Approval for first phase of Harrogate International Centre's £50m re-development

The Harrogate International Centre has received unanimous support and approval for the first phase plans of their £50m redevelopment scheme from the planning committee at Harrogate Borough Council.  
The programme for phase one, as presently projected, anticipates work starting on site in late spring 2009 with a projected completion date of July 2010. This phase will create a new 1600 sqm purpose built exhibition hall, lorry park and additional car parking. A final decision on a funding package is expected shortly.  
Further phases are planned to replace the existing older halls with new state-of-the-art facilities, aimed at securing Harrogate as one of the UK's premier conference, exhibition and event destinations.