Image: © The Harris, Andrew Lee Photography
September was a milestone month for HUB Build, as two major cultural destinations opened their doors to the public – each transformed through our team’s creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
From a reimagined civic hub in Preston to a journey into outer space in the heart of London, these projects reflect what HUB does best: turning bold ideas into engaging visitor experiences.
The Harris – A Cultural Landmark Reimagined
HUB is proud to have played an integral role in the transformation of The Harris, one of the North West’s most iconic cultural institutions. As Exhibition Fit-Out Contractor, HUB was entrusted with realising the visionary designs of Ralph Appelbaum Associates, working in close collaboration with Focus Consultants and Ridge and Partners.
Reopened to the public in September 2025, The Harris has been reimagined as a vibrant civic hub that brings together museum, gallery, library, and community spaces under one roof. The multi-million-pound redevelopment champions inclusivity, creativity, and sustainability, celebrating both Preston’s heritage and its future.
HUB’s scope included everything from bespoke joinery and setworks to interactive installations, all crafted with precision and care. Every element was developed with respect for the building’s historic fabric and the museum’s mission to inspire.
One of the project’s defining features is the Foucault Pendulum, suspended through the full height of the central atrium. Designed in collaboration with the University of Central Lancashire’s Physics Department, HUB developed a bespoke 3D-printed bob and surround that conceal the pendulum’s mechanism while allowing it to travel seamlessly through the space, connecting all three floors – a striking symbol of connection across time, science, and community.
Across the museum, more than 200,000 objects have been reinterpreted through a blend of traditional storytelling and digital innovation. Accessibility and sustainability are woven throughout the design, from material choices to inclusive visitor experiences.
The Harris is more than a museum; it’s a place for creativity, learning, and connection. A standout example is The Studio, a flexible workshop and event space fitted out by HUB with custom furniture and interactive displays. It invites visitors of all ages to engage with the world around them in new and meaningful ways.
This project reinforces HUB’s reputation for delivering complex cultural and heritage fit-outs at the highest level. Previous work includes Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum, The Box in Plymouth, the RAF Centenary Projects, and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Denmark. With a uniquely integrated in-house delivery model, HUB ensures seamless project management, quality control, and continuity from concept to completion.
Space – A New Permanent Gallery at the Science Museum
The Science Museum’s new Space Gallery takes visitors on an inspiring journey through the history and future of space exploration – a project brought to life through HUB’s exhibition fit-out expertise.
Working to a six-month programme, HUB collaborated closely with the Science Museum team to turn a bold concept into an immersive, fully realised gallery, all within a live operational environment. Through meticulous planning, phased logistics, and a detailed understanding of conservation and security standards, the team ensured seamless delivery without disruption to daily operations and the museums visitors.
The gallery showcases extraordinary artefacts, many on display for the first time in the UK, including the innovative “roly-poly” Moon rover, born from a collaboration between a toy company and a space agency. Designed to spark curiosity, the gallery blends playful design with powerful storytelling to engage visitors of all ages.
A highlight of the gallery is the Soyuz descent module that carried British astronaut Tim Peake to the International Space Station and back. HUB engineered a bespoke plinth using sustainable materials from the museum’s own stock, creating a structurally robust and visually striking focal point. The plinth integrates with lighting, graphics, and surrounding displays to transform the object into a dynamic storytelling feature.
Given the scale and historical significance of many objects, HUB collaborated with structural engineers, curators, and collections specialists to develop tailored mounting solutions that ensure both accessibility and long-term preservation.
Adding scale and atmosphere to the space is a 20-metre Moonscape wall graphic, captured by the Apollo 17 crew. Stretching across the gallery, it anchors the experience and creates an unforgettable visual moment for visitors.
Through thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and close collaboration, HUB delivered an experience that is educational, immersive, and built to inspire future generations of space explorers.
Crafting Experiences. Building Wonder.
From the historic heart of Preston to the dynamic galleries of the Science Museum, HUB continues to demonstrate its ability to deliver ambitious cultural projects that ignite imagination, curiosity, and connection.
With our in-house expertise, collaborative spirit, and passion for problem-solving, we don’t just build exhibitions, we build experiences. Whether showcasing a spacecraft or creating a community hub, HUB brings together story, structure, and craftsmanship to make it happen.
