We were commissioned to carry out an independent peer review of an existing impact assessment report that sought to estimate the levels of trade diversion / displacement that could be witnessed from Harrogate Convention Centre and Harrogate Town Centre from the delivery of a new convention centre in nearby Leeds.

The initial Peer Review report focused on considering the levels of potential demand for future conferencing and events locally, alongside considering the extent to which two venues would compete and re-assessing the scale and significance of Harrogate town Centre’s economy.

The report then considered the validity of the high-low scenarios set out in the economic impact assessment report and provided a revised view on impacts and significance, thereby presenting an independent assessed of likely trade diversion.

The Peer Review report findings fed into the decision-making over planning approval for the new conference centre.