The Harrogate Convention Centre will remain a Nightingale Hospital, despite the continued fall in hospital admissions and deaths due to Covid-19.
There were 4 deaths reported today attributed to Covid-19.
It will also have an impact on the local economy with the district losing out on around £50million/ year economic benefit due to the events centre.
Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said:
We have agreed to the NHS’s request to extend the contract due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the challenge of the current level of infections and potential for a second peak.
The convention centre will continue in its role as a Nightingale hospital until 31 March but this will be reviewed on 1 October to assess if there is an ongoing need for the hospital.
The events industry remains in lockdown until at least 1 October and, if there is a further rise in infections, it is unlikely we will be able to reopen anyway.
I look forward to welcoming back our customers from the 1 April 2021 at the latest when Harrogate Convention Centre and the Royal Hall will reopen.
We are very proud to support the NHS and the response to Covid-19 but we continue to lobby government at every level for a post-Nightingale recovery plan for the venue, and the Harrogate district.
