The Harrogate International Centre (HIC) has confirmed its £13m venue expansion scheme will be completed in December.

Harrogate broke ground on its two new exhibition halls 18 months ago, which will increase total capacity by an extra 3,100sqm to 18,500sqm. The first events to take advantage of the new space will be the Christmas and Gift Fair in January 2012.

The top pillar-less hall is 1,620sqm and links directly into the venue’s Hall D and 2,000-seat auditorium. The lower hall directly underneath is 1,480sqm and accessible via a staircase and lift.

As well as the extra hall space, HIC has invested in a new registration atrium and an outdoor piazza along with a second street-level entrance off Kings Road.

HIC director Angus Houston said it is an exciting time for the venue and its clients. A special preview event to showcase the new halls is being held on 18 November.

“The investment in HIC’s facilities through the creation of the two new halls and improving its existing spaces will ensure we remain competitive and can cater for all manner of events,” Houston said. “We’ll have the capacity to run multiple events simultaneously and host a wider range of experiential events, banquets, corporate productions and product launches.

“Ultimately this development will enhance our reputation as a leading destination and place the venue at the forefront of the events industry both nationally and internationally.”

The project to improve HIC’s facilities has been supported by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, which part-funded the £13 million development plan along with Harrogate Borough Council.

Check out our full report on HIC’s new space and exhibition plans in the November edition of Exhibition News.

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