Vandalism at Historic Harris Institute Raises Security Concerns

Heightened security concerns have emerged following incidents of vandalism and fly-tipping at a 175-year-old structure. The Harris Institute in Preston has been targeted over recent weeks, with rubbish being dumped and surrounding paving stones damaged. This damage has prompted calls for a swift decision regarding a planning application that aims to restore the derelict Grade II-listed building to active use. This application is scheduled for discussion by Preston City Council in December. John Turner, chair of the Friends of the Harris School of Art, stated: “The longer they leave it, the worse it’s going to get.” He further commented, “If there is someone there with the money to invest, then let them get on with it.” These latest security fears arise almost two years after the building was converted into a cannabis farm due to unauthorised access, which occurred under a previous ownership, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The institute, situated on Avenham Lane, once served as an art school, operated for a period by the University Of Central Lancashire. It was last occupied by the Darul Aloom Islamic Institution before being vacated in 2014. Currently, Bolton-based Harris Investment Group Limited controls the property. A planning application seeks to transform the building into an art gallery, a conference centre, and a co-working space. This comprehensive plan, which also includes the conversion of the adjacent Regent House building into nine holiday lets, was lodged with Preston City Council in June. The proposal is set to be reviewed at a meeting of the authority’s planning committee in December. It is understood that the process has involved discussions with Historic England, an organization that had previously placed the building on its at-risk register. A council spokesperson confirmed that the authority is in “regular contact” with the building’s owners and the police concerning criminal activity at the site.