Harrogate, renowned for its charm and allure, is poised to enhance its tourism services with plans to relocate the town’s tourist information centre. Currently housed in the historic Royal Baths, the centre is set to move to the nearby Royal Pump Room Museum, pending approval from North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open business, Cllr Derek Bastiman.
Under the proposed relocation, visitors and residents alike can anticipate extended access to details about Harrogate’s attractions. The new base is projected to operate daily, except Mondays, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, offering an additional 15 hours of service per week. Staffed by dedicated visitor and experience assistants, the centre aims to provide comprehensive assistance and insight into the town’s rich offerings.
The decision to relocate comes as the number of visitors to the centre has seen a significant decline since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. From 135,000 visitors in 2019, the figures dropped to 68,000 last year—a trend mirrored across the nation as more individuals turn to online platforms for information and services.
Cllr Bastiman emphasised, “This fall in numbers is in line with the national average as more people access services online.” By transitioning to a new location, the council aims to optimise staffing resources, enhance accessibility, and uphold a service crucial to the local economy. Additionally, the move presents an opportunity to reduce overheads and explore avenues for the rental of the current building.
The final decision regarding the relocation is set to be deliberated by Cllr Bastiman at the upcoming meeting scheduled for Tuesday next week, February 14th. As Harrogate looks ahead to this potential transformation, the proposed move signifies a commitment to evolving tourism initiatives and enriching the visitor experience in the heart of Yorkshire’s beloved town.
