North Yorkshire Council has refused to publish a full breakdown of the costs of the Harrogate Station Gateway, just weeks before work on the controversial scheme is due to begin.

Described as Harrogate's biggest town centre transformation in 30 years, the project has seen its estimated cost rise from an original £7.9 million.

The council's Conservative cabinet gave the scheme its backing last week, following a presentation by programme delivery manager Alex Richards at a meeting held in Harrogate.

However, the gateway was not listed on the agenda published ahead of the meeting. This meant residents were not told that the controversial project would be discussed or given advance notice of an opportunity to raise questions.

During the meeting, Mr Richards said the overall cost had fallen to £13.4 million.

The scheme was originally budgeted at £7.9 million, but the Stray Ferret revealed last year the projected cost had risen to £12.6 million. The combined authority subsequently awarded £2 million, taking the figure to £14.6 million.

Of the £12.6 million, direct construction costs accounted for just £4.83 million, while consultants were expected to be paid £2.79 million.

'Reduced cost'

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council for an updated breakdown of the latest figures.

A council spokesperson said:

“West Yorkshire Combined Authority is contributing £11 million, with a further £1.35 million from York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority and £1.05 million from North Yorkshire Council."

The spokesperson added the council sought “reduced cost" from the combined authority "when the sums were worked out”.

However, several aspects of the project have changed since the previous cost breakdown was published.

For example, the council initially indicated that construction firm Galliford Try would carry out the work. It subsequently awarded the contract to its in-house company, NY Highways.

When the Stray Ferret repeated its request for an updated breakdown, similar to the figures previously disclosed, the council said: “A new breakdown is not publicly available.”

Not on agenda

The Stray Ferret also asked why the station gateway presentation was not included on the agenda for last week's cabinet meeting in Harrogate, given the level of public interest in the project.

A council spokesperson said:

Resident questions traffic plans 

Harrogate resident Barry Adams questioned why a traffic management plan had still not been published.

He raised the issue after Councillor Michael Harrison told the cabinet meeting there would only be “pockets of work” rather than continuous town centre disruption.

Mr Adams also challenged comments by highways chief Councillor Malcolm Taylor, who said the gateway would act as a catalyst for further economic benefits in Harrogate. He described the claims as “unsubstantiated”.

He said:

What will happen?

The project will bring major changes to Station Parade, including the removal of 25 of its 28 parking spaces and the introduction of new bus and cycle lanes.

The One Arch pedestrian tunnel will be upgraded and better lit.

Station Square will be cleared to create space for events, with the existing tempietto set to be demolished as part of the changes.

You can read a fuller description of the work here.

The scheme is due to begin in January.