Upgraded landmarks helping to boost region's conference industry

A campaign aiming to bring high-profile conference events to York and Scarborough is being aided by schemes which are transforming some of the best-known landmarks in the two locations.

The resort's Spa complex, which is undergoing 6m of improvements, is seen as a flagship venue as it can accommodate more than 1,600 delegates and has nearly 18,300sq ft of exhibition space.

The Crown Spa Hotel in Scarborough is already leading the way for sustainable tourism after a multi-million pound investment was completed two years ago.

In York, the Cedar Court Grand was launched in May in the former headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company and is intended to become the city's first five star hotel.

The National Railway Museum in York is also planning a 21m revamp of its Great Hall, although the scheme was hit last month when Yorkshire Forward announced it was axing a 5m grant owing to the Government's cuts.

The Yorkshire Post revealed last month that the campaign has helped bring in almost 3m into the county's economy.