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27
Jan 2022
Harrogate Convention Centre re-development to be speeded up over £475,000 loss fears
Harrogate Borough Council is set to bring forward part of its redevelopment of the town’s convention centre over fears it may lose £475,000 in bookings.
A report due before the council’s cabinet next week will recommend setting aside £2.8 million from its reserves to accelerate creating "breakout rooms" in studio 2.
Paula Lorimer, director of the convention centre, said previously that bringing the studio part of the project forward needed to be a priority as it would be a “game changer”.
The work to studio 2 will include the creation of seminar rooms to cater for up to 1,200 people. Currently, the studio only caters for 570 delegates, which can deter some organisations from booking.
The work for studio 2 is now expected to be considered as a standalone project, while approval for the wider first phase of the project is likely to return before councillors at a later date.
The report to councillors says:
£12.9m hit to local economy
The council estimates that if the acceleration of studio 2 is not approved then the authority faces a loss in income of £475,000 and an associated economic impact on the district as a whole of £12.9 million.
This is because events for the convention centre are often booked 18 months in advance.
Read more:
- No final decision on HCC investment until 2022, says council
- Harrogate Convention Centre boss warns big events ‘at risk’ unless £47m refurbishment is accelerated
Ms Lorimer told a cabinet meeting in December 2021 that there was a “strong case” to bring the studio project forward.
She said:
The remainder of the project has yet to receive a final go-ahead from councillors and could cost up to £47 million over three phases if approved.
Other plans as part of the project could involve three exhibition halls being demolished to make way for a new 5,000 sq m hall and a refurbished auditorium.
Around £20 million would be needed to complete a first phase of redevelopment, with another phase later.
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