https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/harrogate
2nd Consultation Survey Ends 12th November 2021
https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/harrogate/survey_tools/harrogate-station-gateway-survey
ONLY public meeting for businessess only, Monday 8th November, 6pm Cedar Court Hotel.
https://www.harrogatechamber.co.uk/
The team will be available in Unit 11 at Victoria Shopping Centre at the following times:
Friday 5 November 2021, 10am – 3pm
Friday 29 October 2021, 10am – 1pm
Wednesday 27 October 2021, 10am –
There are two online live events where you can listen to a presentation and ask questions:
Thursday 21 October 6pm – 7pm:
Thursday 28 October 6pm – 7pm:
Please see link to The Gateway Action Group set up by residents https://gatewayactiongroup.org.uk/
This plan proposes drastic changes to the whole of the centre of Harrogate, not only around the Rail and Bus Stations.
This will adversely affect every resident in Harrogate. Forcing the traffic from the town centre onto the surrounding roads – RIPON ROAD, LEEDS ROAD, COLD BATH ROAD, SKIPTON ROAD & WETHERBY ROAD.
This is a very extensive scheme with proposals to alter access to both the Bus & Train Stations and to put wide cycle lanes on both sides of many roads, including Station Parade and East Parade, with one option being a single lane for cars throughout. It would also put cycle lanes on Cheltenham Parade and Bower Roads and make several other roads one way within the town. It also proposes pedestrianizing major parts of Harrogate, e.g. James St, Princes Sq.
As well as this the scheme plans to possibly make the major routes through the town one lane only for cars the following is suggested.
- Albert Street could become one-way eastbound between John Street and Station Parade.
- Changes could be made to the Albert Street/Station Parade/Station Bridge junction with movements from Albert Street for vehicles limited to right turns only (onto Station Parade towards Victoria Avenue).
- Two-lanes for general traffic would remain on Station Parade (southbound) between Albert Street and Victoria Avenue.
- Proposed one-way cycle lanes to be delivered on both sides of the Station Parade in this location. This may involve moving some existing trees.
- With hope to be able to retain the majority of on-street parking including the existing Blue Badge parking
Will this benefit the Harrogate town centre and is this the right scheme? Looking at the pedestrianised roads in other towns and the ones we already have in Harrogate, including part of Oxford Street, Cambridge Street, and Beulah Street, we can see the detrimental effects pedestrianization can have on shops & businesses, with an increase in empty units, charity shops and discount stores. Pedestrianised areas can also encourage the homeless, drug users and security fears.
Wouldn’t it be wise to make good those pedestrianized areas first, which are looking run down and shabby before making new ones?
The a flow of people and the access to the shops through any town is essential to support business and our concern is that cutting that off this ‘artery’ could be disastrous. There is no doubt, that high streets everywhere have suffered and there has been a gradual decline over the last 20 years when supermarkets became convenience stores and internet shopping has drawn demand. However, people do still want the experience of shopping and particularly after the pandemic, they need to escape from their homes and screens but they do expect convenience.
So, is this the right time for these dramatic changes and are they the right ones for our historic town, which has always attracted the shopper because of its individualism and unique boutiques? Harrogate is not a city and this scheme is perhaps more suited to a city centre.
In September 2019 when the town was shutdown during the UCI, many businesses suffered and closed, then there were increases in car parking charges, Brexit uncertainty, the Covid-19 Pandemic and now parking suspensions and possible pedestrianisation. Doesn’t the high street need a chance to revive? Cutting off the convenience will surely hinder the trade.
It has been stated on more than one occasion these measures will benefit business, but with a high percentage of visitors arriving by car, we are not sure how it will. Those visitors bring a substantial amount of income to hospitality and retail without which, we fear would be terribly damaging to the town’s economy.
The reality is that if businesses do not have access all day for customers and deliveries, they will not be able to function and may have to close unless a satisfactory solution is found.
Excellent article: