A proposed investment in Harrogate Convention Centre aims to enhance its role in promoting the town and Yorkshire on a national stage. Photo Credit: Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate Convention Centre, in North Yorkshire, England, is set to undergo a £7 million (US$8.9m) refurbishment, which aims to enhance its revenue opportunities. Councillors are scheduled to meet next week to discuss funding for an expansion of the venue’s Studio Two, aimed at increasing its capacity.
Gareth Dadd, the council's deputy leader, stated, "The convention centre promotes the town and Yorkshire on a national stage, bringing in visitors from across the country." This comes after a previous multi-million-pound project to revamp the site was scrapped due to rising costs.
Dadd emphasised the importance of retaining the benefits of the convention centre while also finding ways to reduce its subsidy and align its future development with Harrogate's long-term vision. "We want to take the convention centre forward while still protecting taxpayers' money and promoting the economy of the town," he added.
The convention centre, which opened in 1982, currently features a 2,000-seat auditorium and 13,000 square metres of exhibition space. However, it has been lacking larger breakout rooms, and the proposed extension to Studio Two could generate an additional £1.5m (US$1.9m) in revenue annually.
Centre director Paula Lorimer welcomed the plans, saying, "This venue is integral to the visitor economy of Harrogate. Its conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, banquets and live entertainment create jobs and business to the town’s shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and hotels – worth more than £45 million (US$57 million) a year to the local economy."
Lorimer added that the planned investment would help maintain the centre's positive performance and continue its growth.