Former Museum of Lancashire Poised to Become Major New Veterans Hub for Preston

Former Museum of Lancashire Poised to Become Major New Veterans Hub for Preston

Plans are progressing to transform Preston’s former Museum of Lancashire into a flagship centre for veterans’ support, heritage and community services, delivering a major boost for the city’s Armed Forces community.

The site has been identified as a potential new home for the Lancashire Infantry Museum, currently based at Fulwood Barracks and facing closure. At the same time, under the Reform Administration, Lancashire County Council has submitted a strong bid for the building to become the region’s Valour-approved Veterans Centre, providing a single, dedicated location for essential support services.

One Location, Comprehensive Support

If successful, the Valour Centre would bring together a wide range of services for veterans and their families, including support with housing, employment and skills, pensions and financial advice, and health and wellbeing.

There are strong ambitions for the former Museum of Lancashire to become a tri-service museum, celebrating local military history while also delivering modern, practical support for those who have served.

Tackling Isolation and Building Community

Plans also include the potential incorporation of the Sandbag Café — a welcoming community space where veterans can meet, socialise and combat isolation in a safe and supportive environment.

By combining heritage, support services and community facilities, the site could become a central hub for veterans across Preston and Lancashire.

A Vital Asset for Lancashire’s Veterans

The Reform Administration at Lancashire County Council is currently recruiting a new Armed Forces Covenant Hub Manager, who will play a key role within the wider Valour team, strengthening coordination and delivery of services across the county.

According to the 2021 Census, Lancashire is home to more than 53,000 veterans, including 3,892 in Preston alone, underlining the importance of accessible, well-coordinated support services.

County Councillor and Veterans Champion, Gary Kniveton, said:

“This is a real opportunity to safeguard our military heritage while creating a modern, welcoming space that delivers meaningful support for veterans and their families. The former Museum of Lancashire has the potential to become a cornerstone for the veteran community in Preston and beyond.”