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Closure date for Preston’s Harris Museum confirmed ahead of major revamp

Posted on - 24th September, 2021 - 9:43am | Author - | Posted in - Arts, Politics, Preston City Centre, Preston Council, Preston News, Redevelopment
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery

Preston’s Harris Museum and Art Gallery will temporarily close for preservation works next month.

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The closure, which begins at 5pm on Saturday 2 October, is needed so that organisers can create updates and new spaces, preserve and celebrate the original features of the Grade I listed building, and protect them for the future.

While the works are ongoing, the organisers are opening new spaces across the community to showcase The Harris and offer services during the closure.

Preston City Council was successful in a £4.5m bid for lottery funding to carry out the renovations.

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Between Monday 4 and Saturday 16 October, the public can access library services online, with a large selection of e-books and magazines on offer. Alternatively, visitors can use other libraries across Preston.

Councillor Peter Kelly, a cabinet member for culture and arts at Preston City Council, said: “The ambitious plans and vision we’ve had for the reimagining of the Harris project are now coming to fruition as we take this huge step forward.

“In order to achieve and realise these changes, the Harris building must close for a period of time to allow this work to take place. We’re working hard in the background to ensure you’re kept up to date and how you can still interact with our services while the building is closed. Look out for details on our ‘home from home’ updates.”

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From Monday 18 October, The Harris Library and IT services will be available in the Guild Hall, The Harris’ ‘home from home’.

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County Councillor Peter Buckley, a cabinet member for community and cultural services at Lancashire County Council, said: “The temporary closure of the Harris is a milestone in the journey to realising the ambitious Harris Your Place project for Preston and Lancashire.

“I am pleased we are able to continue the library and IT services from the temporary Harris ‘home from home’ in the Guild Hall. Here visitors will be able to borrow and browse, log on, collect reservations and enjoy the book of the month from Monday 18 October.

“This is an exciting time for The Harris, and we can’t wait for the project to begin to preserve and celebrate The Harris’ original features and protect them for future generations to enjoy.”

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The project, a joint partnership between Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council, is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government Towns Fund, and many generous supporters.

Leader of Preston City Council, Councillor Matthew Brown, said: “While it is sad to see the doors of the iconic Harris building close, this is the culmination of years of work to establish the right plans and secure funding for this important and beloved Preston asset.

“This is a step forward in delivering the Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, which sees significant investment into projects that represent positive change in the city. It is a strong example of the power of collaboration and commitment to delivering our ambitions for Preston that benefits everyone.”

For more information, visit- https://www.theharris.org.uk/

The work is due to be completed by 2024.

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