Leeds and Harrogate officials at loggerheads over conference centre plans for site near First Direct Arena

Proposals to build a convention centre close to Leeds’ First Direct Arena, on the site of the old Yorkshire Bank headquarters, will be debated again by city councillors next week.

The idea, which first came to light earlier this year, has caused upset in Harrogate, where business leaders feel the development threatens their town’s economy. Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) says the “size and scale” of Leeds’ plans will draw big gatherings away from its own venue.

At a meeting in August, centre director Paula Lorimer claimed analysis suggesting the impact on Harrogate would be minimal was “flawed, inaccurate, out-of-date and in some areas totally wrong”.

Despite further talks taking place between the parties since, no middle ground appears to have been reached.

Leeds planning officers, drawing conclusions off the back of further studies, insist the effects of the development on Harrogate will be “reasonably negligible” and have recommended the development be approved.

A report prepared for councillors ahead of next Thursday’s crunch meeting said HCC “do not agree” with the analysis carried out. HCC has indicated it would not oppose the building of a smaller conference centre in Leeds but the venue in its current form would offer 42 per cent more space than Harrogate.

The Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Association, along with six of the town’s hotels and four local councillors, have also objected to the scheme. While their views are well-documented, the scale of the project in Leeds remains unchanged from the original proposals.

Should the scheme win approval, Leeds City Council would be responsible for running the new venue.

Less contentious is the possible building of two student flat blocks alongside the convention centre. This aspect of the redevelopment of the former Yorkshire Bank headquarters site would be taken on by developers Downing if the overall scheme is approved.