Harris Museum enters final phase of £16m revamp
Conlon Construction has completed its work on the Preston institution and The Hub Consulting has been brought in for the fit-out phase to deliver on Ralph Appelbaum Associates’ designs.
The Harris Museum, which has stood off Preston’s Market Square for more than 130 years, has been subject to a £16m regeneration project known as Harris Your Place, which will re-establish the museum, art gallery, and library as a key city centre attraction.
Cllr Anna Hindle, cabinet member for culture and arts at Preston City Council, said the handover was a “momentous step” in the Harris Your Place programme, praising the wider team’s “tireless efforts”.
Harris Your Place aims to transform the centre with dedicated spaces for creativity, playing, learning, socialising, and volunteering. An improved cafe, shop, and events space will be installed to accommodate the Harris Centre’s expected 100,000 yearly visitors.
Michael Conlon, chair of Conlon Construction, added: “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 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.”
He continued: “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 £10.1m of the project’s over £11m 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.”
Harry Coughlin, director of The Hub Consulting, added: “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 the principal contractor to manage and coordinate the delivery and installation of the new exhibitions.
“This pivotal phase brings together a talented group of museum specialists to create 18 inspiring galleries that foster learning and creativity, becoming a cherished destination for the local community while showcasing the museum’s extensive collection.”
He continued: “Throughout the project, we will work hand in hand with the community to enhance their pride and involvement in the Harris, offering behind-the-scenes tours and work opportunities to ensure the project leaves a lasting impact on Preston.
“We can’t wait to share more with the public as the project progresses.”
Harris Your Place has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Towns Fund, Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Arts Council England, and public donations.
