The saga over Harrogate’s Station Gateway took another turn this week when council officers revealed they were set to press ahead with the £10.9 million project.
North Yorkshire County Council, which is expected to vote to continue with the scheme on Tuesday, included an economic case for the scheme in documents sent to councillors ahead of Tuesday’s crunch vote.
The report says the initiative represents the “biggest investment in decades” in the town, will save shops from decline and make the town centre more attractive.
It was published without fanfare after the second round of consultation had finished, prompting business groups in Harrogate to criticise the county council for a lack of consultation. Business groups have long called for an economic impact assessment to be published.
The Stray Ferret has looked at the council’s economic case in detail to see why it is pressing ahead with the project.
Harrogate faces ‘economic challenges’
According to the county council’s economic case, the authority believes the gateway scheme will tackle “some of the economic challenges facing the Harrogate economy”.
The report cites a number of areas that need addressing, including job creation and access to education and skills.
Much of the 18-page paper centres around growing the Harrogate economy so it is “fit for the future”.
It argues that better access to the town centre will help to create jobs and increase the creation of businesses in Harrogate town centre.
The report cites an Office for National Statistics study which shows the number of new businesses set up in the town increased by 4% between 2014 and 2021 – below the Yorkshire and national average.
Graph of median annual earnings in Harrogate district compared with the national and regional average, as included in the report.
It goes on to say that residents in the district have higher than the average annual earnings, meaning there is a chance to “diversify” the town centre by encouraging more people into town.
Both of these areas could be tackled by improving access to the town centre and making it more attractive, council bosses say.
The report adds:
“Harrogate’s higher paid resident base suggests that there is potential to diversify the local economy, attracting high value, innovative businesses to invest in the town centre, opening up further employment opportunities in the town.”
The number of retail units in Harrogate town centre, as cited in the gateway report.
The report also warns that the town’s retail sector is at risk of decline.
It points to Harrogate Borough Council figures showing a reduction of 12% in retail units in the town centre in the last seven years.
It adds that the town needs to “diversify” in order to adapt to consumer behaviour – something which council bosses believe the gateway can address.
The report says:
“Evidence suggests that the town centre retail sector is at risk of decline in the medium term.
“Consumer behaviours and expectations are evolving and towns must diversify and advance to maintain health and vibrant visitor economies. the scheme is seeking to do just this.”
But, while the report addresses some of the town centre challenges, its critics say it offers nothing on how proposals in the gateway scheme will effect trade.
Businesses ‘not listened to’
While the county council has made efforts to push its economic case through an 18-page report and press releases to the media, it has not convinced local business groups.
In a joint letter to the county council leader, Cllr Carl Les, co-signed by Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Harrogate BID and Independent Harrogate, the groups argue that the report fails to address any of the concerns of businesses.
Read more:
- Confirmed: £11m Station Gateway to get green light next week
- Business groups claim they’ve been ignored in Station Gateway consultation
- Harrogate set for colourful fountains and WiFi-charging benches
The letter says the study is not dated and fails to take into account the impacts of covid on businesses. It goes onto say that next week’s vote on the scheme should be delayed until traders have had chance to scrutinise and comment on the report.
It says:
“Because of this lack of opportunity to comment on the economic impact study, we are now asking that the vote on the Project is postponed until your next executive meeting, allowing us, and others, time to digest its contents.
“However, having had a cursory glance through it, it appears the authors have looked to cities for case studies and not towns comparable to Harrogate. Also, they give examples from as along ago as 2007. The world has moved on a lot since then.
“It fails to take into account the impact of covid, out-of-town shopping centres with acres of free parking, and online shopping. And again, we say what of those residents living in our surrounding villages whose only way of getting around is via their car, or the tens-of-thousands of visitors who live outside the district?”
How James Street will look.
It also questions whether any impact of delivering the scheme on local businesses has been taken into account.
“It also appears the work to deliver this project could now creep into 2024. We were told it would take a year.
“Judging by the delays to ‘phase one of the Otley Road cycling path’, we have no confidence in your timescale. Does the economic impact study take into account the disruption delivering this Project will have on businesses already on their knees through to the ongoing impact of covid?”
What happens now?
Senior councillors have been recommended to approve the gateway project to be taken to the detailed design stage.
Councillors will make a decision at a meeting on Tuesday. The move would mean that work on the project could start in spring or summer.
A new £1.5 million fitness hub opened in Harrogate today featuring the largest indoor padel tennis centre in the UK and an “affordable but boutique” gym.
Coach gym and Surge Padel are located in the same unit, called the Matrix Building, on Hornbeam Park.
It is a major investment in the town after a difficult couple of years for business. The new venture has also created 40 jobs.
Padel tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. This development seeks to put Harrogate at the epicentre of that surge in interest. It’s the largest of its kind in the country with six courts.
Surge Padel has only opened on the first floor of the building but International Padel Federation is already considering it as the potential host of its European Championships.
Read more:
- Harrogate set for colourful fountains and WiFi-charging benches
- Ripon’s Old Deanery to reopen after licence granted
- First look at Harrogate cafe helping disabled people into jobs
Coach which can be found on the ground floor and comes with more than 200 pieces of equipment and guided classes.
Stuart Perrin, who owns both Coach and Surge Padel, told the Stray Ferret:
“People of Harrogate are already voting with their feet and moving here. I think they appreciate this premium product at an affordable price, particularly in this economic climate.
“It just so happens that I used to live in Harrogate and it’s close to where I live now so it was an easy decision for me when this property came up.
“We were planning to open the first Coach in Leeds when the first lockdown came. It was a difficult time but that business was very successful.
“During the lockdowns we were on the search for more properties as a result. So we have more places in the pipeline and think now is the time to invest.”
So it seems more jobs could be on the way too as the business expands across the UK, with head office based in the same Hornbeam Park building.
More pictures from Coach and Surge Padel:
Padel is a different type of tennis.
It is the largest indoor padel tennis court in the UK.
Coach has more than 200 pieces of equipment.
Staff can help with training.
Both Coach and Surge Padel are based at Hornbeam Park.
Doe Bakehouse in Harrogate has created a new Valentine’s-themed product called a Vulva-Nut.
The vulva-shaped sweet treat, which comes with ‘pube sprinkles’, has captured the imagination on social media, with Harrogate TV presenter Steph McGovern among those posting about it.
Doe Bakehouse, which now has four stores, is run by young entrepreneur Evie Jackson, who is known for her creative and brightly coloured products.
But the latest one, which comes with a meat-free option, has taken things to another level, with comments on the company’s Facebook page including ‘I need to send one to each of my ex’s, they could do with an anatomy lesson’, ‘I’m guessing the male version wouldn’t sell too well’ and ‘Will these be available in your Clit-heroe store?’.
Channel 4 presenter Steph McGovern was sent some of the vulva-nuts earlier this week.
The strawberry glazed treat comes with a hidden chocolate egg.
Despite a few comments asking “why is there a need?” the overall response on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with some using the hashtag feministfood.
Read more:
- Harrogate vegans on Veganuary, restaurants and why they chose plant-based diets
- Persistent vandalism threat to shops on Harrogate’s Bower Street
Police say wanted man may be in Harrogate
North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information to find a wanted man with links to Harrogate.
Andon Llalla, 40, is wanted on recall to prison. It is unclear what Llalla was jailed for.
Police initially asked for information on the whereabouts of Llalla in October. Officers today renewed their appeal to the public to come forward if they have seen him or know his whereabouts.
He also has links to Halifax and Brighouse in West Yorkshire.
A police statement added:
“If you see him or have information for the police, call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12210179751.
“To report information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Read more:
- Care home staff and residents at centre of recruitment campaign
- Missing teen sighted at Harrogate train station this morning
Ripley primary school seeks to join academy after ‘inadequate’ rating
A primary school in Ripley rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted this week is in negotiations to join an academy.
Ofsted’s report said parents valued Ripley Endowed C of E Primary School but was highly critical of the quality of education, leadership and early years provision.
The government schools inspector added that pupils were often distracted because work is too easy or too hard and “achieve far less than they should”.
North Yorkshire County Council, the local authority responsible for education, said today it was working with the school governors and interim school leaders to make improvements at the 49-pupil school.
The council also revealed that it was talking to the Diocese of Leeds and the regional schools commissioner to find an academy sponsor.
Academies are funded directly by the government and are run by an academy trust. Academy sponsors work with the trust to improve the performance of the school.
Read more:
- Ofsted rates Ripley primary school as ‘inadequate’
- St Aidan’s school in Harrogate rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted
Ripley is currently part of a federation of three schools, along with Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School and Beckwithshaw Community Primary School.
Putting in place improvements
Amanda Newbold, the assistant director for education and skills said:
“We are currently working with governors and interim school leaders to put in place the necessary improvements.
“The county council is working with the Diocese of Leeds and the regional schools commissioner to find an academy sponsor and to ensure the school has strong governance in place during this period of transition.
“We will work closely with the school, the wider community, parents, carers and pupils as we approach the next chapter for the school.”
Ofsted inspectors visited the school over two days in November 2021 when they observed lessons, spoke to pupils informally and met parents at the start of the day.
Here is how the inspectors came to the overall ‘inadequate’ rating:
- Quality of education: Inadequate
- Behaviour and attitudes: Requires improvement
- Personal development: Requires improvement
- Leadership and management: Inadequate
- Early years provision: Inadequate
Business groups in Harrogate have called for a vote on the town’s Station Gateway to be delayed after an economic case for the project was published just days before the key vote takes place.
In a letter to Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Harrogate Business Improvement District and Independent Harrogate said there was a “lack of opportunity” to comment on the paper.
The report, which is due before the county council’s executive next week, argues that the gateway will tackle “some of the economic challenges facing the Harrogate economy”.
The 18-page report goes on to cite various case studies and figures from the Office for National Statistics to support its case.
However, the three business groups said they have had no opportunity to comment on the paper and called for a vote on the scheme to be delayed until they have had chance to scrutinise it.
Read more:
- Confirmed: £11m Station Gateway to get green light next week
- Business groups claim they’ve been ignored in Station Gateway consultation
They also criticise the council for releasing the report just a week before the vote on the project.
The letter says:
“Because of this lack of opportunity to comment on the economic impact study, we are now asking that the vote on the project is postponed until your next executive meeting, allowing us, and others, time to digest its contents.
“However, having had a cursory glance through it, it appears the authors have looked to cities for case studies and not towns comparable to Harrogate. Also, they give examples from as along ago as 2007. The world has moved on a lot since then.
“It fails to take into account the impact of covid, out-of-town shopping centres with acres of free parking, and online shopping. And again, we say what of those residents living in our surrounding villages whose only way of getting around is via their car, or the tens-of-thousands of visitors who live outside the district?”
Some of the proposed changes to Station Parade.
The letter also questions whether the study takes into account the effect of construction of the project on businesses who are “already on their knees through to the ongoing impact of covid”.
The letter comes at the same business groups accused the county council of ignoring their views and the opinions of residents during the Station Gateway consultation.
The Stray Ferret revealed this week that the county council is set to give the £10.9m project the green light at a meeting on Tuesday next week — even though the latest consultation revealed the majority of respondents feel negatively towards the scheme.
Earlier this week, Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, described the scheme as the biggest investment in Harrogate “in decades”.
He said:
“These proposals represent the biggest investment in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton town centres in decades.
“We want to encourage more people to travel by foot, bike and public transport because it is good for health and the environment by promoting fitness and reducing congestion.
“The spending will also provide a welcome boost for our town centres after two difficult years of trading during the pandemic.
“We have listened to feedback from the public consultations and are confident people will be pleased with the results.”
Police are searching for a missing teenager who may be in the Harrogate area.
Benjamin Robert Leach, 16, has been reported missing after leaving a property in Selby on Wednesday, January 19.
Officers carried out enquiries and believe he is in the Harrogate area after a sighting at Harrogate train station in the early hours of this morning.
A North Yorkshire Police statement added:
“Benjamin is described as 5ft 5in tall, with short dark brown hair and brown eyes.
“Any immediate sightings should be reported to North Yorkshire Police via 999 quoting reference 12220010596. Any information which would assist officers to locate Benjamin should be reported via 101 quoting the same reference number.”
Read more:
- New bar and nightclub to open on Harrogate’s Parliament Street
- Five arrests amid ‘sharp rise’ in Harrogate burglaries
Traffic and Travel Alert: Numerous Harrogate bus cancellations on the 36, 1A and 1C routes
Harrogate Bus Company has had to cancel numerous buses this morning due to driver availability.
Those affected include:
- 7.35 – 36 Harrogate to Leeds – cancelled
- 7.56 – 1C Carmires to Harrogate – cancelled
- 8.41 – 1A Harrogate to Aspin – cancelled
- 8.55 – 36 Leeds to Harrogate – cancelled
- 9.06 – 1A Aspin to Harrogate – cancelled
- 9.49 – 1C Harrogate to Carmires – cancelled
- 9.55 – 36 Harrogate to Leeds – cancelled
- 10.14 – 1C Carmires to Harrogate – cancelled
- 10.55 – 36 Leeds to Harrogate – cancelled
- 11.55 – 36 Harrogate to Leeds – cancelled
- 12.55 – 36 Leeds to Harrogate – cancelled
For updates from Harrogate Bus Company, follow it on Twitter @harrogatebus.
The Stray Ferret has changed the way it offers Traffic and Travel alerts.
We will now notify you instantly through app notifications and flash tweets when there is an urgent alert. This could include heavy traffic, dangerous weather and long delays or cancellations of public transport.
The alerts are sponsored by The HACS Group.
Concerns over infrastructure and rolling stock have delayed the introduction of improved direct train services between Harrogate and London.
A new timetable, with an earlier direct service to London King’s Cross, was due to be implemented in May 2022.
The shake-up was announced by LNER in June last year as part of wider changes to services on the east coast main line.
LNER said times between Harrogate and London would be about 10 minutes faster as part of the new timetable, which included:
- A service to leave Harrogate earlier, at 6.35am rather than 7.34am.
- A new seventh daily train would leave Harrogate at 6.35pm. On the current schedule, the last train departs at 5.36pm.
In the opposite direction, from London direct to Harrogate:
- Trains would start almost an hour earlier (6.40am rather than 7.33am).
- The final service back would also be earlier, at 4.39pm rather than 5.33pm.
Read more:
- HS2 scrapping: How will it affect the Harrogate district?
- Traffic disruption expected in Killinghall next week
- Harrogate train line boost with extra service every hour
However, the improved services will now not be introduced after Network Rail recommended that the Department for Transport, which has the final decision on the timetable, delays the implementation.
The organisation said it had “concerns around infrastructure, rolling stock and performance and stakeholder feedback” with the changes.
Simon Leyshon, industry programme director for Network Rail’s east coast route, said it hoped to implement the changes as soon as possible.
He said:
“Postponing the new timetable change for the east coast main line allows us to dedicate more time to considering the views passengers and stakeholders shared with us during the consultation process last year.
“We’re now working closely with train operating companies and the wider rail industry to develop a timetable that meets passenger’s changing travel patterns and makes the most of the increased capacity on the East Coast main line following the £1.2 billion East Coast upgrade.”
Network Rail also pointed out that Harrogate had already seen an additional Northern service introduced on the Leeds to York line in December 2021.
Harrogate town centre is set to get water fountains and smart benches where people can charge their phones as part of the £10.9 million Station Gateway scheme.
North Yorkshire County Council is expected to approve the controversial gateway project next week.
Most of the focus has been on how the scheme will reduce traffic to single lane on a stretch of Station Parade and part pedestrianise James Street to encourage cycling and walking.
But documents sent to councillors ahead of next week’s executive meeting also reveal proposed changes to the public realm close to the train station.
They include creating a dry plaza water jet feature surrounded by new trees and seating at Station Square, where the Victoria monument is located.
Read more:
- Confirmed: £11m Station Gateway to get green light next week
- Station Gateway petition rejected as council accused of ‘ploughing ahead’ with scheme
One of the documents says:
“The fountain jets can be switched on and off by the council to cater to year-round events in the plaza. Lighting can also be controlled by visitors using a smart phone to connect.
“Smart benches are proposed in the plaza to allow visitors to enjoy the space whilst charging their devices. These smart benches can also have built-in WiFi and lighting so you can enjoy your time in the plaza.”
Other proposals include new lighting columns with built-in insect hotels for wildlife along with other green measures. The documents says:
“We want to celebrate how green Harrogate is by adding in new colourful planting and new trees along streets and in the new plaza at the station.
“Some areas of planting will be rain gardens. These are special planting areas that love collecting rain water to reduce the likelihood of floods around the town.”