Harris Your Place Project enters final phase with building handover

The final phase of Harris Your Place, a £16 million initiative aimed at restoring and reimagining The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library has begun, marking a significant milestone for the project and setting the stage for a 2025 reopening.

After leading major structural works since August 2022, Conlon Construction now pass the baton to a newly appointed fit-out contractor, The Hub Consulting Limited, who will lead the fit-out team and 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 that blend collections, library and community spaces seamlessly together.

Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, expressed enthusiasm for this new chapter: “This handover is a momentous step in the Harris Your Place journey. We are thrilled to welcome the fit-out contractor who will shape our vision into reality, transforming the Harris into a vibrant, 21st-century hub for learning, creativity, and community engagement.

“This milestone reflects the tireless efforts of all involved, from the meticulous decant of over 250,000 objects to the structural improvements completed by Conlon Construction.”

Harry Coughlin, Director of 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.

“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.

“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!"

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 play our part in 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 within 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.”

Lancashire County Council has contributed £1.375m towards the project and leases 40% of the building to house the largest library in its library services.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Cabinet Member for Community and Cultural Services at Lancashire County Council, said: "This is a key moment in realising the ambitious redevelopment of The Harris, which will ensure that this iconic landmark remains the civic focal point for Preston.

"We remain committed to the project and to bridging the building up to modern standards while preserving its heritage, demonstrated by the significant contributions we've made.

"Through our collaborative efforts we are now starting to this project come to fruition and I'm excited for people to enjoy the new library and see everything else The Harris will have to offer.

"I'd also like to say thank you to all our library users and staff for continuing to use and run our library service at the Guild Hall while this important work is carried out."

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.

For more information on the Harris Your Place project, visit www.theharris.org.uk