Harris Institute tops list of Preston approvals
Deemed ‘at risk’ by Historic England after a decade of vacancy, the grade two star-listed building will be redeveloped into a community and cultural hub.
Preston City Council has approved plans from Harris Institute Investment Group to overhaul the empty building. The scheme will deliver co-working and exhibition space, an art shop and gallery, as well as conference and café facilities.
In addition, the adjoining Regent House will be transformed into nine holiday lets, alongside the creation of a new courtyard and improved access to the site.
A spokesperson for The Harris Investment Group said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to see our plans for the Harris Institute approved by Preston City Council.
“Our vision is to create a vibrant, multi-use space that serves the community, attracts visitors, and honours the legacy of this iconic landmark. We are committed to working with local stakeholders, Historic England, and future occupiers to ensure this development becomes a source of pride for Preston.”
Designed by John Bridge Architects, the scheme would feature a café, a shop, and a gallery on the ground floor, a lower ground floor performance space, and dance studios and events spaces on the top floor. The basement is where the coworking space will be located.
John Bridge, the studio’s founder, said: “I am incredibly passionate about restoring The Harris Institute to its former glory and ensuring it becomes a thriving hub for Preston once again”.
“Now our application has been approved, we will be able to revive this grade two star-listed heritage asset, creating a state-of-the-art conference venue to bolster the city’s business community, a professional exhibition space for local artists, and a unique holiday let in Regent House with its beautifully restored courtyard.”
The project team includes Gately Smithers Purlow Heritage Specialists, Eden Planning, The QS Company, ERAP, and Peninsular Acoustics.
To learn more about the scheme, search for reference number 06/2024/0489 on Preston City Council’s planning portal.
At the same meeting, Preston City Council deferred proposals for 85 apartments off Watling Street Road in Fulwood and approved Applethwaite’s plans to construct 48 bungalows for over-55s and a 72-bedroom care home on a 12-acre site off Preston Road in Grimsargh.
The scheme, designed by Cassidy + Ashton, would feature 22 two-bed bungalows, 22 with three bedrooms, and four with one bed.
The scheme has been made exempt from the 35% affordable homes requirement due to a Cushman and Wakefield financial viability appraisal deeming it not commercially viable.
The 72-bed care home will span two floors, all rooms would have ensuites. A kitchen, communal lounges, a games room, a cinema room, a private bar, and a library all would feature.
To learn more about the scheme, search for reference number 06/2024/0495 on Preston City Council’s planning portal.
Retail Revive’s plans to convert the six-storey London House office building on Primrose Hill in Preston into 71 apartments were also approved.
Planning consultant Cassidy + Ashton submitted the application on behalf of Retail Revive.
The 1970s office block in question is vacant and would require a six-storey extension to its north, as well as a single-storey roof extension to the existing office block.
Flats would comprise a mix of studio, one- and two-bed apartments.
The project team includes PSA Design, Beech Jackson Partnership, and Bowland Ecology. To learn more about the scheme, search for reference number 06/2024/0513 on Preston City Council’s planning portal.
