A historic area of Preston is having its special status reviewed.

Harris Park – the former orphanage buildings off Garstang Road – is protected by a conservation area.

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It’s held the status since 1984 and it has to be regularly reviewed in line with government guidelines.

Built from 1884 it is an early example of a charitable orphanage laid out in a village style.

The Harris provided homes for 120 boys and girls who had lived within eight miles of Preston for at least a year.

It stopped being an orphanage in 1982 and it was leased to Preston Polytechnic which became the University of Central Lancashire.

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In 2006 it was sold off by the university and moved into the hands of the Bhailok family who have converted one of the villas into a private home. The rest of the buildings are unused.

Preston City Council has carried out a detailed report on the current state of the Harris Park.

It’s running a consultation exercise to invite comments from those who live nearby or who have a view on the buildings and the 6.2 hectare site.

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You can make comments online and there’s also a drop-in event being held at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery on Tuesday 29 August from 10am to 12noon at the Harris cafe where council officers will be available to discuss the proposal.

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