AN ambitious £10.7million plan to transform Preston's iconic Harris museum and art gallery has been unveiled.
The aim is to create the UK's first "blended" museum, art gallery and library. And the people of the city have been urged to do their bit to shape the future of the much-loved building as it celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Outline plans include community-led, interactive displays and blending books, art and historic objects inspired by the stories of Preston and Lancashire people, including many never before displayed.
They also include a "dynamic central hub" for activities on the ground floor; improved exhibition, event and meeting spaces and more opportunities for people to get involved and be creative.
A new entrance, stairway and lift on the Lancaster Road side opposite Preston Guild Hall are also being considered.
Building owners Preston City Council, along with Lancashire County Council, which managers the library service in the building, have submitted a joint bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for £4m to support the project.
The bid is backed by £3.6m of funding already in place from both councils, the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, Arts Council England and local supporters. The result of the HLF bid will be known in January.
The Friends of the Harris have also launched their major fundraising campaign, #HarrisYourPlace - to help make the changes happen.
If successful, there will be a period of about two years during which detailed plans will be drawn up.
Every day, almost 1,000 people visit The Harris - just as its Victorian founders hoped they would. However, Preston Council says that after 125 years of daily use it is "tired".
A city council statement said: "It needs critical repairs and refurbishment to ensure it is a welcoming and inspiring place for everyone, today and for the future."
A major public consultation has been launched to find out what people want. It will include everything from what The Harris displays and how it displays it, events. activities and workshop, to what a modern library looks and feels like.
The Harris will be asking a series of question online, throughout the building and occasionally popping out into the city, to find out what the residents and visitors of Preston and Lancashire really want.
Peter Kelly, city council cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "We have a one in 100-year opportunity to make the Harris uniquely special again, for everyone, but we can only do it with the help of local people.
"Telling us what you want from the Harris and contributing to the campaign, if you can, will make all the difference."
Members of the public can find out more or donate via the #HarrisYourPlace campaign page.