Lancashire County Police Headquarters Fishergate Preston

PRESTON - New head-quarters for the county constabulary have just been erected at Preston from the designs of Mr. Littler, architect. The premises will comprise offices for the chief constable, residences for the chief clerk, a sergeant of police, and two married constables, with sleeping accommodation for 24 unmarried policemen or recruits. The frontage of the building will be 120 feet, and the depth in rear will be about 200 feet. The style will be Elizabethan, of simple character, in red brick, with window dressings and string-course of stone- Over the principal offices in front are to be a room for magistrates’ meetings, an ante-room, waiting-room, etc., the remainder of this floor being taken up by the dormitories and stores. [Building News 5 October 1877 page 345]

PRESTON - The extensive block of buildings at the bottom of Fishergate, erected during a twelvemonth past, as head-quarters and offices for the Lancashire County Police, is approaching completion. The elevation facing the main thoroughfare of the town is executed in brickwork, relieved by stone dressings. The front block comprises offices, work rooms and stores, the magistrates' and bead officials' apartments occupying the principal floor on the front. The court is on the first floor, and extends as a wing to the right, and at the rear of the main building. Behind are a spacious drill yard, washhouses, offices, and residences.  Mr. Littler, of Manchester, is the architect,  Mr. John Walmsley, of Preston, the contractor,  and Mr Jos. Chappell the clerk of works. [Building News 16 August 1878 page 172]

Reference    Manchester Courier 27 April 1877 Page 1 (Contracts)
Reference    Building News 16 August 1878 page 172
Reference    Pevsner: Lancashire: North