Convention centre ‘ on course for new slump in finances’
HARROGATE CONVENTION Centre has revealed it is on course for a further financial slump as it remains on standby as an NHS Nightingale hospital.
The council- run conference venue is predicting its overall income and economic impact to be “down considerably” until the end of March when it is due to be handed back over for business use.
A report from Harrogate Borough Council’s finance team revealed how the centre is forecasting a £ 1.4m loss in income as it remains on standby, ready to be called into action and treat coronavirus patients.
The centre is facing further challenges as the hard- hit events and exhibitions industry has still not been able to fully reopen since being shut down seven months ago.
However, there remain questions over whether the sector can fully bounce back and, therefore, if a planned £ 47m renovation of the centre would be worthwhile.
Harrogate Borough Council is drawing up a business case for the potential refurbishment after a report warned there is a “very real risk” the venue will not survive without significant investment.
Centre director Paula Lorimer has revealed high- level talks with the Government have taken place regarding a possible ‘‘ compensation’’ payment in recognition for the centre being used as a Nightingale Hospital.
She hopes that such a package would then be used to help pay for the £ 47m improvements.
A council spokesman on behalf of the convention centre said this week: “It is too early to tell what the eventual financial position the convention centre will be in by March 31, but understandably it will be down.”
The convention centre was transformed into the 500- bed temporary hospital in April and although it has not treated a single coronavirus patient, it has been asked to get ready in case hospitals across Yorkshire and the Humber are unable to cope.
If needed it could be brought into action within a week, but there are concerns that the area could struggle to staff the hospital as pressure continues to mount on the NHS.