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06
Jul 2021
£10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway scheme: what key groups say
The £10.9 million Station Gateway scheme is one of the biggest and most controversial transport policies in Harrogate for years.
The scheme aims to transform the way people travel in the town centre by encouraging cycling and walking and reducing traffic.
Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have received UK government funding for the initiative.
Two proposals have proved particularly divisive so far: reducing traffic on Station Parade to one lane and pedestrianising the northern section of James Street.
Some businesses fear these moves could damage trade but many individuals and environmental groups support them.
Detailed designs are now being drawn up after the publication of a consultation document.
Here are edited extracts of what some stakeholders said in their consultation responses.
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce
In the case of James Street, whilst we are against full pedestrianisation, we are not adverse to its semi-pedestrianisation, beyond its junction with Princes Square. We would also advocate retaining some of the parking bays.
What we are sadly lacking is a well thought out plan. Not just a vision for a future Harrogate, but a sustainable transport plan which involves the views of Harrogate.
Harrogate Bus Company
Your consultation gives two choices – single or twin lane. Our preference is a hybrid approach with two lanes, one for buses and one for other traffic the length of Cheltenham Parade from Cheltenham Mount to the bus station and also on the section south of the bus station to station bridge.
CEG (property group)
CEG would whole heartedly support the Station Gateway proposals and in particular we welcome the reduction of Station Parade to one lane and the total pedestrianisation of the northern element of James Street
Zero Carbon Harrogate
Zero Carbon Harrogate supports the lowest traffic options presented in the Harrogate Station Gateway consultation as we believe the result will be a more vibrant, pleasant and prosperous town. They will also best meet the wishes expressed by around 15,000 respondents to the Harrogate Congestion Study in 2019 who overwhelmingly supported measures to increase active travel and public transport.
Harrogate Business Improvement District
The BID supports the two lane proposals but with one dedicated to buses and taxis only. We don’t agree with the proposed two-way cycle lanes as it doesn’t form part of a connected and segregated cycling route and would result in reduced space for pedestrians — we would prefer to see some pavement widening.
We are concerned that the current consultation process hasn’t engaged the wider Harrogate community and urge you to consider sending details of the proposals via email and post to all Harrogate residents a this is such a significant step change in travel.
Harrogate Civic Society
There is a problem with making comments on these specific options (which focus on a relatively small section of Harrogate town centre) when there is no indication of these being part of a longer-term, integrated traffic policy for the wider area. As with previous proposals (some of which have been implemented) there is the very real possibility that, without a clear traffic policy for the whole of the town, these changes will in the future be seen as having been unnecessary or detrimental.
The need for major change to Station Square is questioned. The principal problems with this space relate to inadequate maintenance and poor collection of litter.
Commercial Street Retailers Group
An overwhelming majority of 81.25% of Commercial Street retailers voted for the two-lane option.
We are concerned and disappointed about the length, geographical reach and visibility of the consultation. With something as significant as this, all households in the Harrogate district should be consulted.
Harrogate District Friends of the Earth
The new layout will encourage more people to use the bus and rail station It will benefit buses and bus users; it will make cycling safer on this route; it will encourage cycling; it will make walking safer on this route.
Read more:
- £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway scheme moves to design stage
- Harrogate's controversial James Street planters could go after June 21
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