The Harris Museum has achieved a 90 per cent quality score following its first VisitEngland Quality Assessment.
It also achieved an official accreditation as a Visitor Attraction under the VisitEngland scheme.
The assessment praised The Harris across all aspects of the visitor experience journey.
Read more: See all our coverage of The Harris re-opening after the restoration
The retail offer in the Harris Shop, as well as food and drink provision and new visitor facilities, was also recognised as key enhancements.
Simon Hobson, Quality Assessor, Visitor Attractions at VisitEngland Assessment Services, said: “Overall, this was a very positive first accreditation visit for The Harris.
“There was an excellent showing across the full spectrum of the visitor experience journey.
“It was very apparent that the Grade I listed building has had a superb transformation that has created some state-of-the-art new galleries, excellent community facilities, appealing learning spaces and an attractive café and shop.”
Councillor Anna Hindle, cabinet member for culture and arts at Preston City Council, said: “Achieving a 90 per cent quality score in its very first VisitEngland assessment is a tremendous accomplishment for The Harris and for our city. This accreditation recognises not only the scale and ambition of the £19 million redevelopment, but the passion and dedication of the team who have created a welcoming, inclusive and high-quality cultural destination for residents and visitors alike. I would like to thank all the staff at the Harris for such a great job.
“This recognition from Visit England cements The Harris as the centre piece of our culture and leisure, visitor offer. We will be building on this foundation to further grow and strengthen our visitor economy and celebrate Preston’s compelling offer. The Harris is a cornerstone of our cultural offer and this recognition reinforces its position as one of the region’s leading visitor attractions.”
The recognition marks another win for The Harris after they received two nods on the national Museum + Heritage awards shortlist, for the Wallace and Gromit exhibition and the restoration project.
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