BECK has secured the fit-out works to refurbish 18 galleries for the Harris Your Place project, in Preston, Lancashire.  The works are part of a £16 million project set to restore and reimagine the Harris for 21st-century audiences as a community, cultural, and learning space.

The finished space will include refurbishment to the entrance foyer and iconic ground floor rotunda, beautiful new family and adult libraries, café, shop and community rooms.

Dalbir Chana, Board Director at BECK

The project aims to protect and preserve the building and its architecture for future generations.  At the same time, the design will enhance the accessibility and position the Harris as a community hub for Preston and Lancashire.  The new Harris will tell the story of Preston and its people.

The Grade I listed building was opened in 1893 and is owned and managed by Preston City Council.  The Harris is one of the leading museums, galleries and libraries in Lancashire. It plays host to art collections, activities, events for all ages and an award-winning contemporary art programme.

Dal Chana, Board Director at BECK says: “BECK is thrilled to be appointed as the fit-out contractor to restore and refurbish, the Harris library, art gallery and museum.  The building has a rich history of 127 years as a space where people can come together for exhibitions, collections and culture.  We look forward to working with Preston City Council and the project team on protecting this beloved building at the heart of the community, while creating a modern, cultural learning space for today’s audience.  Our diverse works have taken us around the world on iconic projects and we are delighted to add the Harris to our heritage portfolio.”

Tim Joel, Head of Arts and Culture at Preston City Council says: ‘‘We’re pleased to enter new major works for the Harris Your Place project and welcome BECK to the capital project team. Harris Your Place is the ambitious £16 million project set to restore and reimagine the Harris for 21st-century audiences as a community, cultural and learning space. Working together with BECK, the fit-out plans will be a key part of realising this exciting vision for the Harris and a significant step towards re-opening.

“BECK was awarded the contract after an open tender revealed them to have the optimal offer of a Harris focused proposal, to be delivered by a team with significant relevant experience. The fit-out works will remain consistently fresh and responsive, blending architecture, collections and activities together in light touch ways. Our partnership will be integral to achieving the project goals of increasing accessibility and bring arts and heritage to the Preston community.”

Ends.

(Image credit: Planning and design by Ralph Appelbaum Associates)