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    09

    Nov

    Last Updated: 06/11/2026
    Community
    Community

    Harrogate set to get employment education centre for disabled people

    by Ellie McKinnell

    | 09 Nov, 2026
    Comment

    0

    beyond-imagination-emporium
    It will be based where the Beyond Imagination Emporium used to be.

    Harrogate is set to get a specialist employment support centre, targeting those with learning disabilities and neurodivergence.

    Reach Education and Employment, a newly set-up Community Interest Company, has requested planning approval for 55 Tower Street, formerly Beyond Imagination Emporium, to convert its use from child event centre to education centre.

    The only physical difference the company plans to make is to repaint the outside of the building white.

    The organisation plans to deliver employment education to people aged 16 to 25 with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions, using a range of methods including group work, supported work placements and one-to-one support.

    Part of the planning application states that there will be approximately 15 young people and two members of staff, operating between 9.30am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sessions will include Maths, English, Employability, Cooking, Emotional Maturity and Job Coaching.

    Chris Murray, director of employment at the company, told the Stray Ferret:

    Our approach is to involve the local communities in this, to not only educate our learners about employment and community involvement, but to also educate those around them who they will meet in everyday life. 

    We have plans to create an all-age hub for people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions in the future.

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