Work on the 3,300 sq m scheme is expected to start in August so that the new facilities can be opened in autumn 2011.
Councillor Mike Gardner, chair of Harrogate International Centre management board said: “A fiercely competitive tendering process led to the appointment of Wates.
“I am also pleased to report that, as a consequence of this rigorous tendering and evaluation process, the cost of the scheme has come in below the original £13m budget and it is expected that some material savings will be achieved at the conclusion.”
Harrogate Borough Council and the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, are jointly funding the scheme.