A multi-million-pound project to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre and cement its position as one of the UK’s standout conference facilities has reached a key milestone. The plans focus on the transformation of Studio Two, creating large breakout conference rooms to ensure the venue can compete effectively on the national stage.
The project is expected to cost in the region of £9.4 million following final design refinements. This investment is forecast to be repaid within a decade through the additional income generated by the enhanced venue, with the new facilities expected to generate an extra £1.7 million annually.
The planned upgrade will provide breakout conferencing facilities for approximately 1,200 delegates. Currently, the absence of sizeable breakout spaces has limited the centre’s ability to host the larger, more lucrative UK association conferences that significantly benefit the local economy.
North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Gareth Dadd, said:
“The Harrogate Convention Centre brings thousands of visitors to North Yorkshire every year and contributes more than £45 million for our economy through the retail and hospitality sectors.
“Developing Studio Two by creating larger breakout conference rooms to complement the existing 2,000-seater auditorium can ensure the venue stands alongside the very best centres of its kind in the country. It can only strengthen the centre’s economic impact while allowing us to reduce our subsidy and protect taxpayers’ money.”
Projections show that without this investment, the council would need to provide an annual subsidy of around £1.1 million just to keep the ageing building operational.
Paula Lorimer, Director of Harrogate Convention Centre, added:
“The creation of dedicated breakout conference rooms in Studio Two will open up new revenue opportunities that in turn benefit the town’s hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.
“This investment will deliver 1,200 extra breakout spaces to support the venue’s magnificent auditorium, enabling the venue to attract larger conferences.”
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive will receive an update on the scheme on Tuesday 17th March, following the completion of procurement. Subject to approval, the construction contract will be awarded, with building work potentially starting as early as this summer.
