Preston's Iconic Cultural Landmark Set to Reopen after £19 Million Restoration

Strategic Insights -

Preston's beloved Harris Museum, Library and Gallery, a Grade I listed building, is poised to welcome back up to half a million visitors each year following a £19 million major restoration. The renovations, part of the Harris Your Place project, have been made possible through funding from Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government's Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council, and other generous partners. The transformation reimagines the Harris as a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub, blending art, history, community, and a refreshed library service to deliver an exciting new visitor experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The £19 million restoration of the Harris Museum, Library and Gallery has been completed with funding from Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government's Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council, and other generous partners.
  • The Harris Your Place project aims to create a vibrant, inclusive space that inspires creativity, learning, and connection for generations to come.
  • The revamped Harris will feature new galleries, community facilities, and a refreshed library service, offering a fully reimagined experience for visitors.
  • The museum is expected to welcome up to half a million visitors annually, a significant increase from the existing 350,000 visitors in 2021.
  • The Harris is unveiling a fresh new look, including a redesigned logo, brand identity, and new website, modernizing its branding to align with the aims of the Harris Your Place project.
  • The museum is owned and managed by Preston City Council and has been a Grade I listed building since 1893.
  • The £1.375m contribution from Lancashire County Council will enable the Preston Harris Library to reopen in the iconic building, serving as a hub for learning and education for all residents.
  • The reopening of The Harris is expected to mark a new chapter for one of the UK's leading regional museums, libraries, and galleries.

Statistics:

  • £19 million: the total cost of the restoration project
  • £1.375m: the contribution from Lancashire County Council towards the Harris Library's reopening
  • 350,000: the number of visitors The Harris welcomed in 2021
  • 100,000: the expected increase in visitors following the refurbishment
  • 28 September 2025: the reopening date of The Harris
  • 10 years: the timeframe for the Heritage 2033 strategic plan, which aims to invest £3.6billion raised by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places, and communities

Sources:

  • City of Preston
  • The Harris (http://www.theharris.org.uk/)
  • National Lottery Heritage Fund
  • UK Government's Towns Fund
  • Lancashire County Council
  • Arts Council England
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