11 September - £13m investment confirmed for Harrogate's International Centre
Securing the long term future of Harrogate's conference and exhibition business has been confirmed today (11 September 2009) with news that Yorkshire Forward is prepared to match fund Harrogate Borough Council's own financial commitment towards developing a £13m capital scheme.
The scheme will provide new industry standard exhibition halls at the Harrogate International Centre, a new and extended entrance to Springfield House lobby area, and external improvements along Kings Road.
The scheme will help safeguard the substantial business tourism economy which has long been a staple feature of the Harrogate district, providing employment for approximately 3,500 people locally with an estimated input to the local economy of £148m per annum.
Work is expected to start in spring next year and be completed by the summer of 2011. Council Leader and chair of the Harrogate International Centre Board, Councillor Mike Gardner, says that the Conference Centre is a key economic driver and is delighted with this news. He added:
"I want to thank Yorkshire Forward for agreeing to this investment. Our conference and exhibition business matters significantly, not just to Harrogate but to the whole district and more specifically the region.
To maintain this economic impact, we must continue to invest, as our big city competitors are, to make sure we can continue to offer our customers a competitive and high quality service.
Modern flexible space is therefore a must.
This investment will help secure that capability.
Andy Tordoff, Assistant Director of Environment Yorkshire Forward (Tourism and Rural Renaissance) commented: "This investment will enable Harrogate International Centre to make the improvements needed to its facilities so it can compete with other conference centres both nationally and internationally to bring conferences and events to the region, which in turn will have a positive impact on the surrounding areas and the regional economy."
HIC Director, Stuart Quin, says: "Like all businesses, HIC has to continually develop and keep abreast of industry demands.
Other UK venues are investing heavily in improved facilities and if we are to maintain our share in the marketplace we too have to look to the future".
Cllr Mike Gardner is available for comment on 01423 500600 ext 6299. Further technical information is available from
Mr Stuart Quin, Director Harrogate International Centre on 01423 500500 ext 7209.
Editors Note
: Full details of the redevelopment scheme will be made available over the next couple of weeks. For future details contact
billie.gill@harrogate.gov.uk. Tel 01423 537275