Preston’s most iconic building is about to begin a new chapter. After a £19 million transformation, The Harris — the city’s Grade I listed museum, library, and art gallery — will reopen on Saturday 28 September 2025, setting a benchmark for heritage-led regeneration in the North West.
The Harris Your Place project has been years in the making, designed to safeguard the historic fabric of the 130-year-old building while reimagining it as a welcoming, fully inclusive cultural hub. The result is a space that combines restored galleries, a blended library and museum experience, family areas, and flexible learning and social spaces — all delivered within the splendour of one of Lancashire’s most recognisable landmarks.
Collaboration at Scale
The project’s success lies in the expertise of a multidisciplinary team: Conlon Construction as principal contractor; HUB Build delivering the exhibition fit-out across 18 galleries; Buttress Architects leading on conservation and design; Ralph Appelbaum Associates crafting the visitor experience; and Direct Access, Ridge and Partners LLP, and Focus Consultants ensuring inclusivity and delivery excellence.
Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council, described the scheme as “a huge team effort” and praised its delivery as “a transformation Preston can be truly proud of.”
Social Value and Local Impact
Beyond the building itself, the project has delivered measurable community benefits. Conlon Construction reported that 88% of suppliers were sourced within 30 miles of Preston, reinvesting £10.1 million into the local economy. The project also created 150 weeks of apprentice training, equipping young people with vital skills in construction and heritage restoration.
Michael Conlon, Chairman of Conlon Construction, said: “Together we’ve refreshed a magnificent building, while ensuring the project delivered tangible benefits for local people and businesses.”
Design for the Future
For Buttress Architects, the challenge was to balance conservation with innovation. Director Neal Charlton said: “Restoring The Harris has been a rewarding opportunity to honour its historic grandeur while reimagining it as a truly inclusive, 21st-century cultural space.”
At the same time, Ralph Appelbaum Associates worked to create what Associate Sarah Pollard describes as “a place of accidental discovery” — where visitors feel welcome to explore, reflect, and connect.
A Catalyst for Regeneration
The reopening of The Harris is more than a cultural milestone. It’s a signal of Preston’s regeneration ambitions and a demonstration of how investment in cultural infrastructure can deliver wide-ranging impact — from economic growth and skills development to community pride and national profile.
When the doors reopen this September, The Harris will once again take its place as the beating heart of Preston — restored, renewed, and ready for the future.
