Businesses and local authorities in Harrogate need to communicate better on the future of the town centre, a retail expert said today.
Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce invited Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association, to talk at a zoom meeting about the challenges facing Harrogate high street.
Mr Goodacre, who lived in Harrogate for 15 years until 2013, said engagement with local authorities, congestion around the town centre and the need for a combined vision were the key challenges facing the town. He said:
“Independent retail is so important for town centres. I would call out to all local authorities to work with local businesses on their vision.”
Harrogate business owners William Woods and Lucy Gardiner both expressed anger at what they described as a lack of communication between businesses and the county and borough councils.
Mr Goodacre said he “shared their frustration”, adding:
“It’s about engagement: are businesses being engaged by the local authorities? Do they share a vision? I don’t understand the lack of communication because all the practices out there are very clear that it can’t be done in isolation. There has to be collaboration.
“It’s wrong, you’ve got to engage with businesses. Business just want to be involved and listened to.”
Some businesses are particularly concerned that their views haven’t been heard by local authorities promoting the Station Gateway project, which aims to improve cycling and pedestrian access to the town centre.
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Future of the high street
The need for a diverse high street was also discussed at the meeting.
Mr Goodacre said Harrogate’s range of retailers would help it stand out and encourage tourists to return after lockdown.
Looking further ahead, Mr Goodacre said trends towards online shopping, working from home and more leisure facilities on high streets mean Harrogate town centre will look very different in 10 years time.
He said:
“Harrogate has pockets of place like Cold Bath Road and Kings Road with their own identities. That diversity really works.
Eighteen chamber members attended the meeting, which was chaired by David Simister, chief executive of the chamber.
