Plans to renovate convention centre officially scrapped due to soaring costs

The decision was confirmed after senior North Yorkshire councillors were told rising costs had taken the estimated bill from £49m to £57m.

Nick Edwards, a senior council officer, told councillors the scheme at its current price had become unaffordable.

He added the risks of the project would be North Yorkshire Council’s responsibility, no external funding was available and the project would take up to three years to complete.

Earlier this month, the convention centre’s director, Paula Lorimer, explained there was a real need for investment in the 42-year-old building, but “more affordable options should also be explored.”

She said the centre is integral to Harrogate, with its conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, banquets and live entertainment providing jobs and business for shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels – worth about £45m a year to the local economy.

A report recommending an alternative investment programme for the building will go before a future meeting of the council’s decision-making executive board.