ON the day before an Oxford-educated barrister all but called Preston a "town" full of simpletons, plans were being drawn up to turn it back into a leading cultural centre.

The Harris Institute, in Avenham, has laid empty for decades, but was once one of the most prestigious art venues in the county.

And it could soon hold that coveted position again for it is about to be transformed into a three-tier arts centre for performing arts, crafts, and artists' exhibitions.

The plan, back by European funding, has been drawn up by a high-profile partnership involving Preston Borough Council, the University of Central Lancashire and local community groups.

Acting as the Town and Gown Liaison Group, they have agreed that the disused building, one of the first educational institutions in the area, should be restored to its original use, as a leading venue for arts, with the potential to attract new and established artists from all over the country. The news that Preston once boasted a premier arts school may come as a surprise to Richard Henriques QC, in town for the trial of GP Harold Shipman.

On Tuesday, as medical evidence was presented by pathologist Dr John Rutherford - using words like 'cranial, thoracic and abdominal cavities' - Mr Henriques asked: "Can you put that in layman's terms bearing in mind you're in Preston, not a city."

The comment has prompted an outcry by the town's intellectuals who welcome the plans to reform the old college.

Among them are around 300 art students who graduate from the university each year and it is hoped the newly-restored Harris Institute will encourage a large portion of them to stay in Preston and help make it more highbrow, and suited to the likes of the now infamous barrister.

This ambition is shared by husband and wife Ken and Jane Blackburn, both graduates of the UCLan who run a group called the North West Design Collective. Jane said: "This is great news for all the artists, creative designers and craftsmen and women in Preston.

"We have supported plans to turn the Harris Institute into an arts venue for some time and it is great to hear that there are the funds available to do it."

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