The Harris Museum and Art Gallery faced setbacks during its £19 million refurbishment when Beck Interiors, the fit out contractor, went into administration in 2024 after receiving more than £300,000 for early works.
Preston City Council negotiated a deal to keep the project moving, ensuring the Harris Your Place redevelopment could stay on track.
With the reopening set for Sunday 28 September the focus is now on celebrating the expert teams of contractors, designers, architects and consultants whose skills and dedication have transformed this landmark into a vibrant cultural hub for a new era.
The £19 million Harris Your Place project has not only restored the grade-I listed building’s historic architecture but also reimagined it as a truly inclusive, 21st-century cultural space.
The transformation of The Harris is due to the support of its funders and partners.
Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Preston City Council, the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Arts Council England and Lancashire County Council, alongside contributions from trusts, foundations, and individual donors.
This ambitious programme was shaped by the skills and dedication of a first-class project team, all working together to preserve The Harris’ heritage while creating new, inspiring spaces for the future.
As a collective they have ensured the preservation of The Harris’ heritage, the creation of vibrant new spaces, and the delivery of an inclusive cultural destination that will benefit the people of Preston and visitors for generations to come.
The Project Team
- Conlon Construction: Building contractor, delivering the major works that have restored and enhanced the iconic building.
- HUB Build: Fit-out contractor, crafting bespoke furniture, display surrounds, and internal finishes to showcase collections and create inviting spaces.
- Buttress Architects: Lead architects for the restoration, bringing both conservation expertise and creative vision to the project.
- Ralph Appelbaum Associates: Responsible for planning and design, creating dynamic and accessible visitor experiences throughout The Harris.
- Direct Access: Accessibility consultants, ensuring The Harris is welcoming and inclusive for all visitors.
- Ridge and Partners LLP and Focus Consultants: Project consultants, supporting delivery and ensuring excellence across all stages of the development.
Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, said: “The reopening of The Harris marks a new chapter in its 130-year history. This has been a huge team effort, and we are incredibly grateful to every contractor, designer, and consultant who has helped deliver this transformation.
“Together, we’ve created a space that Preston can be truly proud of.”
Michael Conlon, Chairman, Conlon Construction LTD, said: “One aspect of the project we are very proud of has been our success in surpassing the Council’s social value targets. Some 88 per cent of our suppliers were from within a 30-mile radius of Preston.
“These local businesses, employing local people, were paid £10.1 million of the project’s over £11 million funding. Thus, a huge portion of the total investment in the project has been put 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.
“Whether these benefits would have been achieved if a National contractor had been appointed, I somewhat doubt.”
Harry Coughlin, Managing Director, Museums at HUB, said: “As the Exhibition Fit-Out Contractor for Harris Your Place, HUB is proud to have delivered the highest standards of fabrication and finish, while carefully coordinating multiple disciplines to bring this ambitious project to life.
“Across 18 galleries, we worked to ensure every detail was crafted with precision and seamlessly integrated. We hope the local community will embrace and enjoy these renewed spaces for generations to come.”
Neal Charlton, Director at Buttress Architects, said: “Restoring The Harris has proved to be a rewarding opportunity to honour its historic grandeur while reimagining it as a truly inclusive, 21st-century cultural space. We’re proud to have helped shape a place where art, learning, and community come together at the heart of Preston.”
Sarah Pollard, Associate and Physical Design Director at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, said: “We wanted The Harris to feel genuinely welcoming – a place where anyone might wander in, encounter an artwork or artefact unexpectedly, and feel drawn into the narrative.
“It offers a retreat for quiet reflection and also a gathering space where people can come for social interaction.
“By blending displays throughout the building, we’ve encouraged accidental discovery and created a space where people feel comfortable, curious and free to engage.”
A spokesperson for Preston City Council highlighted that the Harris Your Place project responds to community feedback, improving accessibility, modernising facilities, and creating new spaces for art, learning, and social connection.
When the building reopens, visitors will enjoy refurbished galleries, a blended library and museum experience, dedicated family areas, and improved facilities – all while preserving the building’s iconic architecture.
The Harris reopens to the public on Saturday 28 September 2025, with a special opening weekend of exhibitions, events, and activities.
