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.
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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.
Budding entrepreneurs in the Harrogate district can take part in a free seven-week project to help them hone their business skills and win a £2,500 prize.
The Strive project is being run by social enterprise Enterprise Cube, which will have a team of experienced business people on hand to guide 30 local people through a series of workshops, individual advice sessions and start-up challenges.
It is being part-funded by Harrogate Borough Council and is free to anyone in the Harrogate district who has a business idea or a fledgling business.
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During the seven weeks, the group will learn about creating a brand, taking payments, building an online presence, and tackling all the legal and tax issues involved in starting a business. £2,500 will be handed out in prizes at the end of the seven weeks.
Strive was first run in 2012 and has supported over 5,000 people in the UK.
Laura Mumford, director of Strive, said:
“We’re really excited to be bringing Strive to Harrogate. My roots are here, and I love that we’ve got such a strong independent business scene in the area – so it’s great to be able to support it.”
You can find out more and apply at: www.homeofstrive.com/harrogate.
Gino D’Acampo restaurant in Harrogate set to closeAn Italian restaurant owned by Gino D’Acampo will close this month after more than four years in Harrogate.
Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant on Parliament Street is one of five of the celebrity chef’s restaurants to close.
After opening the business in 2017 Mr D’Acampo claimed it was the only “proper Italian” in Harrogate.
His comments sparked a furious backlash at the time from a number of Harrogate’s Italian restaurant owners.
The closures follow the news from the start of the year that his My Pasta Bar chain entered liquidation amid problems with coronavirus.
Piccolino will take on the former Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant in Harrogate, which will reopen after a rebrand on Monday, January 24.
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A spokesperson for Piccolino, which is part of the Individual Restaurants group along with Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant, said:
“This former Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant will become part of the Piccolino family of restaurants on January 24.
“We are thrilled to announce that we will soon be opening a brand new Piccolino restaurant in Harrogate.
“We can’t wait to welcome you through our doors of Harrogate’s brand new Piccolino.”
A new ethical cafe in Harrogate, which provides jobs for people with disabilities, has opened.
Artizan International quietly opened its South-American themed cafe in the former Game unit on Cambridge Road at the start of the week — and it’s already drawing a crowd.
Demand is so high that the cafe is looking to accelerate the renovation of the first floor to make way for more seating.
The charity opened a shop around the corner on Oxford Street in 2020, which helps visually impaired people overseas earn a living by selling their craft work.
However, Artizan International founder Susie Hart discovered there were “countless” young people with other disabilities in North Yorkshire. As a result, she set the cafe on a different path by giving them the opportunity to find employment.
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The cafe serves a speciality Peruvian hot chocolate. All of its coffee, tea and sugar are from Fairtrade sources. It also stocks a range of soups, panninis and cakes.
It is open from 10am until 5pm Mondays to Saturdays. The cafe is closed for art workshops for children on Sundays.
Liz Cluderay, UK programmes officer at Artizan International, told the Stray Ferret:
“The long term aim of the project is very much about reaching local businesses. We want them to see young adults with learning disabilities and just how capable they are.
“Work like this is particularly important because of coronavirus. In the first lockdown they were sent home and, for the most part, their work opportunities have not returned.
“But people shouldn’t come here because they feel sorry for the people who work here. We want customers to come here simply because it’s a brilliant cafe with amazing coffee and food.”
More pictures from inside the cafe
There is plenty of food and drink on offer.
The cafe has been decorated beautifully.
Matthew is cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
A Thai restaurant chain known for fresh dishes and bright interiors has revealed the month when it plans to make its Harrogate debut.
Giggling Squid is currently renovating the former Las Iguanas unit on John Street in anticipation of a March opening date.
The restaurant started in the basement of a fisherman’s cottage in Brighton but has since developed into a business with more than 40 restaurants.
When it opens there will be the opportunity to eat indoors, outdoors as part of the alfresco experience or take the food home with click and collect or delivery.
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Andy Laurillard, Giggling Squid co-founder, said:
“Thai mealtimes are energetic, informal, adventurous and where food is celebrated. It’s relaxed and there’s no standing on ceremony.
“We simply want people to have a great time over something tasty. Every Giggling Squid has its own personal touch to it, and this restaurant is no different.”
Giggling Squid Harrogate will be open Monday to Thursday 12pm to 10pm, Friday to Saturday 12pm to 10.30pm and Sunday from 12pm to 9.30pm.
A few restaurants already specialise in Thai food in Harrogate, including Sukhothai, Tah Chang and takeaway service Nakhon.
Street entertainer and litter ranger among plans to boost Harrogate footfallHarrogate Business Improvement District is set to outline its plans for 2022, which will include street entertainment and pop-up markets.
Officials from the BID will hold their annual general meeting at the Crown Hotel today to outline plans for the year ahead.
The plans will include a “HastobeHarrogate” promotional campaign, as well as a street ranger whose remit will be to keep the town centre clean and tidy.
The BID is also planning street entertainment which will include home-grown theatrical talent, who will be performing in the town centre over a series of weekends throughout the year.
Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate BID, said:
“The good news is that we are going to do more to make Harrogate even more appealing, giving locals and visitors plenty of reasons to ‘pop into town’ time and time again.
“This month our street ranger, whose main remit is to keep the town centre looking spick and span, will make his official debut. So, look out for him and his branded electric vehicle complete with jet washer.
“Our street cleansing crew will be back in March for the first of four major cleaning and weeding sessions, and ensuring Harrogate looks fresh and clean in time for the Easter holiday.
“Our barrier baskets and planters will again be giving Harrogate a vibrant burst of colour and clearly demonstrating why it is renowned as a floral town.”
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Proposals outlined by the organisation will coincide with the queen’s platinum jubilee, which will take place over four days in early June.
Officials at the BID said its plans for the year are designed to make the most of the event and entice ore people into the town centre.
Ms Ferguson said this would include a partnership with LoyalFree to create a series of ‘shop local’ campaigns, aimed at promoting Harrogate as Yorkshire’s number destination to “shop, eat and drink”.
She added that the BID also intended to look into “hosting a series of pop-up markets” off the back of the Christmas Fayre.
A pub in the centre of Ripon has closed for the foreseeable future.
The Lamb and Flag, on High Skellgate, looks quiet and dark today with the pub garden fenced off.
It is unclear why the pub has closed but the owners, who took over a little more than a year ago, revealed the news in a statement on their Facebook page. It said:
“This decision has not come lightly but unfortunately the Lamb and Flag will be closed for the foreseeable.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support but at this time we will be closing.
“We will update everyone if there are any changes.”
The Stray Ferret asked the pub’s owners why they decided to close and whether it would reopen. However, we had not received a reply by the time of publication.
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A discount shop which has operated in Harrogate for the last two years is set to close its doors at the end of the month.
The Harrogate Discount Store took on prime retail space on James Street on a temporary basis after Next moved to the Victoria Shopping Centre.
It will close on Tuesday, January 25 but the owners hope to find smaller premises elsewhere in the town centre.
The company moved in when the landlord wanted a business to fill the space while seeking planning permission for a renovation.
Harrogate Borough Council approved the renovation works, which include refurbishment of the shop front and the addition of separate access for the upper floors of the building, in December.
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In the planning documents, the landlord said the proposal would improve the chances of attracting a “quality long-term tenant”.
Gavin Broadbent, who runs the Harrogate Discount Store with another employee on behalf of the owners, told the Stray Ferret:
“As far as I am aware, the landlord just needs the place back. We were only meant to be here for three months but that was two years ago.
“We have been on a rolling deal and have done quite well out of the place. We have been really busy so we are going to try and find somewhere a bit smaller in a couple of months.
“It has been great. We have really built it up to be quite well liked. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea being on a posh street in the middle of Harrogate but people like a bargain.”
Harrogate’s newly-renovated Crimple has appointed a new executive chef.
Tim Kitchen started his first head chef role in 2013 at D&D in Leeds and has worked in various venues across Yorkshire since.
Mr Kitchen has moved to Harrogate from Skipton’s Keelham Farm Shop — a success story Crimple is keen to replicate.
This new chef joins shortly after Crimple, previously known as Crimple Hall, completed a £6 million investment. It now has a 20,000 square foot food hall, 150-seat restaurant and private events space plus a garden centre and gift hall,
The food hall has an in-house bakery, 12-metre butcher’s counter and chef-cooked ready meals. All the food and produce is locally sourced and fresh.
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Graham Watson, the owner of Crimple, said:
‘”We are incredibly excited to bring Tim aboard the Crimple team. We’re passionate about supporting local and can’t wait for Tim to weave his creativity and passion into our menus.
“With late night dining launching imminently and a big focus on private events in 2022, there’s lots to do but with Tim at the helm we know the food will triumph.”
Mr Kitchen added:
Harrogate jeweller Fattorini bids farewell after 190 years“I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my culinary journey.
“With all the buzz around the re-launch of Crimple I can’t wait to get started.
“I am truly excited about the opportunity to meet customers and help make their dining experience unforgettable.”
A well-known Harrogate jewellers which has been in the same family for 190 years is set to close it doors for the final time today.
The Stray Ferret revealed in November that A.Fattorini The Jewellers, on Parliament Street, was due to close when the current manager Anthony Tindall retires.
Today, after a busy few months at the shop with the combination of a closing down sale and Christmas, Mr Tindall will bid a fond farewell to his customers and staff.
While most of the stock has found new homes, the few remaining pieces will go to an auction house.
Anthony and his great-great grandfather Antonio Fattorini.
It was not an easy decision for Mr Tindall, whose great, great grandfather Antonio Fattorini founded the business in 1831, but his children were not keen to take it on.
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He told the Stray Ferret today:
“I am very proud of the legacy and the whole family are proud of it. Of course it is sad that it will not continue in my family.
“These are sad decisions but you need to do it. I need to retire otherwise I will still be doing this well into my 80s and the world isn’t ready for that.
“Customers like the bargains but they do say they are sorry to see us go. People will remember us for the happy and important things in life, engagements and weddings.
“It has touched many lives, I know lots of the customers but plenty come in and say you won’t know me but buying jewellery from Fattorini is part of their family tradition.”
It is unclear what will happen to the iconic building where Fattorini has been based since 1884 when it closes.
However, Mr Tindall hopes that a new family will take on the business.