Harris Museum Undergoes Great Change and You Can Have Your Say

Change. Sometimes this is met with fear and doubt, other times its greeted with joy and excitement. 

 

Preston City Council have been planning a great change for a favourite hotspot that welcomes both locals and tourists every year. 

 

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery  was founded by Edmund Harris in 1877. By 1893 it was established for the local community. The museum is a Grade 1 - listed building and now 127 years after it’s original run it’s becoming a whole new state of the art building and the general public have their say on this fantastic transformation. 

 

In 2019 The National Lottery contributed development funding to for-see the plans being outlined to take place very soon. 

 

Now in 2020 the public are being asked to  openly contribute their thoughts on the plans which will help organisers move forward with the designs.

 

The first rounds of consultations began last Tuesday ( 23rd June) and will run up to Friday 3rd July. For more details please visit the following website:-https://www.theharris.org.uk/

 

Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for leisure and culture at Preston City Council, explains the innovative design and the positive impact it will have on the public, 

 

“The development 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 galleries but also woven into other public areas such as cafes and activity areas.”

 

In addition, interested ones are invited to  two virtual zoom presentations. They are scheduled to take place this Wednesday 1st July at 1pm then later on at 6pm. To take part you will need to register via Eventbrite at the following website address:-https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/signin/

 

Peter has these concluding words about the change The Harris will undergo and how local people can connect with this new development, 

 

“For many local people the Harris represents Preston, a proud landmark on the cityscape. The Harris’ ambition is to be a focal point for creativity and making, information and learning in spaces that celebrate heritage and promote wellbeing. We hope the people of Preston can engage with these concept images and help us in the next stage of this exciting project.”

 

The Harris is asking for public feedback on its latest plans as it prepares to become the UK’s first blended museum, art gallery and library.

 

^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger