Initial equality impact assessment screening form This form records an equality screening process to determine the relevance of equality to a proposal, and a decision whether or not a full EIA would be appropriate or proportionate.
Directorate	Resources / Community Development
Service area	Harrogate Convention Centre
Proposal being screened	Harrogate Convention Centre Redevelopment Project
Officer(s) carrying out screening	Rebecca Micallef, Economy Officer Jonathan Dunk, Strategic Property Michael Constantine, Head of Operations, HCC
What are you proposing to do?	Investment in Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) is necessary in order to turn around the financial performance of the venue, improve its energy efficiency, enhance accessibility and ensure that it can continue to serve as a key driver of the Harrogate and North Yorkshire economy. However, the report to Executive on 12 March recommends that the council do not progress with the designed and programmed £57m construction contract for phase 1 improvement works. This is largely due to affordability issues and the likely detrimental impact on the venue during the programmed works.   A soft market testing exercise is now underway to consider alternative options that deliver the desired outcomes whilst also protecting the impact on the public purse and on the local economy. This work will help to define a preferred, more affordable option and phased delivery that allows the venue to continue to operate. A report will be brought back to Management Board / Executive in Spring 2024 to recommend an alternative planned investment programme for HCC.
Why are you proposing this? What are the desired outcomes?	The desired outcomes of investment in HCC are to: •      protect & grow the economic impact it drives to the region •      reduce the current operating subsidy •      enhance service reliability •      Increase environmental performance •      Enhance equality of access There are a number of barriers to equitable access that mean that HCC can only just meet modern accessibility compliance requirements. The redevelopment project seeks to ensure the mobility impaired have equitable access to HCC, improving the visitor experience by improving inclusive access provision. Whilst a delay in investment will delay the access improvements being made, the ultimate desired outcome remains the same.
Does the proposal involve a significant commitment or removal of resources?	Significant investment is needed to deliver the required improvements to HCC which include improvements to access provision. Alternative delivery options are now being explored and will be brought back to Management Board/Executive in Spring 2024.
Impact on people with any of the following protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or NYC’s additional agreed characteristics As part of this assessment, please consider the following questions: · To what extent is this service used by particular groups of people with protected characteristics? · Does the proposal relate to functions that previous consultation has identified as important? · Do different groups have different needs or experiences in the area the proposal relates to? If for any characteristic it is considered that there is likely to be an adverse impact or you have ticked ‘Don’t know/no info available’, then a full EIA should be carried out where this is proportionate. You are advised to speak to your directorate representative for advice if you are in any doubt. N.B.
Protected characteristic	Potential for adverse impact				Don’t know/No info available
	Yes		No
Age			ü
Disability			ü
Sex			ü
Race			ü
Sexual orientation			ü
Gender reassignment			ü
Religion or belief			ü
Pregnancy or maternity			ü
Marriage or civil partnership			ü
People in rural areas			ü
People on a low income			ü
Carer (unpaid family or friend)			ü
Are from the Armed Forces Community			ü
Does the proposal relate to an area where there are known inequalities/probable impacts (for example, disabled people’s access to public transport)? Please give details.					N/A
Will the proposal have a significant effect on how other organisations operate? (for example, partners, funding criteria, etc.). Do any of these organisations support people with protected characteristics? Please explain why you have reached this conclusion.					N/A
Decision (Please tick one option)	EIA not relevant or proportionate:	ü		Continue to full EIA:		?
Reason for decision	Whilst a delay in the proposed improvement works being delivered will mean that users have to wait longer until equity of access within HCC can be improved, it is not considered that this is unacceptable. A full Equalities Impact Assessment will be completed once a preferred option for delivery is agreed to ensure that equity of access is fully considered and satisfactorily addressed.
Signed (Assistant Director or equivalent)	Nick Edwards
Date	29.02.2024