Fit-out contractors appointed for £16m Preston Harris remodel
Surrey-based BECK Interiors will lead the group charged with delivering Ralph Appelbaum Associates’ designs to transform the grade one-listed building into a cultural and community hub.
Preston City Council is leading the £16m scheme to reimagine the Harris Museum off Market Square in Preston. When the project completes in early 2025, the building will have an improved café, shop, and events space; as well as new exhibition and social areas.
The city council hopes its efforts remodelling The Harris will attract 100,000 additional visitors to the city.
Dal Chana, group director at BECK, said: “We are delighted to be working with Preston City Council and the professional teams on protecting this beloved building at the heart of the community, whilst creating a modern, cultural learning space for today’s audience.”
Joining BECK on the fit-out contracting team are mount maker Orbis, AV software designer and installer Four Agency Worldwide, and showcase contractor Click Netherfield. Lancashire County Council is providing conservation services.
Fortecho Solutions, Unusual Projects, Fusion Lx, SI Electrical, Displayways, and Caterware some of the subcontractors involved in the project.
“We’re thrilled to have such a distinguished team onboard for the Harris Your Place project,” said Cllr Peter Kelly, the cabinet member for culture and leisure services at the city council.
“Each contractor and subcontractor brings a unique set of skills that will elevate The Harris into a cutting-edge cultural and learning space,” Kelly continued.
“The combined expertise of these companies is a testament to our commitment to ensuring The Harris becomes a thriving cultural hub.”
Kelly went on to describe the project’s mission to both embrace technology and also hands-on experiences.
“The integration of cutting-edge technology and diverse interactive elements will ensure an enriching experience, setting the stage for a revitalised Harris, a space that fosters curiosity, learning, and cultural appreciation for generations to come,” he concluded.
All good news for the interior but what, if anything, is going to be done about the exterior? Maybe I have missed all the big announcements, but the exterior of the Harris is filthy! Someone please tell me that while they have all the scaffolding up around the building they are going to clean it! It’s all very well doing all the re-gilding of the lettering but if the stonework is left as it is, then the City Fathers will really be ‘spoiling the ship for a ha’porth of tar’. So sad.
By David Sims
David, all the exterior is being repaired and cleaned. Some of the work is visible now that the scaffolding is coming down.
By Katie
I’m not sure how the engagement of the “Surrey-based BECK Interiors” accords with the much-publicised “Preston Model”.
By Michael Turner