Harris Your Place Q&A Series: Ian from Conlon Construction
A number of individuals and companies are responsible for the renovations currently taking place as part of the Harris Your Place project. This Q&A series sees us chat with those responsible about their involvement, and what their role is throughout the renovation project.
Tell us a little more about your ties to Preston.
I’m tied to Preston as the company, Conlon Construction, are based in Bamber Bridge. I come from Leigh!
Tell us a little more about your role within the project.
I visit the site at least once a month to make sure everyone is working safely, wearing their PPE correctly, and doing everything in compliance with the company’s rules. Although I never visited The Harris before it closed for the project, I have been on site since the very beginning, so it’s nice to see the work progressing.
Tell us a little more about what you like best about this project.
I like the fact that they are trying to keep everything in line with the original building, rather than making everything look new and modern. The team are trying to use all the existing materials where possible, and when they buy new materials, it’s all in keeping with the history and the fabric of the existing building.
Harris Your Place
Harris Your Place is a £16 million project set to restore and reimagine the Harris for 21st-century audiences as a cultural learning space. The aim of this project is to protect the building and the architecture for future generations whilst enhancing accessibility options and positioning the Harris as a community hub for Preston and Lancashire.
Harris Your Place is made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund; Towns Fund; Preston City Council; Lancashire County Council; the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal; DCMS; Arts Council England, public donations and a wide range of Trusts and Foundations.
The capital project is more than simply preserving this much-loved building; Harris wants to ensure that it remains a vibrant heart of the community. A place where people want to spend their time.
