Harris Your Place Q&A Series: Ray from Red Rose Drylining
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 was christened at St. Peter’s Church, I’ve lived in Preston all my life, I’ve never wanted to move out of it! I could go on about my ties to Preston…I used to run for Preston Harriers, back in the day. And then, I married a girl from Preston, and I still live here!
Tell us a little more about the project you’re currently working on?
Well, I’ve been in and out of the building over the last couple of years, so when the opportunity arose to come back, I was more than happy to come back and work on The Harris, because I’m kind of proud of this building. So far, I’ve been working on metal studding, metal firewalls, and containment walls on every floor. I’m curious to come back and see what it looks like after everything has been re-imagined!
Tell us a little more about what you like best about this project?
I just love working, as well as the convenience of the project. I can cycle to work, that’s how close I am! I don’t have to drive, or pay for parking.
Tell us a little more about how you ended up working on this job?
It started with my boss walking past The Harris and thinking “Oh, Conlon are doing some work on the museum”. I didn’t think there would be any work for the likes of me, but sure enough, a bit later I heard “I’ve got a great job for you in Preston”. I responded with “it isn’t the Harris museum is it?” And with that, a ten week job turned into nearly a year!
Tell us a little more about how you got into your career path? What advice can you give young people starting out or looking for a career in construction?
I started off as a joiner, and then I got into the metal side of things as I prefer building walls out of metal instead of timber. It is still a well paid job, and you get to see some really interesting things whilst working on different jobs.
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.
