Preston Council is considering ways of coming up with the £6.5m required to buy Harris Knowledge Park – a former orphanage – back from multi-millionaire businessman Yousuf Bhailok.

Proposals have been put forward by one councillor to apply for grant money to fund the purchase and then turn the building into an interactive "working" heritage centre to honour Preston's history.

It comes after Mr Bhailok last week made a "put up or shut up" offer to Preston Council after receiving criticisms over plans to create 11 homes in the buildings.

The heritage plan has been put forward by Greyfriars ward councillor David Hammond, a member of the Environmental Review Panel on Preston Council.

It would see conference facilities in the building remain but each house would be dedicated to exhibiting a different aspect of Preston's heritage.

This would be likely to include the cotton industry, the printing industry, Preston's major employers and plane builders Dick Kerr's (BAC).

Coun Hammond said: "I have always said I was not against Mr Bhailok buying the place, my main concern was that it would go the same way as Whittingham Hospital."

However, Coun Hammond admits ongoing funding for the heritage project would need to be put in place. He has discussed the idea with development chief Coun Neil Cartwright and council leader Coun Ken Hudson.



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