A for sale sign on the Harris Institute Pic: Tony Worrall

A historic Preston building is still on the market for a new owner.

The Harris Institute in Avenham Lane has been operating as an Islamic higher education college.

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Now its owners, the Darul Uloom Islamic Institute, have put it on the market for £650,000.

The grade-II listed building was previously owned and operated by the University of Central Lancashire who sold it in 2007 due to high running costs. Permission for the Islamic college was granted in 2013.

An advert from estate agents Eckersley states the Harris Institute itself is listed for sale as £490,000 and the Regent House contained within the site is £240,000 – but both buildings can be bought for £650,000.

The Institute has always been used for educational uses Pic: Tony Worrall

They state: “The property comprises an extensive Grade II* Listed building, originally constructed between 1846 and 1849, being of traditional stone construction beneath a slate roof covering incorporating glass rooflights. The original building benefits from an imposing pedimented entrance with recessed porch approached via a raised terraced entrance from Avenham Lane.

“The premises were added to in the late 19th century to create Regent House which benefits from its’ own entrance from Regent Street. Whilst currently interlinked the two elements of the property can be separated.

“The property extends over two storeys together with extensive basement and attic and provides a mix of open plan and cellular accommodation which has, most recently, been used for education purposes.

“The building may prove suitable for a variety of uses, subject to obtaining any necessary planning consent.”

The Harris Institute has been on the market since summer last year and there have been calls for it to be returned to community use.

In Autumn 2013 there was an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into ‘Dickensian’ like conditions as building work took place.

What do you think about the future of the Harris Institute? Let us know your views in the comments below