Preston’s Harris hits the jackpot after lottery funding boost

The Harris team celebrates

Ambitious plans to make the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library a world-class cultural attraction and community hub for the 21st century are to go ahead.

This is possible after The National Lottery Heritage Fund approved critical funding for the project.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is to provide the final £4.5m needed for the £10.02m #HarrisYourPlace scheme following a competitive bidding process.

The grant joins a further £3.6m already committed by Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, Arts Council England and the Friends of the Harris.

The scheme has been developed thanks to the input of local people, community groups, partners and Historic England via an in-depth consultation process.

A fundraising campaign, backed by Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt star Eric Knowles and internationally-known artist and Turner Prize winner, Prof Lubaina Himid, has also seen local people generously donate to the cause.

#HarrisYourPlace will make the Grade I-listed Harris the UK’s first blended museum, art gallery and library and make the building more accessible to welcome an additional 100,000 visitors per year.

Due to commence in autumn 2021, works will return the building to its original splendour and reveal some of the Harris’ original architectural details which have previously been hidden.

Cllr Peter Kelly, cabinet member for culture and leisure services at Preston City Council, said: “We are enormously grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this fantastic support, which is the final piece of funding we need to make this exciting reimagining of the Harris a reality.

“A huge number of people, from the city and county councils, partners, volunteers, community groups and many, many local people, have given incredible amounts of time and energy to make sure these plans are just right for our treasured Harris.”

David Renwick, area director for the North, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic news that, thanks to the National Lottery players, we have been able to support the #HarrisYourPlace project in ensuring that these amazing collections are preserved and made more accessible for local communities and visitors to learn more about Preston’s rich heritage.

“We know that heritage in the North can play a huge role in bringing people together and, in turn, boosting the local economy. The project team has worked hard to engage a wide range of different audiences and this project will open up opportunities for people of all communities to explore/celebrate the past and create stories for the future.”

Cllr Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “The pandemic has shown just how important welcoming, safe, cultural and community spaces are, and #HarrisYourPlace will ensure that that this wonderful asset can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Physical changes to the building include important works to address long-standing leaks and damp which threaten the Harris’ structure and collections.

Works on the Harris are set to be completed in 2024. While the Harris building itself will be closed for the works, the Harris team will continue their programme of community-based events and activities.

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