Why did we need to build?
The £13m programme of expansion will help ensure Harrogate International Centre (HIC) remains at the forefront of a highly competitive marketplace, and is the result of extensive consultation with existing clients.
The additional facilities will link directly to the main auditorium and Queen’s Suite, thus allowing two large scale events to run simultaneously.
How long did it take to build?
Approximately 18 months, the halls have already been used for their first event - Christmas & Gift 2012. Works relating to the frontage of Kings Road is also completed.
How much additional space was created?
The total space of the new halls is circa 3,000 square metres of exhibition space with hall heights of approximately 6 metres. The halls sit one above the other with a controlled car parking space in the basement area.
Who was contracted to build it?
Wates Construction were contracted to do the build and the Borough Council’s Building Management Team provided the internal project management; Turner Townsend provided the external project management.
What else was being built?
New and improved public areas and landscaping along King’s Road, plus a new registration atrium giving direct access to Queen’s Suite, Hall D, King’s Suite and the new outdoor piazza. An improved street level entrance direct to Hall Q was also created.
What are the benefits to Harrogate and the area?
This project will help sustain the competitiveness of the business. Events at HIC generate over 300,000 bed nights for local hotels and it is estimated that some 3-4,000 local jobs are reliant or substantially dependent on business tourism.
It is estimated that business tourism brings in over £150 million annually to the local economy through visitor and organiser expenditure, much of this being attributable to events taking place at HIC.
How are the Halls accessed?
The design allows direct access to the new halls from the conference centre, the new foyer area and from the Queen’s Suite, King’s Suite and Hall D. Enhanced goods vehicle access will be available for the new halls from the service road, from Springfield Avenue, and from the lower level car park.
The new halls will have one large goods lift (capable of taking a 1 ton van) and two passenger lifts.
What is the environmental impact?
The construction of the new Halls utilises strict green principles, in line with HIC’s broader agenda to reduce overall environmental impact. HIC clients are increasingly looking to reduce the environmental impact of their events and require firm evidence of a venue’s responsible approach to sustainability.
This new scheme is expected to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating under BREEAM (British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – the leading measure of a building’s environmental performance.
Innovative sustainability features include:
- Enhanced insulation levels to significantly reduce energy consumption
- 100% recycled aluminium roof
- Sustainably sourced timber
- Bio-fuelled combined heat and power (CHP) engine which uses sustainably produced fuel as an alternative to natural gas
- Extensive rainwater harvesting
- Efficient automatic controls and energy metering
- Extensive use of energy saving photovoltaic roof panels
- A sustainable sedum roof for insulation and further energy saving
Where can I see the plans/are there any weight limits?
The plans are available in the
download section of this website.
There is a weight limit for Hall H (the upper hall) only and this is:
7.5 tonnes GAW on bridge
16 tonnes GVW in hall