Appointments Made for Harris Re-Imagining Project

15 August 2016

Two exciting external appointments have been made as the Harris Re-Imagining Project continues to develop, Purcell and HemingwayDesign.

Conservation architects, Purcell, will create and manage a multi discipline design team consisting of Conservation Architect, Structural Engineer and Mechanical and Electrical Engineer.

They will develop design proposals and visuals as well as consider and detail response to access, maintenance, management and sustainability issues as part of design proposals and review and amend the existing Conservation Statement.

Senior Architect Laura Sherliker said: “We’re excited to be working with the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library to develop a new vision for their Grade I listed building. Our intention is to develop a programme that will enhance its services and create a new community hub that will ensure the building continues to inspire and engage its future visitors.”

Laura added: “As a Guild Burgess, my ties to Preston date back to the Royal Charter that founded the city we know today. I am proud to be part of a project that will transform this important listed building, that will act as a catalyst for change and breathe new life into the civic heart of Preston.”

HemingwayDesign have been appointed as internal designers, to work with the Harris project team to define the guiding principles for interpretive development.  They will then develop and confirm the overarching creative concept and interpretive strategy alongside the team.

The high level creative concept will address key issues of using space, media, technology and creative opportunities thrown up by the interaction of the museum, library and art gallery. This includes making effective and creative linkages between the Harris and surrounding public realm.  In this process we are looking for genuinely ground-breaking approaches that will of course draw on inspiration from the Harris but also from the Designer’s experience and from other world-class exemplars both in the UK and internationally.

Wayne Hemingway, “As a proud Lancastrian, I am thrilled that HemingwayDesign have the opportunity to work on such a stunning and iconic building. The Harris is a great Northern treasure and we look forward to taking part in its re-imagining.”

Preston City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure services, Councillor Peter Kelly said, “We’re delighted to have made these appointments and to be moving forward. The Harris is the ‘jewel in Preston’s crown’ as the city’s most precious cultural and community resource.  We’re keen to develop the Harris further whilst always protecting and maintaining its features and heritage.”

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Planning and Cultural Services added, “The calibre of these appointments shows the importance of the Re-imaging the Harris project to Preston and to Lancashire.  We are making great progress and really looking forward to the designs for the Harris taking shape.  Our priority now is to put together a first class bid for major external funding and that’s what we and the whole team at the Harris are focused on.”

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