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The Harris Museum announces grand reopening this September

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Preston’s iconic cultural landmark is set to welcome up to half a million visitors each year following a £19 million major restoration.

Made possible with funding from Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council and many other generous partners.

The Harris will officially reopen its doors to the public on Sunday, 28 September 2025 following a once-in-a-generation restoration as part of the Harris Your Place project. The transformation reimagines The Harris as a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub for the 21st century, blending art, history, community, and a refreshed library service to deliver an exciting new visitor experience.

Located in the heart of Preston, The Harris will relaunch with an impressive exhibition programme, learning spaces, family-friendly facilities, a new café and shop, and new heritage tours that celebrate its architectural and civic legacy. The reopening will mark a new chapter for one of the UK’s leading regional museums, libraries and galleries.

Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said:

“The reopening of The Harris marks a proud and exciting moment for the city of Preston. This incredible transformation will not only safeguard our heritage but also create a vibrant, inclusive space that inspires creativity, learning and connection for generations to come. We’re immensely grateful to all our funding partners and can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike back through the doors of this much-loved building.

“The Harris Your Place project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of key partners. We gratefully acknowledge Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council and Arts Council England. Their vital contributions have helped preserve The Harris for future generations while strengthening access, learning and community engagement.”

John Chesworth, Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Board, said:

“This much-anticipated and eagerly awaited new era for The Harris represents a major element of the ongoing regeneration and rejuvenation of Preston, alongside other landmark schemes such as the transformation of Amounderness House into managed workspace and the £45m flagship Animate entertainment and leisure destination, delivering economic growth and opportunities for all in a truly revitalised city centre.”

Helen Featherstone,Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“We are proud to be supporting the Harris Your Place project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Working with Preston City Council, this exciting initiative will provide a sustainable home for the Museum’s collections, which will ensure that they are accessible for local communities and visitors to learn more about the city’s rich heritage.

“We know that heritage can play a huge role furthering a sense of pride in local communities which in turn can boost the local economy, and this project is sure to be a wonderful example of that.”

County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Lancashire County Council, said:

“We’re excited to see the Preston Harris Library reopening and back in this iconic building, which is such an important part of the community.

“That’s why we have contributed £1.375m towards the project and our refreshed library. This revitalised space will continue to house Preston’s biggest library and serve as a hub for learning and education for all residents. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to this wonderful space.”

Closed since 2021, essential works have included the safe removal of asbestos from the roof, comprehensive repairs to preserve the building’s historic structure, and vital improvements to heating, lighting, and accessibility throughout the building. When it reopens, visitors can expect a fully reimagined experience, with new galleries, and community facilities.

Following the refurbishment of The Harris, annual visitors are expected to increase by approximately 100,000 on top of the existing 350,000 (in 2021).

Additionally, The Harris is unveiling a fresh new look including a redesigned logo, brand identity, and new website. The modernised branding aligns with the aims of the Harris Your Place project: inspired by community input and honouring the building’s heritage while looking confidently to the future.

More details about the reopening events, exhibitions and public programming will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information visit The Harris.

Limitless wins three-year Preston City Council Town Deal contract

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Limitless Public Relations has been appointed to deliver a three-year strategic communications support contract for Preston’s £20.9 million Town Deal which it secured in March 2021 as part of the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund, established to help level up towns and cities around the country.  

The Town Deal has kickstarted The Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200 million transformational regeneration programme in Preston’s Harris Quarter, the City’s cultural and civic heart, led by Preston City Council and the Preston Partnership.  

The latest project to start in the programme is Animate, a £45 million leisure and entertainment complex due to be built in the heart of Preston City centre. 

The tender includes the delivery of strategic communications for six projects and will be designed to increase awareness of the Towns Fund investment programme, communicating key milestones and keeping residents and businesses up-to-date with the benefits and improvements that this extensive regeneration programme will bring to them.  

The tender will also focus on the City’s strategic 15-year vision and its City Investment Plan.  

The key projects are: 

  • Harris Quarter Assets renewal, including refurbishment of Amounderness House, into serviced offices and managed workspace accommodation 
  • Animate – new build entertainment and leisure scheme  
  • Illuminate and Integrate – public realm and lighting improvements 
  • Harris Your Place – refurbishment of the Harris Building 
  • Preston Youth Zone – state-of-the-art youth building and services
  • Educate Preston – access to careers and education information services  

Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, said:

“We are delighted to have Limitless Public Relations on board and looking forward to working together to communicate Preston’s regeneration and investment progress. We were impressed with the overall standard of submissions we received, in particular with Limitless’s extensive experience and understanding of our ambition and vision for the City.”  

John Chesworth, Chair of the Towns Fund Board, added:

“Limitless Public Relations has been chosen to support Preston’s Towns Fund investment programme following a thorough tender process against stiff opposition, and we are looking forward to working closely together on all the exciting projects that are starting to come to fruition and that will make a positive impact on Preston and its people.”  

Limitless Director Michael Gregory concluded:

“As someone who came to the City to study and is now an adopted Prestonian, I’m incredibly proud that we’ve been given the opportunity to tell Preston’s story, showcase its ambitions and herald its future.  

“I’ve seen Preston evolve over the 27 years I’ve lived here, and there is so much to shout about. It’s a happening place to live, work and grow, and the proactive approach by the City Council and its partners to create a place that everyone can be proud of is truly commendable.  

“Our team is looking forward to working with the Council and its partners in delivering an impactful campaign that will attract people, businesses and investors to the City.”