News / Plans Endorsed for Major Redevelopment of HIC
Plans Endorsed for Major Redevelopment of HIC
Harrogate International Centre (HIC) looks set to secure its position as the UK's third largest integrated events venue after Harrogate Borough Council endorsed plans for a £45 million programme of enhancements.
Host to around 120 trade and public exhibitions, conferences and entertainment events each year, the HIC submitted these substantial redevelopment plans following a year-long feasibility study which included extensive research amongst current and potential users and visitors.
The proposed five to six-year programme of improvements will provide:
- increased exhibition hall space from a current total of 16,500m2 to 18,500m2
- remodelled hall configuration to offer increased flexibility in line with client requests
- substantial cosmetic improvements to the Centre's exterior and interior
- improved access to address existing traffic flow problems
- easy access into the halls
- new registration spaces at the side and rear of the restored Royal Hall
- an outdoor piazza/display area
- better use of existing parking areas
- enhanced energy efficiency
Stuart Quin, Director of Harrogate International Centre is excited about the proposals. He says: "Like any responsible forward-thinking organisation, the HIC needs to constantly evolve to meet the needs of our clients and local visitors. We've listened to what people want, we've looked closely at the competition and we've developed an outline plan that aims to enhance the HIC experience, ensuring our venue continues to deliver the fantastic value and service for which we are already recognised, but with an even more competitive edge."
The scheme will be approved and built in phases, ensuring little or no client disruption. The HIC will now be focusing on securing funding for the scheme, around 50% of which will be sought from external funding agencies, with the balance made up of loan funding.
Further information on the redevelopment plans can be found at www.hicvision.co.uk
Notes to Editors
- The HIC is the third largest integrated venue in the UK, beaten in size only by Alexandra Palace in London and by the SECC in Glasgow.
- The scheme involves the replacement of Halls A,B,C,E, F built in the 1950s and the construction of 11,000m2 of new space, built in six phases.
- The new scheme is expected to be environmentally sustainable and provision has been made to ensure minimum requirements for energy consumption, high levels of insulation and use of recyclable materials.
- Harrogate International Centre is owned and operated by Harrogate Borough Council but run as an arm's length organisation.
HIC Facts & Figures
- 2006 HIC held 75 events (trade and public exhibitions, and conferences - 8% of the 2005 UK total
- 2006 these events accounted for 212,000 exhibition/conference attendances
- It is estimated the Centre generates around more than £200 million in business and holiday tourism spend during 2006/07 there were 43 entertainment events held in the auditorium
- HIC employs approximately 115 full/part time staff together with some 70 casual or part time employees
- The Queen's Suite was awarded the Business Tourism gold award in the Enjoy England Awards of Excellence 2006
