North Yorkshire Council could ask government to help fund £49 million redevelopment of Harrogate Convention Centre

The council now owns the conference and events facility on King’s Road after inheriting it from the defunct Harrogate Borough Council.

It missed out on a £20m Levelling Up Fund bid last year but at a meeting of Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors on Friday, Mr Jones suggested there could be more funding opportunities on the horizon.

North Yorkshire Council, which is looking to slash £70m from its budget over the next three years, has not said how it intends to pay for the project.

Councillor Philip Broadbank asked Mr Jones if he had any ideas on how the council could secure the cash needed to help it compete with other conference venues in the north.

Mr Jones urged the council to “keep going” and said he expects more funding schemes to become available.

He said: “The investment in the convention centre is about making sure it stays competitive and attracting people into it.

"We have many ingredients in terms of hosting fantastic conferences, located smack in the middle of town.

"It’s easy to walk around and is safe.

"Its a lovely location but the facilities have to be up to scratch.”

The Harrogate Convention Centre opened in 1982 with conferences providing a boost to the town’s bars, restaurants and hotels, however, it has struggled to turned a profit.

A contractor has been appointed to draw up more detailed plans for the redevelopment and a final decision on whether it goes ahead was expected last year.

North Yorkshire Council has been approached for comment.