Conlon Construction hands over Harris project to fit out team
The three year project to rebuild Preston’s iconic Harris cultural space is almost complete.
The £16 million initiative aimed at “restoring and reimagining” The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library, moves to the fit out phase and Conlon Construction will hand over the project to fit-out contractor, The Hub Consulting Limited, who will deliver Ralph Applebaum Associates’ design scheme.
This final phase will see the refurbishment of 18 galleries, accessibility enhancements, a new café, shop and event space as well as custom-made exhibition displays, a library and community space which will be called Harris Your Place.
Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, described the handover as “a momentous step in the Harris Your Place journey”.
Over 250,000 objects have been moved and the building has been rebuilt from the inside by Conlon Construction.
Harry Coughlin, Director, The Hub Consulting Limited, said: “We are thrilled to take this next step in the Harris Your Place transformation. Our enthusiastic team is excited to collaborate with project partners to take on the role of Principal Contractor to manage and coordinate the delivery and installation of the new exhibitions.
Michael Conlon on site at the Harris Gallery in Preston
Michael Conlon, Chairman of Conlon Construction, reflected on the project’s impact: “As a Preston-based company, it has been an honour for Conlon Construction to undertake our part of the ‘Harris Your Place’ project. We believe we have prepared our city’s most iconic landmark for the next chapter in its remarkable history. It’s great to be handing over our completed project for its final fit-out before a much-anticipated re-opening. This is a testament to the commitment and perseverance of our entire team through this project’s many and varied challenges. This included a late and unexpected requirement for our client to replace the original fit-out contractor.”
“One key success of the project has been our ability to massively surpass the Council’s social value expectations. 88 per cent of our suppliers were in a 30-mile radius of Preston, receiving £10.1 million of the project’s over £11 million funding. This meant a huge portion of the Council’s total investment in the project was re-injected back into the local economy.
“Additionally, we managed to provide 150 weeks of apprentice training during the project. In doing so we supported many local young people to build essential skills and experience in construction and renovation.
“I believe the outcome for the Harris is a revitalised structure which enhances its rich historical legacy. The result will be many more years of The Harris enriching the lives of both local people and visitors to the city.”
Harris Your Place aims to enhance accessibility, community engagement, and visitor experience, with an expected increase of 100,000 annual visitors on top of the existing 350,000. As a dynamic cultural space, the project will enrich Preston and Lancashire, blending the past and future in a space designed to inspire generations to come.
