The Harris Gets the Green Light for Great Changes on the building

The Harris Gets the Green Light for Great Changes on the building

Jan, 18 2021


We all like familiarity. It brings us a measure of comfort and reassurance, knowing that the  things that be will continue to be. 
 
Take for example, The Harris Museum and Art Gallery situated in the Preston city centre. People who visit The Harris often comment on the swinging pendulum in the café or the unique set of stairs which take you to different levels of art exhibitions. 
 
Now though, change is a foot. Preston City Council have set the wheels in motion into a £10.2 million transformation of The Harris. This will take into consideration safety, accessibility and structural issues identified by the Grade 1 listed museum, art gallery and library. 
 
The Council said the plans will conserve and reveal original architecture whilst utilizing  the Harris  as a community hub and world class cultural attraction. 
 
These new developments will mean up 100,000 visitors could enter the building each year. In addition, local people, community groups partners and Historic England have all been informed in the  planning and consultation part of the process. 
 
Heritage charity The Victorian Society were not so keen on the work being considered as they appeared perturbed in the following words, 
 
“The applicants have shown great concern for the interiors of the building, but have failed to apply the same care to the exteriors, where the proposed changes will cause significant harm to the building’s architectural character”.
 
Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Services responded kindly in these fitting comments, 
 
“The Harris is a building in use and, as such, we have a duty to ensure that it can be accessed and enjoyed by all. We are therefore pleased to have received approval for the plans which are both sympathetic to its architecture and offer vital benefits to its accessibility, safety and suitability as a home to its precious collections.”
 
The final agreement for the application will be decided by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport:- Rt Hon Oliver Dowden. 
 
£4.5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is in the pot to deliver the project which will see an  overall outcome by March 2021. 
 
£3.6 million of funding is already in place from the following areas:-
  • Preston City Council
  • Lancashire County Council
  • The Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal 
  • Arts Council England
  • Local supporters 
  • Members of the public and the Friends of the Harris. 
Proposed internal and external changes to the Harris worth £10.2 million have been approved by Preston City Council’s Planning Committee.
 
^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger