Harrogate Arms, RHS Harlow Carr

A Long and Varied History

The Harrogate Arms was built in 1844 as a hotel, where health seeking visitors to Harlow Car Spa Bath House, sulphur spring wells and landscaped gardens stayed until 1923. In 1950, the Northern Horticultural Society took on the regeneration of the former pleasure grounds including the refurbishment of the deteriorating Bath House. At the same time, the Harrogate Arms separated from the wider gardens by fencing. It was then used as a pub, inn and even a nightclub until 2013. The building had suffered from insensitive development throughout its life, including extensions, and the demolition of original stable yard. Following a merger in 2001, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) acquired the derelict Harrogate Arms in 2014.

A Time for Change 

In 2016, the RHS appointed AJA with a brief to reintegrate the Harrogate Arms building back into the original gardens, restore the historic fabric and create a new cafe serving garden visitors. 

The building was in poor condition from many years of being vacant. Following an initial survey, we proposed a programme of opening-up works to further assess the fabric and inform the design process.

Using site analysis and visual surveys, we assessed heritage significance informed by archival research carried out by the heritage consultant. Despite the harm caused by the landscape segregation of the hotel from the garden and ensuing fabric decay, the building retained many elements of aesthetic and architectural heritage value. There was also great potential to reinstate strong historic and communal heritage values through reintegration with the garden.

Following this, we developed concept design proposals to restore the building and surrounding landscape.

The Design 

Our design included:

• Removal of single storey extensions to side and rear of building with replacement extension to house kitchen facilities.
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• Internal layout alterations to improve visitor flow around the new café, integrate new toilet and baby change facilities, provide staff changing and meeting room accommodation.
• Reintegration of original vistas and pathways within the garden
• Repair of damaged roof coverings
• Removal of modern internal interventions
• Stonework repairs
• Repairs of original timber casement windows and installing new draught proofing
• Access alterations including new level access

By removing many damaged modern interventions, we were able to reveal and restore historic fabric, enhancing visitor understanding of the building.