Harrogate Borough Council has appointed Arcadis to design and manage the redevelopment of the Harrogate Convention Centre.
The redevelopment of the ageing site will introduce more flexible spaces that will allow the convention centre to attract a broader customer base and substantially strengthen its economic impact. Plans to rebuild the venue could ultimately involve three exhibition halls being demolished to make way for a new 5,000 sq m hall and a refurbished auditorium.
Arcadis will provide multi-disciplinary services to lead and deliver Phase One of the convention centre’s redevelopment which focuses on improving conferencing facilities through the significant refurbishment of the auditorium, creating breakout spaces for 1,250 delegates, improved access and better front of house areas. The company will also deliver external works to enhance the appearance of the building. The work will improve the environmental sustainability of the building, supporting the Borough Council’s target to be net zero by 2038.
Arcadis is working with Group Ginger, Charcoal Blue, Buro Happold, Silcock Leadham and Clerk of Works Leeds.
The work will be complete by March 2023.
Nick Kealey, Head of Public Sector for Yorkshire, Arcadis, said:
“We are excited to be working on a project that will bring a new lease of life to Harrogate Convention Centre, and will support economic growth within the town and the vitality of the town centre. We’re looking forward to working with the Council on its ambition to establish the convention centre as the number one choice for conference and exhibition centres in the UK.”
Councillor Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council deputy leader and cabinet member for economic growth, said:
“Harrogate Convention Centre makes such a significant contribution to the district's economy.
“Therefore it is crucial that we re-develop the site as well as introduce much more flexible spaces that will allow us to attract a broader customer base and substantially strengthen this economic impact, which will be needed even more so in the future.
“The delivery of this project will deliver a major component of the Harrogate town centre masterplan and will be key to the district’s Covid-19 economic recovery plan.”
