Harris Your Place Q&A Series: Keith from James Mercer Group
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 about your job role and the company you work for.
My current role on site, at this moment in time, involves co-ordinating with John, the lead manager for mechanical services. I’m more of a team leader, co-ordinating with the builders regarding the mechanical services for all areas.
Tell us a little bit more about the project you’re currently working on (HYP).
I’ve been here for about 6 to 7 weeks in total, working on the gas installation to enable the boilers to run. We’re currently on the first floor at the moment, installing and assembling the new cast iron radiators in sections. The heating is now operational across the existing systems.
We had a few questions arise mechanically regarding the new boiler operations and ventilation, which led to a large meeting the other week with the clients and our co-ordination team to discuss details about the new role of ventilation for the mechanical services.
What kind of work might you do on a day-to-day basis?
That’s really about it on the scope of work – I cover all aspects of plumbing, heating and gas, on commercial, domestic and industrial levels.
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.
