New flexible conference breakout facilities are to be created to accommodate an additional 1,200 delegates, with completion scheduled for January 2027.
The new purpose-built breakout space will be created in the existing Studio 2 space, bringing the Yorkshire venue’s total breakout capacity to 2,600—one of the largest in the UK.
This complements the venue’s purpose-built 1,977-seat conference auditorium, the largest in Northern England.
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The Studio 2 reconfiguration will enable the Convention Centre to host larger conferences that require more parallel sessions, workshops, networking, and wellness spaces.
The centre says this presents a brand-new option for professional conference organisers seeking a unique destination experience that is distinct from busy cities, yet still requires large, flexible event spaces.
Thanks to a £7 million investment from the North Yorkshire Council, Studio 2 will be reconfigured with soundproof demountable walls that divide the space into up to eight breakout rooms that can accommodate up to 1,200 delegates.
The break-out rooms promise to be a game changer. (Image: Pic supplied)
An escalator will be installed to enhance the accessibility between Studio 1 and 2. Studio 2 is also accessible via a private entrance from Springfield Avenue. Procurement for the project is in progress, with construction expected to commence next spring and complete in January 2027.
Studio 2 will be reconfigured with soundproof demountable walls that divide the space into up to eight breakout rooms.
With the extra breakout capacity, Harrogate Convention Centre is looking to upgrade its conference offer. Organisers will soon be able to bring larger conferences to Harrogate for a ‘bleisure’ experience distinct from that of big cities.
The centre highlights the attractiveness of the spa town and its rail and air links, adding Visit Britain’s Business Events Research says Harrogate is recommended by 96% of delegates and was voted the first choice for return leisure visits.
Paula Lorimer, Director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said: “I am very excited about our game-changing new conference offering and so are our clients. Once the Studio 2 reconfiguration is completed, Harrogate will not only have a large purpose-built auditorium, but also a conference breakout capacity that rivals any other conference facility in the UK.
“The new breakout facilities present a new opportunity for organisers to bring larger conferences to a destination they were never able to due to limited breakout capacity.
“Harrogate is a beautiful, clean and safe Victorian spa town that offers a charming and relaxing delegate experience distinct from bigger cities. We look forward to welcoming new clients and larger events to Harrogate.”
