Harrogate groups ‘continue to oppose’ new Leeds conference venue

Harrogate Convention Centre bosses will continue to oppose a new Leeds venue after plans were given approval.

Yesterday, Leeds City Council backed proposals for a new conference centre near to Leeds First Direct Arena off Clay Pit Lane in the city.

The proposal faced objection from Harrogate Convention Centre, Destination Harrogate, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and Harrogate Business Improvement District.

The groups argued that the centre would drive away business from the town.

Paula Lorimer

Speaking following the approval, Paula Lorimer, director of the HCC, said the centre would continue to object to the plan in its current form.

She said:

“Unfortunately and as anticipated, the development was granted outline planning permission even though it is common sense that if you build a conference and events venue just 16 miles away from another and target the same customer base, trade diversion is inevitable.

“Harrogate Convention Centre will continue to oppose this development in its current form and we have agreed to have dialogue at a senior level with Leeds City Council in order to try and reach a compromise on the size and scope of the development.

“However, this demonstrates how important it is that HCC’s redevelopment is forthcoming and I am looking forward to working with North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council over the coming months in order to make the case for investment.”

An independent study commissioned by Leeds City Council suggested the impact on Harrogate Convention Centre would be minimal.

However this was, disputed by the objectors.

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Speaking at yesterday’s meeting, Martin Farrington, director of city development at the city council, said “standing still” was not an option for Leeds and that the facility was required to compete with the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool.

He said that he was aware of concerns from Harrogate, but added that the planned centre would have minimal impact on trade for the town.

Mr Farrington said:

“We know that new developments in Leeds can cause concern with our neighbours. We saw this with the development of the arena itself and Sheffield’s concern that the facility would undermine the core viability of Sheffield arena.

“Clearly, that didn’t happen. Rather, Sheffield progressed with their own refurbishment plans and invested in their facility to improve the quality of its facility for the wider benefits of the Yorkshire region.

“Holding back the development of Leeds to protect another facility was not the answer in 2010 and  this position remains today. 

“Indeed, in this instance, we know that Harrogate has plans for significant investment in its facilities which is something we whole heartedly support so that Harrogate conference and exhibition centre can continue to thrive.”