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    20

    Jan 2022

    Last Updated: 20/01/2022
    Environment
    Environment

    Harrogate set for colourful fountains and WiFi-charging benches

    by John Plummer

    | 20 Jan, 2022
    Comment

    0

    The proposals to transform Station Square, opposite the train station, are part of the £10.9m Station Gateway scheme. Other plans include new lighting columns with built-in insect hotels and planting areas that collect rain water to reduce the likelihood of floods in town.

    waterfountain2
    An example of a similar water feature in Peterborough.

    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."