How well are Harrogate and Knaresborough’s new leisure centres doing?

New leisure centres opened in Harrogate and Knaresborough late last year.

Now that both have been operating for some time, the Stray Ferret set out to discover how well they’re doing.

The centres were part of a £47.9 million investment into local leisure provision by Brimhams Active, which Harrogate Borough Council set up to run leisure services.

Brimhams is now owned by North Yorkshire Council, which plans to abolish it and bring leisure services back under direct control.

Harrogate exceeds target

Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre has exceeded its membership target in the months since it reopened, North Yorkshire Council said.

The leisure centre, which was formerly known as the Hydro, re-opened its doors in September following an 18-month transformation.

The £13.5 million refurbishment at Harrogate included creating a 400-square metre fitness centre, a new sauna and steam room, improved reception and café areas, as well as an overhaul of the existing spin, leisure and swimming facilities.

The Jennyfields site also boasts three swimming pools: a 25-metre lane pool, a diving pool and a children’s pool. But the refurbishment wasn’t plain sailing and ended up £1.5 million over budget – so has it paid off?

A spokesperson for the council told the Stray Ferret the membership target for Harrogate, up to January 2024, was 2,060. It currently has 3,079 members  – more than 1,000 above target.

Cllr Simon Myers, the council’s executive member for culture, arts and housing, said he was “in awe” of the site’s success so far:

“People are very impressed from what I’ve been told.

“A lot of people I know have moved over from private gyms and they’re really taken by it. But we do have to keep it up.

“I’m in awe of the staff and the management at both sites. I find the public sector surprisingly visionary. I’m the luckiest portfolio holder in the country.”

Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre’s pool.

Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre

Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre opened its doors in December. It was built on the former Knaresborough Pool site and cost £17.5 million.

Work began in April 2022 and the centre was originally due to open in summer last year, but the opening date was repeatedly delayed until last month.

Although it is early days, so far it has not had the same success as Harrogate.

The council membership target was 1,400, but so far there have been 1,164 sign ups.

Cllr Myers attributed the shortfall to opening during the Christmas period:

“The Christmas period goals aren’t getting fit – unless someone is very virtuous – but levels are certainly picking up.”

Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre’s immersive spin studio.

The Knaresborough site offers a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool, a leisure pool and slide, and a 60-station fitness suite.

Like Harrogate, it also boasts a sauna and steam room, a café, a group cycling studio and a studio for fitness classes.

Cllr Myers said:

“The building is so good — that did my heart good. What an achievement it is.

“Brimhams has brilliant staff. The ethos is really good. They’re very welcoming and know how to engage with people in all abilities.

“I take it from being at both places, I think people have been so blown away by the result of public investment in public facilities.

“We want to deliver the best experience in the same way the private sector can – we need to look at what marvellous space have been created. Every bit of the building earns its keep.”

Cllr Myers also said 500 people visit the leisure centres in Harrogate and Knaresborough each day.

Starbeck Baths and Ripon leisure centre

The Stray Ferret also wanted to know what plans, if any, are in place for Starbeck Baths, which has long been under the spotlight as the council’s next potential project.

We asked what the success of both Harrogate and Knaresborough would mean for the future of the Starbeck site, to which Mr Myers responded:

“At the moment it’s in the very early stages.

“I know some residents would really like an answer – especially since it’s been a bit of an unknown for a while — but we will try and get on with it. It’s a huge piece of work.

“It’s against a backdrop of difficult times in public finances. But we do know in the pounds we invest in leisure, we save money elsewhere for NHS, for example.

“I think we can justify investment into leisure and wellness even in the most cynical of financial times.”

The Stray Ferret has also closely followed the saga surrounding Ripon Leisure Centre.

The Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre has not only faced the most bumps – or holes – in the road, but also the biggest expenditure of the three.

Although the site officially reopened in March 2022, Ripon residents are yet to see the full transformation.

An article last week reported the original budget for the project awarded to contractor Willmott Dixon in November 2019 was £10.2 million and it was scheduled for delivery in 17 months.

But £18 million and more than four years later, members are still using a temporary gym in the car park and attending fitness classes at Hugh Ripley Hall in the city centre.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate wealth management firm rebrands

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Don’t miss out and click here to book your tickets now for the awards night on March 14 2024. 

Cardale Asset Management has been rebranded by Titan Wealth Group.

The Harrogate firm, now known as Titan Private Wealth, offers equity based investment services and provides portfolio management to private clients, pension schemes, charities and corporates.

Mark Puleikis, chief executive at Titan Private Wealth, said:

“This is an exciting new chapter for the team.

“Thanks to Titan Wealth’s support, we will accelerate our growth and continue to operate a dynamic business model, ensuring we can move quickly to maximise opportunities for our clients.”

York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub offers start-up advice

York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub has partnered with Lifted Ventures to bring start-ups and early-stage businesses advice.

North Yorkshire Stars will offer workshops and virtual events on business plans, legal advice and funding to help local businesses better prepare for investment.

Simon Middleton, delivery manager for the Growth Hub, said:

“If you’re a business owner and you want to raise finance but you’re unsure where to go or what information you should prepare, these workshops are for you. We look forward to hearing from you.”

Harrogate accountant publishes first novel

Tom Rhodes, a partner at accountancy firm Lithgow Perkins, has published his first novel.

The Awakening of Speros is a fantasy tale aimed at teenagers and young adults.

The former Rossett School pupil said:

“Writing is an escapism for me. It’s about as far removed from accountancy as possible.

“I really enjoy my day job, but I also love escaping into a different world with my writing.

“I tend to write fantasy because I like that you can make up your own rules and get lost in what you want to happen in your story.”

It is available to buy now as an E-book on Amazon or in Castlegate Books in Knaresborough.

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No end in sight for traffic lights near Ripley

Two-way traffic lights on Fountains Road look set to remain in place for several weeks.

The lights were installed following several heavy rainstorms in December, as one part of the road (pictured), which runs between Ripley and Sawley, is notorious for flooding.

However, despite recent dry weather, there is no sign of the lights being removed imminently.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council how long the lights were expected to remain, as well as what long-term flood prevention measures will be put in place on the road. A spokesperson responded:

“Before the traffic lights are removed, we must jet the gullies and inspect the carrier drain.

“Officers hope to be on site in the next few weeks.”

The spokesperson did not provide a timeframe and said the authority will “provide an update closer to the time and when works are ongoing”.

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Amazon rom-com filmed in Harrogate to be released next month

An Amazon MGM Studios production starring Camila Mendes, which was partly filmed in Harrogate, is due to be released next month.

Upgraded, which tells the story of an aspiring art intern who sparks up a romance on a work trip, was shot in the town in the summer of 2022.

A spokesperson for the production company told the Stray Ferret scenes were shot at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel, which “doubles as a posh London hotel”, as well as The Mercer Art Gallery, on Swan Road.

Upgraded Amazon MGM Studios. Credit: Paul Stephenson

Camila Mendes (L) and Marisa Tomei. Amazon MGM Studios. Credit: Paul Stephenson

It appears the scenes shot in Harrogate will pass off as London in the film. Asked why Harrogate was chosen, the spokesperson said:

“Harrogate a beautiful Yorkshire spa town with lovely architecture that can easily double for London.”

Part of the Stray was also used to film a football match scene.

The crew was spotted filming on the Stray in August 2022.

The Stray Ferret reported on the production at the time of filming after American-Brazilian actress Camila Mendes, the leading lady, was spotted in the town.

Ms Mendes, who starred as Veronica Lodge in Netflix’s Riverdale, is joined by British actor Archie Renaux, as well as Marisa Tomei who featured in the Spider-Man franchise and Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Upgraded will be released on Prime Video on February 9.

The trailer is available to watch on Youtube now.

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Five-day ASLEF strike set to hit Harrogate to London trains

On Monday, January 22, ASLEF announced the planned industrial action had been cancelled. Another planned walk-out, on February 2, is still set to go ahead. 

Members of the Associate Society of Locomotive Engineers and Fireman (ASLEF) Union will walk out at LNER for five days next month.

ASLEF issued a press release yesterday saying drivers will walk out from Monday, February 5 until Friday, February 9.

It added members would also refuse any non-contractual overtime from Wednesday, February 7, to Saturday, February 10.

LNER operates trains between Harrogate and London King’s Cross, which are likely to be affected during the strike, although details have yet to be revealed.

It has been engaged in a long-running pay dispute with ASLEF.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said:

“We have given LNER management – and their government counterparts who hold the purse strings – every opportunity to come to the table and they have so far made no realistic offer to our members.

“We have not heard from the Transport Secretary since December 2022, or from the train operating companies since April 2023.

“It’s time for them to come to the table and work with us to resolve this dispute so we can all move forward and get our railway back on track.”

LNER has yet to comment on the strike.

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Police CCTV appeal following criminal damage at Ripon petrol station

North Yorkshire Police officers have now identified the person they wanted to speak with in connection with a criminal damage incident in Ripon.

The Stray Ferret has amended its coverage to anonymise the person in the CCTV image.

The force today said the incident, which occurred at around 4.30am on Christmas Eve (Sunday, December 24), happened at the BP petrol station on North Street.

Officers added:

“We’re asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the CCTV image as we believe they will have information that will help our investigation.

“Anyone with any information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Quote reference number 12230245400 when passing on information.

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Killinghall roadworks to remain for another eight days

Roadworks on the A61 Ripon Road through Killinghall are set to remain in place for another eight days.

Two-way lights were installed in the village on Thursday, January 11, as Northern Powergrid began nearly two-weeks of cable works.

They had added to delays experienced by the many motorists who use the road at busy times.

A spokesperson for the operator said the work “relates to a fault on a service cable feeding supply to a house”.

They added:

“Engineers have identified a fault under the main road.

“Teams are working as quickly and safely as possible to install the new cable under the road.”

Northern Powergrid said it expects the work to be completed by Wednesday, January 24, adding:

“We apologise to customers for any disruption caused and thank them for their patience.”

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Flood work to cause overnight noise at Harrogate station this week

Three nights of flood prevention work will take place at Harrogate train station this week.

In a letter sent to nearby residents, seen by the Stray Ferret, Network Rail said it will be carrying out the prevention works and repairs to the drainage system.

It said the work requires road-rail machinery, which may “cause some some noise whilst in operation”.

A Network Rail spokesperson said:

“Our engineers will be working overnight between Monday and Thursday to investigate and carry out work to the drainage system underneath Harrogate station.

“Teams will be working to restore a foul pipe connection between the platform and the sewage network under the railway line.

“We know that working close to residents’ properties can be disruptive, especially overnight, but our teams will be as sensitive as they can while they carry out the work.”

 The company also apologised in advance for the disruption but said the “work is essential”. It added:

“The team need to undertake the work at night as it is the safest time to access the railway, due to the low numbers of trains that run overnight.”

Network Rail will be working overnight from Monday, January 15 at 10pm, to Thursday, January 18 at 8am.

The company does not expect the works to disrupt regular train schedules.

Read more:

 

Business Breakfast: Harrogate car firm appoints managing director

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Harrogate-based Synergy Car Leasing has appointed a managing director.

Will Voisey, who will be taking on the role, has worked at the company for more than 10 years after starting out as a sales account manager. He brings two decades of industry experience to the role.

Mr Voisey said:

“Synergy has a great team of people and a strong leadership team, and we are well placed to deliver our next stage of growth.

“As a long-standing employee of Synergy, I am excited to be building on our success to date.”

Harrogate travel agent makes first hire since covid

TravelGate, on Harrogate’s Albert Street, has hired Lizzie Anthony as a travel consultant.

Ms Anthony, who previously worked as cabin crew for Emirates Airline, is the firm’s first hire since the pandemic.

Phil O’Boyle, joint founder and director of TravelGate, said:

“Lizzie brings a real enthusiasm, energy and passion for travel. Her previous role as cabin crew for Emirates Airline gave her the opportunity to travel extensively and develop her knowledge of many destinations.”

Northern appoints chief operating officer 

Northern has appointed one of Network Rail’s route directors as its chief operating officer.

Matt Rice, who lives in York, will succeed Tricia Williams, who is stepping into the managing director role.

Mr Rice will lead all Northern service and engineering functions across the north of England in his new role. He said:

“I have spent my career focused on making things better and I am committed to fostering a positive workplace culture for all and delivering great rail services for people across the north of England.”

Read more:

 

Increase in number of arrests in Christmas drink and drug drive campaign

The Harrogate district saw the highest number of arrests in the county once again during North Yorkshire Police’s winter drink and drug drive campaign.

A total of 731 roadside tests were completed in North Yorkshire during December, with 18.5% of those testing positive to being over the limit for drink or drug driving — a 6.9% increase from the year prior.

Of those arrested, 76% were male and 24% were female.

Police attributed the increase to a “more targeted approach to catching drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.

The results, which were published today, show 21% of arrests were made in the Harrogate district. Last year 33 of 121 countywide arrests during the campaign were made in the district.

Scarborough (19%) and York (16%) accounted for the most arrests this year after Harrogate.

Police said the reason drivers were stopped and asked to provide a sample including committing a moving traffic offence (522), suspicion (138) and being involved in a collision (71).

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There were no drink or drug related fatal collisions throughout the period of the campaign.

The highest reading taken during a roadside test was 118. The offender was given a 28-month disqualification and a fine at York Magistrates Court.

Chief inspector Alex Butterfield, from specialist operations, said in a statement:

“When it comes to catching those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the public is key and I want to thank every single person who provided information.

“Serious conversations can be difficult or awkward but they may just save a life.

“I would urge you to start a conversation around driving under the influence with family and friends, especially if you have young or inexperienced drivers in your household.”

Police urged anyone that suspects a person may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to dial 101 or 999 if the risk is imminent.