A YORK-based firm has clinched the contract to build a new exhibition hall at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Simpson Construction will build the £2.25m showpiece addition to the Harrogate site.

The announcement came as the Earl of Harewood, honorary life vice-president of the Yorkshire agricultural society, cut the first piece of turf to mark the start of construction.

The new building will almost double the showground's indoor exhibition space.

Work is expected to start early next month and be finished by spring 2001.

This will be in good time for next year's Great Yorkshire Show when the hall will house a new food exhibition.

Simpson Construction managing director Mr Ron Gatenby said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the fast-track contract and to be helping to produce an important feature in the showground development."

The entire exhibition complex will be known as YES - Yorkshire's Events Solution.

It will comprise existing accommodation and the new building and the two will be linked by a cafeteria and restaurant area.

The single-storey building will blend into the landscape and as special features it will have a distinctive pyramid-shaped roof and a glass-fronted entrance and glass facade.

Mr Raymond Twiddle, chairman of Yorkshire Agricultural Enterprises, said: "We are confident this will not only enhance facilities at the showground but increase the attraction of Harrogate as a venue for UK events and exhibitions.

"Our aim is to bring business to the town which might otherwise have gone elsewhere."

Negotiations are well under way with several event organisers interested in using the venue.

It is likely the 2001 spring flower show will be the first event to make use of the hall