A new co-working space, meeting area and café have opened in Harrogate’s Windsor House.
The facilities were created during the second phase of a refurbishment of the imposing building, which overlooks Valley Gardens.
Owned by property firm Boultbee Brooks, Windsor House is home to more than 115 businesses, and includes 75,000 sq ft of flexible workspace.
Harrogate borough mayor, Cllr Victoria Oldham, officially opened the new facilities at an event attended by more than 100 dignitaries.
Mayor Victoria Oldham cuts the ribbon.
The refurbishment, which included repairing the leaky roof and installing new furniture, has been overseen by interior design firm and Windsor House tenant RU Creative, which sourced and installed the main focal point — an olive tree.
The new space seats 110 people, who can visit the renovated café, which has been renamed The Pantry at Windsor House. The pantry is run by husband-and-wife Antonio and Jo Nobile.
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The building, formerly the Grand Hotel, is a short walk from the town centre.
Karen Winspear, Boultbee Brooks’ building manager for Windsor House, said:
“After four months of intense work and much anticipation, we are delighted to have opened this beautiful new space for our tenants.
“The grand foyer, which has been returned to its former glory, is a luxurious space for workers to meet clients, to work together, or just relax over a coffee or lunch.
“There is more to come at Windsor House, with plans to open a new yoga studio in the new year.”
Plans have been submitted to change the use of Windsor House in Harrogate from offices to flats.
Under the plans, the seven-storey building would accommodate 94 flats consisting of 14 one-bedroom and 80 two-bedroom properties.
Windsor House, which is located in the Duchy estate area, is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Harrogate.
Built in 1900 overlooking Valley Gardens, it was originally the Grand Hotel until it became offices in the 1980s.
Now agents Savills, acting on behalf of Boultbee Brooks (Harrogate), the limited liability partnership that owns the 3.5 acre site, has applied to Harrogate Borough Council to change its use again.
The site, off Cornwall Road, falls within Harrogate Conservation Area and many of the trees in its boundary are protected by this or by tree preservation orders.
The site contains car park spaces for 288 vehicles.
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Most of nearby Windsor Court has been converted from offices to flats in recent years.
A letter by Savills accompanying the planning application says:
“The location of the site is extremely sustainable, being within walking distance of all public transport options
and all of Harrogate’s main services and amenities.”