P+HS Architects has submitted a planning application to deliver a new 1,716m2 Regional Agricultural Centre on the site of the long established and recognised Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on behalf of client the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

The proposals by P+HS Architects have been developed to create a rural enterprise that will support the Yorkshire Agricultural Society in achieving its objectives and the agricultural community in the region. The new building, on the south side of the 250 acre showground comprises a total of 865m2 of office space, a farm shop of 710m2 (of which 267m2 is retail space) plus an 80- seater café (141m2). There will also be 43 car parking spaces.

From the outset P+HS developed a design strategy which would allow maximum opportunity to be taken of sustainable principles, creating a showcase building which minimises the impact on the environment and anticipates changes in legislation for natural ventilation and reduced CO2 output.

Site studies determined the overall shape and position of the building on the site, designed to avoid south sun and consequent overheating, but allowing the prevailing wind to be used to maximise natural ventilation opportunities and ensuring that natural light penetrates to all parts of the building.

Careful consideration was given to recycled materials and the use, wherever possible, of natural products [sheep’s wool insulation] for both construction [timber frames] and for future running. The farm shop and café roof will have a ‘green’ sedum roof and the complex will be heated by biomass boiler.

P+HS Managing Director, Chris Potter said, “This is a significant scheme which has great regional importance and we are delighted to bring bespoke resources and experience to such an exceptional project. The proposed designs compliment the unique setting of this development and its ecological credentials are unmatched in the area.”

The office element will accommodate Yorkshire Agricultural Society staff relocating from the Pavilions of Harrogate, and in addition will offer serviced office accommodation for agricultural / rural related not-for-profit organisations.

Maximum flexibility has been designed into the proposals allowing for the break out spaces to be further subdivided to create smaller spaces, whilst the office accommodation in the new building can be joined to create larger working environments as staff numbers grow.

The proposed farm shop has 267m2 of net retail floor space. The farm shop will be an ancillary component of the Showground making local food available throughout the year for consumption at home as well as at Showground events.

The new café will specialise in local produce, supporting the objectives of the Society and promoting the produce available for sale in the farm shop. P+HS has designed the café so that it can host cookery demonstrations and food launches to promote local produce in association with the operation of the farm shop and the core educational element of the enterprise.

It is anticipated that the works could start on site in 6 months with a 12 month schedule to deliver the scheme in phases.

Email: Kate@frenchpr.co.uk