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20
Nov 2022
What now for Harrogate Convention Centre after investment zones dropped?
Government changes to planned investment zones have raised questions over the future of planned renovations at Harrogate Convention Centre.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt this week announced a “refocus” of the initiative and put a halt to all expressions of interest which were submitted - including the convention centre.
It has raised questions over what the future now holds for a £49 million investment project to bring the town’s centre up to scratch.
What is planned?
Harrogate Borough Council unveiled plans back in 2020 to refurbish the town’s convention centre to the tune of £49 million.
The redevelopment plans include a major refurbishment of event areas and upgrades to the venue’s heating and ventilation systems.
There are also plans to create a flexible events space for up to 1,200 people.
Council officials have argued that the investment is needed for the centre to compete with other venues - in particular the looming prospect of a conference centre in Leeds.
Senior Harrogate council officials have gone as far as to warn that the centre could suffer huge losses of £250 million unless a major redevelopment is carried out
The proposals are currently in the final design stage with a decision expected to be taken next summer by the new North Yorkshire Council - which will take ownership of the venue in April.
However, questions still surround paying for the work.
How will it be funded?
Council bosses had previously submitted proposals to government to help fund the project as part of a £540 million devolution deal.
However, ministers turn down the plans, to the dismay of local leaders.
Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council.
Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, told the Stray Ferret following the decision that he shared the disappointment of others, such as Harrogate Borough Council leader Cllr Richard Cooper, about the lack of funding.
He said:
A separate bid for £20 million from the government’s levelling up fund has been made for the venue, but Harrogate is ranked as a low priority area in the fund.
Read more:
- Council explores move to protect Harrogate Convention Centre with limited company status
- Working group set up to steer future of Harrogate Convention Centre
The uncertainty over funding has also led to a working group being set up to help steer the future of the venue as it approaches a crucial time in its 40-year history.
Senior officials and councillors from Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council will come together to discuss the convention centre’s £49 million redevelopment plan and how it could be funded, as well as how the venue should be run in the future.
It has also previously been suggested that a limited company could be set up to take over the day-to-day business of the venue.
The chancellor’s announcement is the latest stumbling block to be put in front of the project.
Funding the multi-million pound project and heeding the warning that the centre needs to be competitive is proving to be a hurdle for local officials.
However, it is a hurdle that council leaders will need to clear over the next 12 months if they wish to keep the project alive.
The clock is ticking.
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