Harrogate Borough Council is behind the major project and has today confirmed it will bid to the second round of the fund which has a limit of £20 million per project and a submission deadline of 6 July. The council stated that they will engage in the bidding but did not specify how are they going to get the amount they need. They only said they will submit formal bidding through the government’s funding possibilities. They also said that in successful completion they will announce the news on the website.
Cash for the 40-year-old convention centre has also included a proposed devolution deal for North Yorkshire and York. However, it is currently been negotiated with the government. It is expected that a deal will be reached this summer. However, some have questions regarding if the funding could be agreed to or not. The maintenance cost is £19 million over the next two decades. The venue has been described as a ‘critical need’.
The proposed redevelopment will include three exhibition halls being demolished. This will make way for a new 5,000 sq m hall and a refurbished auditorium.
The plan to refurbish the venue’s second studio with a flexible events space for up to 1,200 delegates is also included in the proposals. The start date has been appointed to be at the beginning of October, although the wider project has yet to be given approval.
There is a report which says the council has already spent £1.5 million.
Contracts have been awarded to several companies to produce design and feasibility works, an economic impact assessment and a business case. The spokesperson said that in the coming months the council’s cabinet will be presented.
In the first round of the Levelling Up Fund, Harrogate Borough Council and Craven District Council submitted a joint bid for £6 million for regeneration projects in Ripon, Skipton and Masham.
The projects will include high-quality place-making, improved cultural and community assets, and improved sustainable connectivity in three areas.
However, the bid has not been successful and funding were also not available.
