There can be no doubt that times are tough for retail and hospitality.

After surviving the challenges of covid, businesses have this year faced the cost of living crisis.

Not only does this mean their own bills are rising, from energy tariffs to stock on their shelves and in their kitchens, but it’s also putting pressure on their customers’ budgets.

Meanwhile, debate continues fiercely about the best way to support those businesses and balance the other, competing needs of communities at the same time.

Here are the big stories to look out for affecting our town and city centres in 2023.

Station Gateway

The coming year is likely to see a decision about whether this controversial project is to go ahead or not.

There have been vocal objections since it was first suggested back in February 2021 and, in practice, little progress has been made.

However, the last month or so has seen some indication that things may begin to happen in the new year.

A planning application has been submitted to remove the tempietto outside the Victoria Shopping Centre. It may not be the full scheme, but its removal is central to the wider plans being possible, indicating preparations are now being made.

Meanwhile, Cllr Keane Duncan – who picked up the project as North Yorkshire County Council’s new head of transport after Don Mackenzie stood down – indicated his continuing support for the £11.9m scheme.

Despite months of silence, Cllr Duncan said in December the council remained committed to the Station Gateway.

However, his enthusiasm was tempered by the news that the council was still analysing the results of the third round of consultation. The authority would also speak to Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors before deciding how to proceed, he said.

The anticipated start date has already been put back to late 2023. Whether or not that is further delayed, by this time next year, we should at least know whether the project is going to proceed, and in what form.

Knaresborough transport

While Harrogate ties itself in knots over cars, bicycles and buses, near neighbours in Knaresborough have come up with two alternative solutions.

A cliff lift has long been mooted to help locals and visitors alike have an easier journey between the low levels of the river and the heights of the castle.

Renaissance Knaresborough said earlier this year that the project is still an aspiration, but was being held up by the process of devolution.

The land required is leased by Harrogate Borough Council and its owner, the Duchy of Lancaster, was reluctant to agree a new deal until devolution had been finalised.

However, Renaissance Knaresborough said it was “no longer a question of if, but when” the project would be delivered after an independent tourism consultant said it would be viable.

The cliff lift and road train could take people from Waterside to the town centre. Photo: Mike Smith

Meanwhile, Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and local businessman Tony Bennett said they were investigating the possibility of introducing a road train to the town.

Outlining that the project would have to run on a commercial basis, the chamber of trade said it was speaking to a train supplier and was looking for an operator.

Hopes that it would be up and running for the summer, however, did not come to fruition.

With devolution now just a few months away, the cliff lift project could make progress this year, while the road train, being much more easy to set up, could also be revived in time for the tourist season.

Read more:

• Looking ahead 2023: Major development in the Harrogate district
• Looking ahead 2023: Devolution – what happens now?

Harrogate BID vote

After a rocky first couple of years of existence, Harrogate BID (business improvement district) has settled into its work of supporting and promoting businesses in the town centre since the height of the covid pandemic.

But the upcoming 12 months will see it face one major challenge.

When a BID is formed, it has a five-year term to prove its worth and persuade its members that they should continue to pay for its existence.

Harrogate BID’s first vote took place in late 2018 and it began operations in early 2019. Its five-year term therefore ends this time next year.

The vote over whether to continue the BID is expected to take place this summer.

The electorate is made up exclusively of those businesses which are in the BID area and have a large enough rateable value to be included in the organisation.

Public opinion counts for nothing: it’s all down to the businesses and whether they feel the BID has proved to be value for money over the last five years.

There’s no doubt it has been active, especially in the run-up to Christmas: it partnered with Harrogate Borough Council and others to deliver the Christmas Fayre, Candy Cane Express, ice rink and fairground rides through December.

Over recent months, it has also paid for free parking for fixed periods in December, organised additional street cleaning, organised energy-saving workshops for its members, and brought other entertainments to the town centre.

Its plans in early 2023 include funding free travel on Sundays of the Harrogate Bus Company’s electric services, as well as setting up events for members to find out more about protecting themselves against terrorism.

Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman

BID manager Matthew Chapman clearly rates its work: after announcing his departure in the summer, he had a change of heart in the autumn and decided to stay on.

Expect to see significant activity over the coming six months as the BID continues to try to prove its value in making the town centre the best it can be in these challenging times.

But will the BID have done enough to convince its voters to continue contributing to the pot that pays for its existence?

We’ll find out later this year.

Town council powers

With devolution finally happening across North Yorkshire in April, there are still questions over what it could mean on a more local level – particularly for our town and city councils.

NYCC has invited lower tier authorities to apply for more powers once North Yorkshire Council takes over.

It could affect all parish councils across the Harrogate district. Those most likely to be impacted are the ones taking care of a sizeable population, such as the town councils in Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Boroughbridge and Masham, which might have the capacity to take on more work.

Ripon City Council, meanwhile, has already said it is keen to have control of more of the city’s assets, reversing what it sees as years of neglect from those who have held both the keys and the purse strings.

As well as the town hall, Hugh Ripley Hall and Wakeman’s House, the council could apply to run Market Square – and even the public toilets.

However, it’s far from a done deal.

Once expressions of interest have been received from parish councils by the end of March, the new unitary council will choose six lower tier authorities to develop a business case.

While it’s likely it would take many months for any power to be devolved to parish councils, there should be some progress before the end of the year for those six chosen to be involved.

Free Sunday bus journeys are to return to Harrogate in January and February.

The Sunday Freeway, which is a partnership between Harrogate Business Improvement District and the Harrogate Bus Company.will enable passengers to travel for free into the town centre on the company’s electric buses.

The Sunday Freeway buses are routes 2A, 2B, 3 and 6, which link Bilton, Dene Park, The Knox, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash with the town centre.

Sara Ferguson, Harrogate BID chair, said:

“Harrogate is a brilliant town, with an impressive array of bars, restaurants and shops – and we hope many people will take advantage the Sunday Freeway initiative to make the most of what the town has to offer.

“This scheme also benefits the environment, encouraging those travelling to Harrogate to leave their cars at home in favour of hopping on an electric bus.”

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Harrogate Bus Company chief executive Alex Hornby said:

“As well as reducing emissions and congestion, free Sunday travel on our Harrogate Electrics buses will make it easier to support our local economy and help keep our town thriving into 2023.

“Along with our maximum £2 single fare which will be in place for the first three months of the New Year, the return of Sunday Freeway free buses in January and February will also help to keep travel costs down during the cost of living crisis.”

Timetables for the free Sunday buses and all of the Harrogate Bus Company’s services are available online here or from the travel kiosk at Harrogate Bus Station or via the Transdev Go mobile app.

Retailers and a business group have said the Harrogate Christmas Fayre had a significant impact on town centre footfall.

The fayre, which ended on Sunday after 10 days, included about 50 stalls on Cambridge Street and Market Place.

It was operated by Market Place Europe in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Business Improvement District.

It was part of a wider Christmas offering that also included an ice skating rink, an après ski bar and a 32-metre ferris wheel.

Although the market stalls have been disbanded, the other attractions will continue into January.

Mark Robson, store manager at Harrogate Marks and Spencer, called for the market to be held for longer next year.

He said:

“I am super positive about the impact of the market, we saw a very clear impact on improved footfall into store and spending.

“All of the comments I heard from customers and my store colleagues were about how good it was.

“My view is that we should aim to do the same again in future years, and ideally for a longer period of time. We should also have confidence to go bolder with future marketing if the event.”

The ferris wheel in Harrogate town centre.

Simon Midgley, owner of Starling Bar and Kitchen on Oxford Street, said the market helped to “bolster” business.

He said:

“I think the Christmas market was much better than previous years coupled with the other attractions of the big wheel, ice rink, etc. It made it more of a reason to come into Harrogate from out of town.

“Starling has been nice and busy since reopening four weeks ago and I do believe our business has been bolstered by some trade from those visiting the Christmas market. Bookings in the run up to Christmas look strong for us.”

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Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate Business Improvement District, which was also a partner in the Christmas activities, said: 

“Harrogate’s great all year round offering, plus this year’s fabulous Christmas attractions, has seen town phenomenally busy — and not just at weekends.

“The BID team has been receiving really positive comments, with the general consensus that footfall and spend has been very much up. The manager of one national retailer told me her takings were more than 50% up compared to this time last year, which is fantastic to hear.

“The Christmas fayre has definitely helped with the pull factor, and having it in town for ten days has helped attract shoppers during the earlier part of the week. So too did the BID-funded Candy Cane Express.”

Weetons has been declared the overall winner of the Harrogate Christmas Window Dressing competition 2022.

Store manager Jess Upson and Vicky Davis designed and produced the award-winning display at the food hall on West Park.

A total of 26 shops entered the competition, which was organised by Harrogate Business Improvement District and the Rotary Club of Harrogate.

Weetons won the overall category as well as the prize in the large shops category. West Park Hotel, Bettys and Mama Doreen’s Emporium were highly commended in the large shops category.

Helen James Flowers on Station Parade won the medium shops category, with The Yorkshire Soap Company highly recommended.

In the small shops category, Harrogate International Festivals came out on top. Sophie Likes, Foxy Vintage and interiors, Susie Watson Designs and Bijouled earned highly recommended accolades.

The winners were announced at the West Park Hotel on Tuesday. Harrogate borough mayor Cllr Victoria Oldham handed out certificates.

Helen James Flowers won the Christmas window shop for medium retailers

Harrogate International Festivals won the Christmas window shop for small retailers

The festive season officially gets underway in Harrogate tomorrow with the return of ‘Destination Christmas’.

The town will be buzzing with the opening of the ice rink, 32-metre Ferris wheel, the carousel and 50 market stalls, plus more.

With so much going on we’ve put together a brief guide to the attractions, showing where you can see them and how much they cost.

Christmas Fayre

When: December 2 -11, Monday – Saturday: 10am – 7pm, Sunday: 10.30am – 4.30pm

Where: The pedestrianised areas of Cambridge Street and Market Place in Harrogate town centre

Destination Harrogate is bringing back Harrogate Christmas Fayre, which launched in 2021. It will be bigger this year with about 50 stalls to browse for Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal foodie treats.

The traditional Christmas market, delivered by Market Place Europe, will offer an ‘eclectic mix of enticing stalls’ to complement Harrogate’s independent retailers, restaurants, bars and boutique stores.

Market Place Europe and Harrogate Borough Council, which jointly operate the Christmas Fayre, will also once again provide a stall for charities.

Little Bird artisan market

When: December 3 and 4 and December 10 and 11, Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

Where: Valley Gardens, Harrogate

The festive artisan market will feature 70 local and regional traders and producers, who will sell a variety of arts and crafts, clothing, homeware, jewellery, as well as food and drink.

Candy Cane Express road train 

When: December 2-11

Where: This year’s route has yet to be confirmed, but last year it stopped at James Street, St Mary’s Walk and Crescent Road. It also passed Montpellier Hill, Cheltenham Parade, Station Parade and Victoria Avenue.

Cost: Free

The Christmas road train experience is also back for 2022, to transport festive revellers around Harrogate town centre while the market is on, with the Candy Cane Express co-funded by Harrogate BID.

Giant Ferris Wheel

When: December 2 – January 3

Where: Harrogate town centre, next to the war memorial

Cost: £7 for adults, £5 for children

The 32-metre illuminated observation wheel will offer views spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Harrogate outdoor ice skating rink

When: December 2 – January 3, various times throughout the day

Where: Crescent Gardens, Harrogate

Cost: Tickets cost £14 for adults and £13 for children aged five to 16. Family tickets costing £37.50, £50 and £62.50 are available. Sessions are 60 minutes. There are also ‘relaxed sessions’ and parent and toddler sessions.

All new for 2022, the outdoor ice skating rink features an après ski bar offering seasonal treats and refreshments.

The bookings website says:

“Harrogate ice rink is magical for all ages, great for families, date nights, catch ups with pals, Christmas parties with a twist, skaters, non-skaters, those who want to learn to skate at our skate school or just enjoy one of the most fascinating spectator sports with a drink and bite to eat.”

Traditional carousel and children’s fairground rides

When: December 2 – January 3, various times throughout the day

Where: Crescent Gardens, Harrogate

Cost: £3 per person. Bungee trampolines are £5 per go.

Crescent Gardens in Harrogate will take on a fairground feel again this year, featuring a traditional carousel and a collection of small rides for tiny tots.

The rides are provided by Events By Cynosure and supported by Harrogate Borough Council’s Parks and Environmental Services team.

Read more:

• Ferris wheel goes up as Harrogate Christmas countdown begins
• First signs of Christmas attractions appear in Harrogate

What the organisers say:

John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“We’re thrilled to be bringing back Destination Christmas and to be offering an even bigger and better experience for 2022. We’re building on the success of last year and through working in collaboration with our partners, including Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate BID, we can look forward to delivering something really special this Christmas.

“Destination Christmas not only offers our residents the opportunity to enjoy an amazing Christmas experience, particularly following the challenges of the past two years, it also encourages visitors to the Harrogate district from further afield, bolstering local trade and boosting our tourism industry at a crucial time in the business calendar.”

Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:

“Once again, Christmas will be coming to Harrogate town centre and I for one can’t wait. Last year’s offer was a great success but I know this year’s will be even bigger and better.

“Town centres are recovering well from the covid pandemic and by working with our partners and stakeholders we can once again deliver a safe, vibrant and attractive offer that drives visitors to our district’s shops, restaurants, visitor attractions, hotels and B&Bs this festive season, and showcase the Harrogate district as the perfect Christmas destination.

“The Christmas attractions also offer a fantastic way for families and friends to spend quality time together at this special time of year and to enjoy being active outdoors. And the all-new ice skating rink not only offers an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to socialise but also encourages physical activity, in a magical environment.”

Nick Rhodes, chief executive of Market Place Europe, said:

“Harrogate is a beautiful and unique destination and the perfect place to enjoy our fantastic Christmas market. We’re really excited to be returning this year with an even bigger Harrogate Christmas Fayre, and to be bringing an exciting variety of traders into the town centre to offer a wonderful experience that all the family can enjoy.”

Free weekday parking is being introduced in Harrogate’s Victoria Car Park this week until early January to attract Christmas shoppers.

Harrogate Business Improvement District is funding the initiative as part of its mission to drive town centre footfall.

From this week until Thursday, January 5 — free parking will be available between 3pm and 7.30pm in the Victoria Car Park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The ‘free after three’ campaign encourages town centre visitors on quieter days of the week, helping Harrogate’s retail, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

Harrogate BID manager Matthew Chapman said:

“Once again, we are delivering on our pledge to retailers to provide free parking in the town centre during the run up to Christmas, which is traditionally one of the busiest periods in their calendar.

“And whereas in the two previous years ‘free after three’ has ended just before Christmas, I’m delighted to say that this time we are extending it right through to Thursday, January 5, which we know will be beneficial to both visitors and businesses.

“‘Free after Three’ is only available in Victoria Car Park, which has ample space. It links directly to Victoria Shopping Centre, giving easy access to the heart of the town centre and the wonderful shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues Harrogate is home to.”

The BID’s 2022 Christmas campaign also includes sponsoring the North Pole Post Office, the Candy Cane Express road train, the Father Christmas Experience, the Christmas Shop Window Competition, and the Christmas lights.

Read more:

• Shoppers shun Harrogate multi-storey car parks
• Guide to Christmas markets in the Harrogate district

A Harrogate business organisation has said a new business rates valuation will see the majority of local firms pay less.

Following a government review, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt decided to progress with new valuations of properties as part of his autumn statement.

An online service is available to show firms whether their rates will increase from April 1, 2023.

Sara Ferguson, chair of the Harrogate Business Improvement District, said she welcomed the review by government.

She added that while some businesses will see their rateable value rise, they will still receive support from government.

Ms Ferguson said:

“For a number of years, Harrogate BID has been asking the government to review business rates, and I’m really pleased this has now happened.

“Looking at the website, it appears that the majority of the business have seen their business rates reduced, which will be a relief to many, particularly with the rise in fuel, raw materials and energy costs.

“And for those that have seen their rate rise, those at the lower end of the scale will still benefit from rate relief, with plenty of small business not paying anything at all.”

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Last week, Mr Hunt announced £13.6 billion worth of business rates relief targeted at businesses that may see their rates increase.

Mr Hunt said the move would help to “soften the blow” for businesses with new valuations.

Business owners can check their valuations on the government website here.

The North Pole post office in Harrogate has reopened in time for children to post letters to Father Christmas.

The festive attraction is once again located at Harrogate International Festivals’ office, on Cheltenham Parade, and will remain open until Christmas Eve.

Funded by Harrogate Business Improvement District and produced by Harrogate International Festivals, the post office features snow flurries, Christmas music as well as the post box.

The Christmas attraction began in 2020 as a way of lifting spirits during the second covid lockdown and has returned both years since.

The post office is so busy the elves who sort through the letters are not able to reply individually, however, visitors can download a letter and message from Father Christmas, via the HIF website, or by scanning the QR code located next to the post box.

The post office is one of the key features in this year’s Destination Christmas campaign, which is a joint initiative between Harrogate Borough Council, Visit Harrogate, Harrogate BID and Harrogate International Festivals.

It also includes an ice-skating rink, fairground attractions, the candy cane express, Harrogate Christmas Fayre and the Father Christmas Experience.

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Clemence Roux, from Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“We are delighted to bring this attraction back again, and will make sure once again that Father Christmas gets all the children’s letters.

“Harrogate BID has been extremely kind in sponsoring the scheme for another year, they have helped us make Harrogate a little more festive.”

Harrogate BID chair Sara Ferguson said:

“The Christmas attraction lifts spirits and contributes to the efforts of so many who are working together to make Harrogate ‘Destination Christmas’.”

Pictured from left are: Clemence Roux, from Harrogate International Festivals, Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman, Harrogate borough mayor Cllr Victoria Oldham, and Harrogate International Festivals chief executive Sharon Canavar at the opening of the post office.

The Christmas lights have been switched on in Harrogate, heralding the start of the festive season for local businesses.

The displays are organised by Harrogate BID, which said the run-up to Christmas is a vital time of year for retailers, especially against a challenging economic landscape.

The organisation has used its levy payers’ money to fund 100,000 bulbs across the town centre, including festive figures and motifs.

Unlike in previous years, there was no official switch-on event, but the lights are now illuminated and will be displayed until after Christmas.

The lights on the trees along the Stray – which are traditionally lit throughout winter rather than for Christmas – were turned on at the end of October.

Meanwhile, a series of festive attractions will be brought into the town centre during the Christmas period. Today saw the arrival of the first signs of the ice rink, which will open to customers on Friday, December 2.

Read more:

• First signs of Christmas attractions appear in Harrogate
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Work began today to put up the ice rink which will be one of the main features of Harrogate’s Christmas attractions this year.

Crews from Events by Cynosure were on Crescent Gardens this morning setting up the rink, which will open on Friday, December 2 and has been organised by Harrogate BID and Harrogate Borough Council‘s Destination Harrogate marketing team.

The rink will run until Tuesday, January 3, opening every day except Christmas Day, and will be accompanied by an après-ski bar.

It is part of a scheme of attractions around the town which will also see a carousel, a ferris wheel and the Candy Cane Express road train return after a successful first appearance last year. They will all run until January 8.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, running from Friday, December 2 to Sunday, December 11, will have 50 stalls put up around the town centre featuring a range of traders, including local charities. Installation will begin on Monday, November 28 and the fayre will be open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.

Meanwhile, the Christmas lights have been switched on across the town centre, with just over five weeks to go until Christmas Day.

For full information on the ice rink click here.

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