Heatwave Hacks

Few event venues blend heritage and versatility quite like Harrogate’s Royal Hall.

Designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham, the Edwardian ‘Kursaal’ (Cure Hall) was built in 1903 to entertain affluent visitors to the Harrogate spa. Today, the Grade II* listed venue is managed as part of the Harrogate Convention Centre complex, hosting concerts, conferences and banquets and remaining a firm visitor’s favourite.

However, operating a listed venue presents unique challenges – such as during the recent heatwaves, when temperatures even in North Yorkshire exceeded 30°C.

As with many listed venues, installing modern air conditioning is a challenge as we need to avoid altering the historic structure. Instead, we’re exploring creative ways to maintain guest comfort while respecting conservation requirements.

Our cooling strategies focus on making the most of the building’s existing characteristics and adopting low-impact solutions, namely carefully managing airflow, opening high-level ventilation points and mechanically drawing in cooler night-time air.

We are fortunate enough to have an adjoining exhibition hall to use as a cooling resource, doors can be opened between buildings and extractor systems activated, drawing cooler air through the historic venue.

Also being explored is modification of the existing air handling unit, designed for heating the spaces, with a cooled water chiller coil, providing cooling but avoiding permanent alterations to the historic structure. Results on the night-time chilling have been promising, however it’s only useful when cooler outside and the difference between inside and outside is narrowing, meaning active chilling will be the answer.

The key to success is balancing preservation with practicality. With creative engineering, careful stewardship and a willingness to adapt, historic venues can continue delivering memorable experiences while safeguarding their heritage for future generations.