Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
09
Dec 2021
Harrogate Convention Centre boss warns big events ‘at risk’ unless £47m refurbishment is accelerated
The director of Harrogate Convention Centre has warned the venue and local economy will miss out on big events unless plans for a major refurbishment are accelerated.
Paula Lorimer said upgrading the centre’s studio two needed to be made a priority as it would be a “game changer”.
Speaking at a meeting of Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet on Wednesday, she said this part of the centre currently has limited “breakout” space and that this has meant it has been unable to attract “larger and more lucrative” events.
Ms Lorimer said:
The project has yet to receive a final go-ahead from councillors and could cost up to £47m over three phases if approved.
Read more:
- No final decision on HCC investment until 2022, says council
- Over 18s invited for walk-in boosters at Harrogate's Showground
It was revealed at this week's meeting that the plans have already been delayed due to the covid pandemic, with a report warning that this could have an impact on contracted and potential events booked from April 2023 onwards.
'Important event' coming to Harrogate
It also said there is an “important event” planned for early 2023 which will require the works on studio two to be completed, however, the council said it was unable to confirm the details as it is not a public event.
The report added:
The plans were first revealed in July last year when the council said the 40-year-old centre was in “critical need” of an upgrade to keep its national appeal and that without investment its maintenance costs could reach £19m over the next two decades.
150,000 visitors a year
It was estimated before the pandemic that the centre attracted more than 150,000 visitors a year with an annual economic impact of £35m.
However, covid has now raised questions over how quickly the industry can bounce back to pre-pandemic levels and what risks this could mean for the potential £47m redevelopment.
A final decision on the project will be made by councillors next year and the council has yet to put forward any funding proposals, although it said a business case would play a key part in supporting bids for government cash.
It was agreed at yesterday's meeting that a further report would be brought back to cabinet to decide whether the works on studio two should be accelerated.
It was also agreed that further design and feasibility works are continued.
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 £20m would be needed to complete a first phase of redevelopment, with another phase later.
0