Harrogate BID (Business Improvement District) has sent a crew to steam clean and jet wash ‘hot spots’ across the town centre.
Ahead of the Easter holidays, the BID has paid a team from UK Nationwide Cleaning to spend ten nights removing grime and chewing gum.
Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman said:
“Walking around the town centre, it is clear to see where our cleaning team have been, giving pavements a much needed deep clean.
“Our cleaning crew is working across numerous areas, making sure the town centre looks in pristine condition for the traditional start of the 2022 tourism season.
“In the first ever survey asking Levy Payers what they wanted us to do, cleaning was the priority, and with our cleaning contractors, together with our Street Ranger, this is what we are delivering.
“This is the first of a number of visits this year for our cleaning crew, and they will be back on at least two more occasions cleaning different parts of the BID area.”
Harrogate was the first town in the district to form a BID in 2019. Almost 500 businesses pay 1.5% of their rateable value each year.
It’s estimated that the Harrogate BID brings in around £500,000 from levy payers annually.
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TikTok video on mental health in Harrogate goes viral
A TikTok video of a man raising awareness of mental health in Harrogate town centre has gone viral.
The clip, by Ben Ogden on Cambridge Street, shows him standing with a sign saying: “If you’ve struggled with mental health, let’s talk”.
Mr Ogden is well known on TikTok for his videos talking to people on the street about mental health and has posted clips in Leeds and Skipton.
In Harrogate, he speaks with a woman, who is off camera, about her struggles with mental health.
Mr Ogden says in the video:
“We’re just trying to raise awareness for mental health and to let people know it’s alright to talk about it and it should be a normal conversation.”
@itsbenogden It’s okay to talk 💬 #mentalhealthmatters #friends
The video has racked up 429,000 views on TikTok and has more than 21,000 likes and 200 comments.
Mr Ogden, who has nearly 50,000 followers on the social media platform, also published a video outside Sainsbury’s on Cambridge Street with a sign that reads: “If you’re missing your mum this Mother’s Day, let’s talk”.
The clip clocked up 465,000 views.
Read more:
- ‘So beautiful I can’t believe it’s real’: TikTok video of Knaresborough goes viral
- Viral TikTok video sees Brimham Rocks staff kick out mobile DJ
The video becomes the latest TikTok in the Harrogate district to go viral this year.
In January, a Russian TikToker racked up a million views with a video of Knaresborough that she described as “a place in England so beautiful I can’t believe it’s real”.
In the same month, a bizarre video by DJ Zach Sabri, better known online as SUAT, showed the TikToker being told by National Trust staff that he cannot film at Brimham Rocks.
Cosy Club plans new bar on Harrogate’s Cambridge StreetA new cocktail bar and restaurant is planned for Harrogate town centre.
Cosy Club, which is owned by Loungers Ltd, has applied to Harrogate Borough Council for a premises licence at 37 Cambridge Street.
Cambridge Street is home primarily to retailers, including Marks & Spencer, WH Smith and Sainsbury’s.
The chain describes itself on its website as a place for “relaxed dining, drinking and lounging in a fabulous, welcoming setting”.
It currently has bars in 31 cities across the country, including Albion Street in Leeds and Fossgate in York.
In its licensing application, Cosy Club has proposed opening hours of between 8am to 1am Monday to Wednesday and Sunday.
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- Three new restaurants and bars opening in Harrogate in next few days
- New Harrogate bar for craft beer lovers could be coming soon
It has also proposed opening hours of 8am until 2am from Thursday to Saturday.
The application includes the sale of alcohol and late night refreshment.
The unit on Cambridge Street earmarked for Cosy Club.
The bar has also advertised for jobs online, including a head chef and general manager.
The Stray Ferret approached Loungers Ltd for details on an opening date, but it said it did not wish to comment at this time.
Plan approved to create five flats above Cambridge Street shopsHarrogate Borough Council has approved plans to convert space above shops on Cambridge Street into apartments.
Aegon Property Income Fund lodged the proposal to create five flats on the upper floors of 6-14 Cambridge Street.
The ground floor of the properties is currently occupied by the Card Factory and two empty units which were formerly the Phone Doctor and Smiggle. For many years the site was home to Carphone Warehouse.
Under the proposal, the upper floors would be converted into three one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments.
Read more:
- Harrogate council housing company Bracewell Homes won’t pay any dividends this year
- Plan approved to demolish Harrogate social club for flats
- Plan to build 26 homes on former Masham livestock mart
The developer said the flats would be designed with “modern living” in mind. They will be open plan and include dining and kitchen arrangements.
In documents submitted to the council, the developer said:
“The site is in a highly sustainable location within the town centre, accessible by a range of sustainable modes of transport including train and bus as well as walking and cycling.
“The proposal creates additional accommodation within the town centre which will help to contribute to an improved range and distribution of housing and will increase activity in the town centre beyond the normal working day leading to greater natural ‘surveillance’ through a more vibrant after work environment.”
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.
Keeping in mind the importance of a vision for Harrogate’s future, the Stray Ferret asked Malcolm Neesam to come up with suggestions for making Harrogate more attractive to visitors and residents alike, regardless of cost or planning requirements. This is the second of three articles. Malcolm fully understands that his “visions” may not appeal to everyone, and he submits them as purely private dreams.
Vision 4: A radical blueprint for Station Square
If I had unlimited financial resources and full planning powers, plus the power for compulsory acquisition, I would buy the tower block next to the railway station and demolish it. I would also demolish the single storey shoe box that passes for a railway station, and realise David Cullearn’s vision that the architect of the Victoria Centre once outlined to me. David Cullearn of Cullearn and Phillips, Architects, was the author of the design for the Victoria Centre that won the maximum public support when the designs were exhibited in the Lounge Hall around 1989.
He once told me that his dream would be to repeat the curved frontage of the Victoria Centre on the other side of Station Parade, where the Palladian design would be continued as far as Station Bridge. This would provide the eastern boundary of Station Square with a magnificent stone-faced architectural framework, that would surely overwhelm all visitors arriving by rail and bus.
The Victoria Centre when it opened in 1992. Photo copyright: Walker-Neesam Archive
At the Victoria Centre, I would reverse the alterations of 1999, and restore the surrounding walk way, the top floor’s open air balcony, and the original set of atria which allowed sunlight to flood down to all floor levels. The arid plaza outside would be re-integrated into the Station Square gardens and filled with flower beds, grass and trees, so that visitors could see that Harrogate was indeed a town of flowers, grass and trees.
As for the former railway goods station, hidden away behind the ugly brick wall of the 1938 bus station, a feature of old Harrogate that I suspect is known only to a few people, I would convert this already roofed structure into a permanent market, whose location next to the bus and railway stations could not be improved. The Victorian brickwork would be revealed, and the repaired building would become a valuable amenity.
Oh yes – I nearly forgot. I would restore Station Square’s underground public lavatories!
Queen Victoria monument. Pic: Walker Neesam archive
Vision 5: Cambridge Street
Cambridge Street could do with smartening up and were I to be given unlimited financial resources and total planning control, I would smarten it up in the following manner.
Cambridge Street today — in need of smartening up.
First, I would set up a Cambridge Street retailers group charged with co-operating over such things as improving paving, lighting, planting, seating and above all, signage. I would introduce an element of uniformity by re-erecting the Victorian lamp posts so cavalierly removed and use them as a base for floral columns of flower baskets. The ugly and over-sized plate glass windows would be replaced by windows more in harmony with the buildings in which they are located, with well designed signage.\
Read more:
- Gallery: Eye-catching mural brings joy to Harrogate street
- Strayside Sunday: ‘tarting up’ Station Parade misses the real problem of Harrogate town centre
More could be made of the little garden at St. Peter’s Church, which would be improved by a set of steps from the pavement, and several benches – all of which would be subject to strict no-alcohol rules!
When the first market went up in flames in 1937, the lovely clock tower survived, but alas, it fell victim to the demolition mania of the age, and the intact structure was torn down. It was one of Speyhawk’s proposals to rebuild the clock tower as part of its Victoria Gardens project, which unfortunately was never realised, so I would rebuild the clock tower at the eastern extremity of Cambridge Street to provide it with a “point de view” that would not only hide the ugly and jarring brick wall of the old Bus Station, but would add once again a very useful time-piece to Cambridge Street.
Cambridge Street, 1998, with the old clock tower
And as I’m at it, I would repeat some of the above processes in Oxford Street, Parliament Street and James Street, the last of which would have all the disfiguring coats of paint removed from its stone frontages, with both sides provided with ornamental metal and glass canopies over the pavements, so that shoppers would have all-weather protection throughout the year.
Vision 6: Library Gardens and Princes Square
With my mythical unlimited financial resources and total planning control, my next vision would probably be contentious, but nevertheless remains my vision. I would swap Library Gardens for Princes Square, as was the original intention of the Victoria Park Company. Until 1929, Princes Square was a pleasant and largely residential square filled with gardens and ringed with mature trees. Then, in 1929, the council decided to try to encourage more motorists into the town centre by making it “car friendly”, so to the fury of many of the residents they chopped down the trees, dug out the gardens and turned the central area into a car park.
Princes Square
Today, Princes Square cries out for pedestrianisation, which would still permit traffic to flow along both Raglan and Albert Streets. The square could be provided with grass, flower beds, trees and benches, and would be a great boost for the cafes and restaurants already established there, some of which already set out tables and chairs on the broad pavement. But it could be made so much better, and become a pleasant green oasis only a few yards from James Street.
As for Library Gardens, which were sold to the council in 1885, when it accepted a generous offer from the Carter brothers to convey 4,532 square yards of land at the junction of Victoria Avenue and Station Parade, on the strict understanding that the land would only ever be used to build a Town Hall for Harrogate. This obligation has never been honoured by successive councils, although a start was made in 1907 with the opening of the public library, the first part of Henry Hare’s magnificent plans for a Municipal Palace in full Edwardian baroque, complete with clock tower. Alas, the rest of the superb monumental building was never finished, and its completion is something I would love to do.
Library Gardens
I am appalled by the reduction of democratic control of their own affairs that the people of Harrogate have suffered over the last 70-odd years, and hope that one day the administration of such things as education, highway planning and many more matters will be returned to local people to administer. When that time comes, maybe in 50 or 100 years time, Harrogate’s Municipal Palace will be completed to house them.
In the final part of the series tomorrow, Malcolm looks at ways to improve the Royal Baths and Prospect Square.
Sainsbury’s sets opening date for Harrogate town centre storeSainsbury’s has confirmed that its new store in Harrogate town centre will finally open next month.
The Sainsbury’s Local on Cambridge Street will welcome customers on January 13. The supermarket chain had hoped to open in the summer but only received planning permission in July.
The store will create about 25 jobs and some roles are still available.
Surplus food from the store will go to Harrogate District Foodbank, which has partnered with Sainsbury’s to help those who need it most.
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New store manager Simon Wilton said:
“I’m delighted to confirm the opening date for our new store and we’re really looking forward to welcoming customers from next month. My colleagues and I are working hard to get everything ready for opening.
“It’s been a fantastic team effort so far and we can’t wait to bring our passion for food and brilliant customer service to Cambridge Street.”
The development will bring the former Topshop unit at 33-37 Cambridge Street back into use after four years.
The developer plans to split the building into three separate units. Sainsbury’s occupies the largest on the left side.
Skipton Building Society is also planning to move in but it is unclear at this stage which business will take on the third unit.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre could be ‘bigger and better’ next yearThe company that organised this year’s Harrogate Christmas Fayre has said it hopes the event will return next year “bigger and better”.
Market Place Europe organised the 10-day fayre, which ended yesterday, in conjunction with Harrogate Business Improvement District and Harrogate Borough Council.
It featured stalls as well as rides, including the Candy Cane Express road train.
Andy Pidgen, operations manager at Market Place Europe, said:
“It went really well, the traders were very pleased. Some of the businesses I have spoken to said how good the event was for footfall. The council and Harrogate Business Improvement District really liked it.
“We still need to have a debrief with both organisations in January but at the moment I would say I am feeling quite positive about next year.
“There are a few things I would like to tweak in terms of chalet locations but overall we would aim to make the Harrogate Christmas Fayre bigger and better in 2022.”
Read more:
- Netflix snow globe appears on Ripon Market Square
- Traders and visitors give thumbs-up to first Harrogate Christmas Fayre
A council spokesman said today it was “too early” to tell how much footfall the fayre had generated but added that town centre shops had commented on how busy Harrogate had been.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre was organised after the original Harrogate Christmas Market, on Montpellier Hill, was cancelled after the council refused to sign off the organisers’ event management plan.
Steve Scarre, vice-chairman of Harrogate Christmas Market, told the Stray Ferret he will hold talks with the council and submit a new event management plan in January in the hope of reviving the event.
He also suggested the market and the fayre could both take place next year.
He said:
Image Gallery: Harrogate feeling festive with first Christmas fayre“We are planning to hold the Harrogate Christmas Market in the Montpellier quarter next year.
“Every year there are new requirements that we have always tried to meet. We bend over backwards to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible.
“We have asked for a meeting with the council in January and plan to submit an event management plan then.
“From the very beginning we have said we have no issue with a separate event in the town centre.
“But our Harrogate Christmas Market works in the Montpellier quarter. It is simply magical down there.”
Harrogate Christmas Fayre began today with residents and visitors alike heading to the town centre to enjoy the festivities.
Market Place Europe is running the event in conjunction with Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Business Improvement District from today until December 12.
Andy Pidgen, operations manager at Market Place Europe, told the Stray Ferret:
“Everyone has been very helpful, Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council, all the businesses Harrogate BID all need a public thank you.
“From what I understand the Harrogate Christmas Market was very successful. We do four big Christmas markets. I think the wooden chalets give a festive feel, we dress everything up.
“It’s a toe in the water but from what I understand people are pretty pleased so far but we are just at the start of the 10 days.
“Hopefully if the Harrogate Christmas Fayre is successful we can come back next year with some extra additions as well.
“This latest variant is of concern but coronavirus was still there before that. We are all outside but we do have to be mindful of that.”
Can you spot yourself in our gallery?
Lots of visitors to Cambridge Street today.
Panto stars Cinderella and Prince Charming (bottom left), the mayor Trevor Chapman (back, left) with the mayoress, council leader Richard Cooper (back, middle), Matthew Chapman and Sara Ferguson (back, right) from Harrogate BID. Christmas elves flank on either side.
The Candy Cane Express road train.
Operations manager from Marketplace Europe, Andy Pidgen.
Jason Walker, of Gourmet Jay, selling sausage rolls and pasties.
Quite an array of cheeses to nibble on.
A hog roast.
Covid measures are in place.
A variety of cuisines.
Anna Lister (left), founder of Lily and Lister.
L&N Candles founders Laura Berryman and Natalie White.
Elves welcome visitors to the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.
Plenty of food to enjoy, including Lincolnshire sausages.
Traders and visitors have welcomed the first ever Harrogate Christmas Fayre, as the 10-day event gets underway in the town centre today.
The hot chocolate is flowing, Christmas gifts are flying off the shelves and people are enjoying the rides ahead of a big weekend for the town.
The fayre marks a big change for Harrogate’s festive offering, which used to centre on Montpellier Hill.
This event has organisers in the form of Market Place Europe, which is operating in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Business Improvement District, as well as a new town centre location for stallholders — so what do people make of it?
L&N Candles founders Laura Berryman and Natalie White.
Laura Berryman and Natalie White, from Bilton-based L&N Candles at a stall on Cambridge Street, told the Stray Ferret:
“We were planning to attend the old Harrogate Christmas Market but when that was cancelled, we thought we would seize the opportunity and get involved here.
“So far we have been really busy, so we are really pleased and excited for the next 10 days.”
The founder of Mama Doreen’s is enjoying the experience.
Jessica Wyatt, founder of Mama Doreen’s Emporium at a stall on Station Square, added:
“It is just great to get involved in Harrogate Christmas Fayre, see a lot of my regular customers and spreading the word.
“I haven’t been here long but I am loving it, it’s great. This is how I started Mama Doreen’s with a market stall so it really takes me back.”
Fancy a coffee?
Anna Lister, the founder of Lily and Lister, is selling coffee and treats on Cambridge Street. She said:
“We converted a horsebox and sell our own blend of coffee. We also do luxury hot chocolates and brownies.
“So far lots of people have said this version of the Christmas market in the town centre is much better.”
Not only are the stallholders enjoying the new Harrogate Christmas Fayre, the visitors also seem to welcome the changes.
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre starts today: here’s the lowdown
- Christmas Events: diary of festivities in the Harrogate district
- New covid guidance as Ripon prepares for another big weekend
Helen Nash, a Harrogate resident who went straight out to take in the atmosphere, told the Stray Ferret:
“I think it’s a really good idea to have it in the town centre. It’s all on a level, it’s not muddy and there seems to be a good selection of stalls including some locals.
“So I hope people can come out and support it. This is really good for the town, the weather has been kind so far too.”
Nick Jackson, from Skipton, visited the Harrogate Christmas Fayre. He said:
“We always went to the Harrogate Christmas Market on Montpellier Hill, so it’s nice to see a bit of a change.
“It’s a great experience, especially coming into the town centre with all of the festivities in place.”