: Archive Catalogue
To find out how to pre book, go to: Opening times and your visit - Lancashire County Council
Notes to editors
- Lancashire Archives and Local History cares for more than nine centuries of records documenting life in the historic region. Millions of items, from medieval parchments to digital sound recordings, are stored on nine miles of shelving in the strongrooms in Preston.
- Its fascinating collections include historic records of governance in the county, photographic and map collections, the records of businesses, families and estates, trade unions and societies, records of faith organisations, hospitals, schools, and documents donated by people all over the county – to name but a few.
- Alternative car parks or public transport for anyone wishing to visit the Lancashire Archives or Lancashire Certificate Services include:
Park and ride - Lancashire County Council