Council to consider £1m refurbishment of spa town convention centre

THE BUILDING which is currently housing Yorkshire’s NHS Nightingale hospital could see a £1m redevelopment, if agreed by councillors.

A major investment in Harrogate Convention Centre will be discussed in a cabinet meeting next week.

A detailed design aimed at refurbishing the 40-year-old building is expected to cost £1m, but councillors say this would be a vital part of boosting the recovery of the local economy as we move out of lockdown.

The convention centre attracts 157,000 visitors a year and Harrogate Borough Council believes it contributes £35m to the economy, supporting jobs across the district.

Many local businesses including B&Bs, hotels and restaurants rely on the convention centre as part of their income.

Currently housing the North

East’s NHS Nightingale hospital treating Covid-19 patients, it has so far played a back-up role in the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Graham Swift, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Harrogate Convention Centre makes such an important contribution to the district’s economy.

“Redeveloping the centre will make it a much more flexible space that can attract a broader customer base and will have the potential to substantially increase its economic contribution.”

Paula Lorimer, director at Harrogate Convention Centre, said: “Our exciting plans will reinvigorate and re-establish the convention centre.

“My ambition is for us to return to the top tier of conference and exhibition centres in the UK as we attract new – and bigger – events in the future.”