Exhibition site plans £45m revamp

Taxpayers have been told they will not foot the bill for the project

A £45m plan to redevelop the Harrogate International Centre has been approved by the council.

The proposed five to six-year project will provide more exhibition space and includes major cosmetic improvements, an outdoor piazza and improved access.

Five exhibition halls built in the 1950s will be replaced.

The centre already boosts the local economy by about £150m and attracts more than 350,000 business visitors to the region each year.

It is the third largest integrated venue in the UK, beaten in size only by Alexandra Palace in London and the SECC in Glasgow.

'Exciting project'

Stuart Quin, director of Harrogate International Centre said: "We are absolutely delighted that Harrogate Borough Council has supported our plans which will ensure our venue continues to have a positive impact on the region's economy.

"We will now focus on securing the funding required to move this exciting project forward."

He said about half of the funding would be sought from external agencies, with the balance made up of loans so the scheme could go ahead with no impact on the local taxpayer.