Project team announced to mastermind the re-imagining of city landmark

The project team has been announced to deliver the ambitious Re-Imagining the Harris project in Preston.

Project partners are: Focus Consulting (project management and business planning); Buttress Architects (lead architects and conversation planner); Direct Access Consultancy (access consultant); Ralph Applebaum Associates (interpretation designer); Emma Parsons Consulting (activity planning); and Ridge and Partners (quantity surveyors).

This team is working to develop the plans for the round two application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund in November 2020.

If successful in getting all the funding, the project will begin in Spring 2021.

For many local people the Harris represents Preston, a proud landmark on the cityscape.

However, it has the potential to be far more than an iconic building.

More than a century old, the Grade I-listed Harris is at a significant point in its history, part-way through a journey of innovation and change in the role it plays in Preston, in Lancashire and beyond.

The project aims to create welcoming thoroughfares through the building by utilising existing entrance ways that are currently disused.

Visitors will be able to engage with the collections in a new way, not only in traditional galleriesm but also woven into other public areas such as cafes and activity areas.

The Harris’ ambition is to be a focal point for creativity and making, information and learning in spaces that celebrate heritage and promote wellbeing.

Even in these unprecedented times, where, following government advice, the Harris had to close its doors to the public, the team is still busy working with project partners to continue planning.

Cllr Matthew Brown, leader at Preston City Council, said: “Following the generous support from National Lottery Heritage Fund for such an important project for Preston, thanks to National Lottery players, it’s wonderful news that we can announce the project team helping us achieve our vision for The Harris.

“Now the project can start to take shape and, depending upon funding decisions, enable the jewel of Preston to realise its full potential.

“I cannot wait to watch the transformation in the coming years and see it become even more important to the community it serves.

“The project will help further the regeneration of our city centre as well as benefit the local economy by one of our key anchor institutions.”