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23
Jun
New Visitor Information Centre opens in Harrogate
A new Visitor Information Centre officially opened in Harrogate today (June 23).
The centre, which is based in the West Park Centre on the corner of Victoria Avenue and West Park, helps local people and visitors seeking information about the spa town.
It has been funded by a £119,215 grant from the Labour mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith.
Harrogate mayor, Councillor Viv Poskitt, cut a ribbon following an opening event attended by about 50 guests today.
The opening event for the visitor centre.
The new resource, which is run by volunteers, is housed in the grade two listed United Reformed Church.
Visitors can learn about the town’s heritage and pick up information leaflets, maps and suggested walks, as well as event details.
Reverend Alison Micklem, minister of the church, said at today’s opening event the church was built in 1862 to welcome visitors to Harrogate. “So isn’t it great that we are now opening something that’s about welcoming people to Harrogate”, she added.
Rev Micklem said the church was struggling financially and planned to sell half the building before the opportunity to redevelop the space came along.
The church has undergone major changes since then. It remains a place of worship, but it is now also a community centre that hosts the visitor centre, cultural and community events and an exhibition about the history of Harrogate.
Reverend Alison Micklem speaking at the opening event.
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