Mayor digs in to start extension

Harrogate Mayor Bill Hoult yesterday took to the controls of a digger to break new ground for a £13m extension to the Harrogate Conference Centre – with the help of Wendy Adams, organiser of bridal fairs there.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Aug 2010, 12:28 BST
Updated 4th Aug 2010, 12:28 BST

The ceremony – to mark the formal start to work to build two new exhibition halls – attracted many local VIPs.

The halls should open in the autumn next year and council officials say they should significantly boost the Centre's potential – by increasing the available space to 19,800 square metres in 10 sections.

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The improvements also include raising the ceilings to accommodate taller stands and extending the banqueting facilities to seat as many as 1,500 guests.

Harrogate council officials say that the buildings' energy efficiency will be improved while road and car parking layouts will be changed to make it easier for lorries to get in and out.

'The overall visitor experience will also be much improved with an outdoor piazza area and attractive new public areas along King's Road,' said a council spokesman.

The centre opened in 1982, soon afterwards achieving fame for hosting that year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Picture: Gary Longbottom.

Related topics:MayorHarrogate