Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
12
Mar 2023
Harrogate levelling up bid comparisons 'unhelpful', says councillor
A Harrogate Conservative councillor has described as "unhelpful" comparisons between Harrogate’s failed levelling up bid and a successful bid for a village in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's constituency.
The comments came as both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives on Harrogate Borough Council made a rare joint plea to the new North Yorkshire Council to press ahead with a redevelopment of the town’s convention centre.
During a full council meeting this week, Cllr Chris Aldred, a Lib Dem, said the backing was needed after failed funding bids to the government’s levelling up fund in January.
He added that, while Harrogate was rejected for funding, a successful bid was made in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Richmond constituency.
Cllr Aldred said:
Read more:
- New council chief questions future of Harrogate Convention Centre
- New board to review Harrogate Convention Centre operating model
- Government rejects £20m levelling up bid for Harrogate Convention Centre
However, Cllr Sam Gibbs, who works as a party agent for the Richmond Conservatives, said comparison between bids was “not helpful”.
He added that the area of Catterick was deprived and the success of the bid had nothing to do with Mr Sunak.
Cllr Gibbs said:
He added:
A rare joint plea
Both the Conservatives and Lib Dems agreed to call on the new unitary council to back a £49 million renovation of the centre.
The council has previously warned that if the convention centre redevelopment doesn’t go ahead, the district could lose out on up to £250 million over the next 40 years in lost tourism and business spending.
A motion passed by the council asked that the new council “moves forward with urgency” in setting up a management board for the Harrogate Borough Council.
The project has moved to the design phase but where the money will come from to pay for it remains uncertain. North Yorkshire Council will make a final decision at a later date.
0