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10
Nov
More details revealed on £13.4m Harrogate Station Gateway construction
More details over the planned construction of the £13.4 million Harrogate Station Gateway have been revealed.
Matt Roberts, the council’s economy and regeneration manager at North Yorkshire Council, told business leaders at a Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce meeting last night (November 9) that the project is expected to last 18 months and would be a “catalyst for further improvements”.
The council confirmed that construction on the scheme would start in January, marking a significant milestone for a scheme that has taken six years to reach this point.
The controversial project has faced opposition during consultations, been scaled back and survived a legal challenge. Several previous start dates have also been missed.
During his presentation, Mr Roberts revealed further details over the construction phase of the scheme — which is expected to be carried out in four phases — and how it would affect business.
Some detail on the Station Gateway construction.
Work carried out as part of the gateway will see roads, such as Station Parade, reduced to one-lane of traffic throughout the construction, he said.
However, any road closures will only take place after 7pm with most of them coming towards the end of the project.
Mr Roberts added that pedestrian access will be maintained to all businesses and any ducting and drainage work will be carried out overnight.
He said:
While this approach is more expensive, due to the need for more remobilisation, it allows the improvements to be delivered in a way that keeps the town centre accessible.
Mr Roberts added that the council was taking “every possible step” to minimise disruption caused to businesses, including giving advance notice of works throughout the scheme.
He said:
We will be speaking to every single business within the site area.
Meanwhile, Karl Battersby, the council's corporate director for environment, said NYHighways, which is owned by North Yorkshire Council, would be carrying out the work on the gateway.
Karl Battersby, corporate director for environment at North Yorkshire Council.
In response to concerns over whether the contractor could deliver the scheme on time, Mr Battersby said the company had delivered the Selby gateway scheme under-budget.
He said:
That [the Selby scheme] went really well. It was actually delivered a significant amount under budget.
Described as Harrogate's biggest town centre transformation in 30 years, the project has seen its estimated cost rise from an original £7.9 million.
The £13.4m scheme is being funded through £11m from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, £1.35m from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and £1.05m from North Yorkshire Council.
Construction is expected to begin early next year, with completion scheduled for autumn 2028.
What happens now?
The council says it will hold drop-in sessions and visit businesses directly before and during the works to explain the construction programme and address concerns.
The project will bring major changes to Station Parade, including the removal of 25 of its 28 parking spaces and the introduction of new bus and cycle lanes.
The One Arch pedestrian tunnel will be upgraded and better lit.
Station Square will be cleared to create space for events, with the existing tempietto set to be demolished as part of the changes.
You can read a fuller description of the work here.
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