Harris Institute repair works expected imminently as heritage campaigners raise security concerns

The former Harris Institute in Avenham Lane Pic: Blog Preston

Repairs to the former Harris Institute look set to begin imminently.

The update comes as pressure is building for works to begin to preserve historic buildings in the city – as well as securing them properly.

The Harris Institute has seen break-ins. vandalism and at one stage use as a cannabis farm in recent years.

A spokesperson for Preston City Council said in an update about listed buildings in the city: “The Council has taken action and is engaging with the owner in connection the deterioration of the building and its future preservation.

“Certain steps have been taken by the owner, which include remediation works to the party wall, repairing the roof and addressing the water ingress, and eradicating dry rot, the latter takes time to treat and remove.”

Plans were unveiled last year for the conversion of the former art college into a new café, art gallery and more with holiday lets within the Regent House section of the building. Planning approval was granted in December last year.

The council spokesperson continued: “The owner has responded positively and has recently met with the Council to provide an update on the future of the building. The approved scheme for the building will be delivered in phases, with the holiday lets opening first before the rest of the scheme is delivered.”

Heritage campaigners have raised concerns about the lack of security to some of the boards around the Harris Institute to stop vandals breaking in.

Loose boards at the Harris Institute Pic: Joseph Gudgeon

Kelly McAteer from the Preserving Preston’s Heritage group said: “We have observed the Harris Institute’s security boards being loose and missing screws, and therefore providing opportunities for vandalism or further criminal behaviour.

“The Institute appears on our Red list of buildings because of their significance to Preston’s Heritage and what feels at times, an imminent yet completely avoidable demise.

“The collaboration with the council to continually pressure the owners into action is one enormous opportunity of Preston realising sustainable investment in heritage, culture and the arts.”

Blog Preston approached the developers behind the Harris Institute scheme for comment but they declined.

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