The Harris is delighted to announce that it has achieved an exceptional 90% quality score following its first-ever VisitEngland Quality Assessment, securing official accreditation as a Visitor Attraction under the VisitEngland scheme.

A 90% score is a rare achievement for a first assessment visit and represents a significant milestone for The Harris. 

The result reflects the hard work, dedication and professionalism of staff and partners involved in the transformation and relaunch of this landmark cultural venue.

The assessment praised The Harris across all aspects of the visitor experience journey, with every area evaluated to very good or excellent quality standards under VisitEngland’s Quality Standard framework. 

Particular strengths identified during the visit included The Harris website, the innovative design of the blended library spaces, and the diverse exhibitions programme supported by a varied year-round programme of events and activities.

The high-quality retail offer in The Harris Shop, the food and beverage provision in The Harris Café, and the excellent new visitor facilities, including upgraded toilets, were also recognised as key enhancements to the overall visitor experience.

Across the entire visit, the cheerful, enthusiastic and welcoming staff were identified as a standout feature of the overall visitor experience.

Simon Hobson, Quality Assessor, Visitor Attractions at VisitEngland Assessment Services, said: “Overall this was a very positive first accreditation visit for The Harris. There was an excellent showing across the full spectrum of the visitor experience journey. It was very apparent that the Grade I listed building has had a superb transformation that has created some state-of-the-art new galleries, excellent community facilities, appealing learning spaces and an attractive café and shop.

As well as benefiting from new lighting and accessibility improvements, the building now features a blended library throughout the exhibition space and last year welcomed the Oscar-winning animator and creator of Wallace & Gromit, Nick Park, back to his home town with a landmark opening exhibition.

This all adds up to a wonderful first six months after re-opening for The Harris. After these successes, the museum now seems set to go from strength to strength in the months and years ahead.” 

The accreditation marks a strong start to The Harris’ new chapter following its reopening, positioning it firmly among England’s high-quality accredited visitor attractions and signalling continued growth and ambition for the future.

Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member of Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said: “Achieving a 90% quality score in its very first VisitEngland assessment is a tremendous accomplishment for The Harris and for our city. This accreditation recognises not only the scale and ambition of the £19 million redevelopment, but the passion and dedication of the team who have created a welcoming, inclusive and high-quality cultural destination for residents and visitors alike. I would like to thank all the staff at the Harris for such a great job. 

“This recognition from Visit England cements The Harris as the centre piece of our culture and leisure, visitor offer. We will be building on this foundation to further grow and strengthen our visitor economy and celebrate Preston’s compelling offer. The Harris is a cornerstone of our cultural offer and this recognition reinforces its position as one of the region’s leading visitor attractions.”