Harrogate Pubwatch has relaunched with a new app to help keep out the town’s troublemakers as coronavirus restrictions ease.
It means that if anyone causes problems in one of Harrogate’s venues, they will be banned from all venues taking part in the scheme.
Currently there are 32 people who are banned under Harrogate Pubwatch and 10 of those are banned for life.
The bans range from three months to life bans, depending on the severity of the issue.
Most exclusions were enforced after drug use, drug dealing, assault, nuisance and abuse, but they could be for carrying weapons or for more serious assaults.
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Harrogate BID has supported the local Pubwatch group in the relaunch by helping to fund the creation of the app.
Harrogate Pubwatch secretary Alan Huddart said:
“I’d like to thank both Harrogate BID and North Yorkshire Police for their support in helping Harrogate Pubwatch relaunch after the third national covid lockdown.
“With the hospitality industry once again being able to serve customers inside, we will see more businesses reopening, which is to be welcomed.
“By working together to exclude troublemakers, Harrogate venues can offer a safe and secure experience to those who simply want to enjoy the huge range of hospitality on offer in our town.”
Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said:
Businesses warn £7.9m Station Gateway project could be “hugely damaging”“Aims of the BIDs are to make Harrogate safe and welcoming, and to support the town’s night-time economy. Harrogate Pubwatch does both, and that’s why we are happy to support them in funding the app.
“Harrogate’s hospitality offering is incredibly diverse, and while serving customers indoors is back on the menu, al fresco dining and drinking is here to stay, and our café culture will go from strength to strength.
“Ensuring visitors feel safe visiting town centre venues and walking around at night is of paramount importance to us.”
Harrogate business organisations have said the £7.9 million Station Gateway project could have a “hugely damaging” impact on the town centre.
The project, which is being led by North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, could see James Street pedestrianised and reduce Station Parade to single lane traffic.
The county council is now set to progress both the James Street and Station Parade proposals to design stage with further consultation to follow.
But Harrogate Business Improvement District, Independent Harrogate and Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce issued a joint statement this afternoon criticising the scheme.
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Sara Ferguson, the Harrogate BID chair, David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and William Woods and Robert Ogden, Independent Harrogate co-founders, said:
“All three organisations, which between us represent hundreds of town centre businesses, are disappointed that our collective voices have not been listened to.
“In responding to the consultation, we put forward a number of alternative suggestions that we believe will help Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council achieve their objectives, give cyclists dedicated space away from the main A61 Station Parade, assist pedestrians by making changes to the top end of James Street, give priority to buses arriving and leaving the bus station, and protect the interests of town centre retailers.
“We are also strongly of the view the main gateway into the town centre from the bus and railway stations is Cambridge Street, and it is here that Harrogate Borough Council should be fully focussing its attention.
“Two months ago, Cllr Mackenzie shared our concerns about reducing Station Parade to one lane, therefore we are pleased to note more design work and further consultation is to be undertaken on this important issue.
“Cllr Ireland says ‘proposals for sustainable alternatives to the car’ have significant support from residents, businesses and visitors alike, yet this is not what we are hearing from the business community, in particular the retailers, many of whom fear what is being proposed will have a hugely damaging effect on their livelihoods, and the town per se.
“Despite many feeling the outcome is already a done deal, we will continue our dialogue with local councillors and officers, as the final outcome will change the face of Harrogate town centre forever.”
A proposal to pedestrianise James Street in Harrogate, which was consulted on as part of the Station Gateway plans.
Of the 1,101 who responded to the survey, 45% supported the full pedestrianisation of James Street and 49% favoured the Station Parade one-lane proposal.
However, 17% said they favoured a part-pedestrianisation of James Street and 27% backed two lanes for Station Parade.
Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive county councillor for access, told the Stray Ferret that he was “mindful” that businesses had their own views on matters such as James Street pedestrianisation.
He said:
The crusade to save Harrogate’s high street“Pedestrianisation is one of those things that divides opinion. I’m mindful that many businesses on James Street have expressed their own view on it.
“I wouldn’t like to second guess which option will be chosen when the county council’s executive meets next week.”
Being general manager of one of the most prestigious stores on the most prestigious shopping street in Harrogate, Nick Hubbert has clear views on how to revive the town centre.
“We need to play to our strengths – beauty, flowers. Not rush down the route to do many things, like pedestrianisation.
“Let’s get through covid first. It’s not just about cycle lanes and the area around the station.”
Mr Hubbert’s views are shaped by a lifetime in retail. Last year he swapped the world of fast fashion for premium products when he left a managerial role at Sir Philip Green’s Top Shop in Sheffield for Hoopers, the family-run designer department store on James Street.
Top Shop is one of many mighty brands to have fallen in Harrogate, along with the likes of Debenhams, Swarovski and Laura Ashley. Mr Hubbert, 50, who lives in Hampsthwaite, is acutely aware of how critical the months ahead are for not only for Hoopers but the whole of Harrogate after lockdowns, Brexit and the rise of internet shopping.
He has joined Harrogate Business Improvement District, which aims to increase footfall in the town centre, as part of his broader mission to save the high street.
He says there have been some good initiatives, such as the BID’s street clean-up, but has concerns about the recent scattergun of proposals from Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, which range from installing fake grass to promoting cycling and walking schemes that restrict vehicles to talk of pedestrianising streets and making traffic one-way. He says:
“The big focus at the moment has to be on the next couple of months. We need to accept the fact we have been through one of the biggest negative things in our lives. We need to think about back to basics.
“There’s been some great work done but there needs to be more synergy between the various groups.
“If we are going to do something, let’s focus on things that will make a big difference. Something that makes a statement.”
Parking on James Street
James Street, with its more upmarket retailers, is particularly sensitive to tinkering. Last year’s decision to install planters for social distancing purposes and prevent parking didn’t go down well with many traders. Mr Hubbert says:
“It was a big deal because it’s evident people used that parking to nip in and out. We put our point across but here we are without it.”
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He hopes policymakers listen to businesses before any new initiatives are introduced.
“I hope they take views on board and don’t just stream-roll things thorough because they have seven or eight million pounds and feel they have to spend it.
“That sum could be better spent on a park and ride scheme. Or we could make James Street electric car-only and have electric charge points. If we do something, let’s do something big.
“If you go down the pedestrianisation route, go for something premium so that people’s dwell time on James Street will increase but we have to have that guarantee it will be something spectacular.
“Don’t do fake grass. Don’t make it like Cambridge Street. That doesn’t look inspiring and attract footfall. There are no features. It’s just nothing.”
Last department store standing
Hoopers has felt its share of pain in the last year. Staff numbers have halved to about 35 and it has reduced trading to 30 hours a week for the time being.
It is the last department store standing in the district after Debenhams in Harrogate and Wrens in Ripon closed last year. You might think Mr Hubbert would be pleased to see rivals fold but he says:
“An empty shop in town isn’t good for anybody. We will pick up some of their sales but I’d rather see Debenhams in a strong position because it’s one of the oldest names on the high street.”
Some feel the department store concept has had its day but Mr Hubbert says the lockdown has rekindled Britain’s love affair with shops, particularly those selling premium brands.
“People have seen the high street deteriorate in the last 18 months and it’s shocked them. As much as they love the internet for convenience shopping they don’t want to see void space.
“Many regulars have come back and said ‘we are so pleased to see you back’. They like the fact that they can get that different fragrance here that is unique.
“They are definitely treating themselves to things such as luxury handbags and outfits for holidays.”
‘Biggest fight of our lives’
Harrogate has one of four Hoopers stores. Debra Angus, the managing director, visited recently. Mr Hubbert says:
“There was no doom or gloom conversation. It was all very positive. It’s given me a lot of confidence.”
But there’s no hiding the fact that these are unprecedented times. He says:
Huge backlash against ‘cheap and tacky’ fake grass“Every retailer is having the biggest fight of their lives. For me, it’s about making the store become profitable and have longevity so we still have this great store in Harrogate.
“We are fighting to be here long-term. I’ve been in retail all my life and it’s become evident we can’t live without the high street. I’m more passionate than ever about shops staying open.
“That’s why I’m involved with the BID. I want to make a difference to not just Hoopers but also making the shopping experience better for people. I’m on a crusade to save the high street.”
Harrogate Borough Council has defended its decision to install fake grass in the town centre despite an overwhelmingly negative response.
The Stray Ferret’s article that broke the news yesterday received well over 150 replies on Facebook and nearly all of them criticised the move.
Comments ranged from “it looks cheap and tacky” to “wasting council tax money yet again” to “who actually sat there thinking this was a cracking idea?”.
Some people felt artificial grass undermined Harrogate’s reputation as an upmarket, floral town.
Organisations also spoke out against the move.
Henry Pankhurst, who represents Harrogate Civic Society on planning issues, said:
“I agree with those who dislike the unnecessary production of plastic that damages the environment. We may unfortunately find it displaced and strewn on the ground.
“I would like to see it taken away, it is not an enhancement for the street scene and the conservation area.”
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Harrogate Business Improvement District, which attempts to increase footfall to the town centre, distanced itself from the council’s decision.
Sara Ferguson, the BID chair, said:
“We want to make it clear that the fake grass being ‘planted’ around town centre trees is nothing to do with Harrogate BID.
“We have spent a considerable amount of money installing barrier baskets, placing planters outside town centre businesses, and arranging for hanging baskets to be displayed outside many shops – all done to help build on Harrogate’s reputation as a floral town, and to make the town centre as attractive as possible.”
The Stray Defence Association was concerned about the environmental impact, tweeting:
“Real grass or plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. False turf is a reservoir for not only fungus and bacteria, but also contaminated organic matter.
“It kills healthy soil bacteria, worms and root systems underneath it. Water is not absorbed and runs off.”
The council has so far declined to reveal the cost of the scheme. But a spokeswoman said the move had received “lots of positive feedback”. She added:
“We are testing ways of brightening up Harrogate town centre.
“The trees mean any plants in the beds struggle for light and moisture, so we’re looking at potential ways of keeping the beds neat and tidy without plants in them.
“When summer bedding plants become available, we will place additional planters and hanging baskets in the town centre to add a splash of vibrant colour.”
‘New normal’ will be good for Harrogate, says new BID manager
The new manager of Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) says he is confident the town centre will survive the covid crisis and that the ‘new normal’ will be favourable to the high street.
Matthew Chapman, who joined the organisation from Huddersfield BID, is set to take up the role officially from May.
He said the biggest concern was the “different levels of appetite” for people to get back out onto the high street and how to manage that demand.
As the economy continues to reopen under the government’s “roadmap”, Mr Chapman said it would be a challenge for businesses to adapt to the lockdown easing.
He said:
“On the small conversations that I have had with people, I think the biggest concern is different peoples’ level of appetite to get back out and about.
“A lot of people will still want to keep two metres apart, a lot of people will still want to wear masks, whereas other people are just ready to get back to normal.
“I think managing that as a business is probably going to be one of the challenging subjects over the next couple of months as we get to the magical date in June.”
Ahead of the anticipated demand, Mr Chapman will launch a new app to help businesses advertise their deals.
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The app will be a place for local traders in the town centre to advertise their own deals, competitions and different “interactive trails”, such as a craft beer trail.
Mr Chapman said the app could help people to discover different parts of the town centre.
Cambridge Street in Harrogate town centre.
When asked how it would help businesses after the pandemic and what the thinking behind it was, Mr Chapman said:
“I think the thinking behind it is to showcase the best of the town so that it is all in one place, the deals, the competitions and the interactive trails.
“It’s one place that people can find and showcase the best of the town. As well as that, it’s another vehicle for businesses to promote themselves in an interactive and digital way.”
‘The new normal is really favourable to the high street’
The pandemic has taken its toll on retail and hospitality alike, with one Harrogate hotel boss admitting that hospitality had “lost its sexiness” due to covid.
Meanwhile, Harrogate Borough Council leader, Cllr Richard Cooper, has warned that footfall will continue to decline in the town centre without change after covid.
However, it was revealed on Friday that the percentage of vacant shops in the district had fallen to 6.8% in March compared with 8.6% on the same time last year.
But, Mr Chapman said he was confident that the town centre will survive the past 12 months of the pandemic.
He said:
Harrogate empty shops to reveal town’s links to famous faces“We’ve talked about the changes that are needed, but I think there is a huge appetite for people to come out and support the town centre.
“I know before there was concerns about whether people would want to come back to the high street and would people want to come back out.
“But, in all honesty, I think the concerns are more around how we manage the demand. I think there is going to be lots of people coming back out.
“I think the ‘new normal’ is really favourable towards the high street.”
Empty shops in Harrogate are to get a new lease of life by telling the story of the town’s links to famous people.
Harrogate Business Improvement District , which aims to drive footfall into the town centre, has collaborated with Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam on the project.
It has already installed the first window vinyl in the former Hotter store on Cambridge Street.
The window features Sir Edward Elgar, The Beatles and Louis Armstrong, who all have connections with Harrogate.
The Beatles played at the Royal Hall in March 1963 and Louis Armstrong performed at the same venue in October 1933.
Elgar was a regular visitor to the town. He would often stay at the Crown Hotel and the Majestic Hotel. A walk in Valley Gardens is named after him.
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Over the coming weeks Debenhams on Parliament Street and Swarovski on James Street will also be transformed.
These will tell the stories of Harrogate’s connections to Agatha Christie, Sir Winston Churchill and Charles Dickens.
Creative agency The Lift Agency, and signs and graphic experts De-signs are also involved in the project.
Harrogate BID chair Sara Ferguson said:
Harrogate BID “urges caution” over Station Gateway project“I think the first window looks absolutely fantastic, and will help instil pride in our town, and also give people another reason to visit.
“There is nothing worse than seeing empty shops and what we are doing is helping to create a town that is a fabulous place to shop, eat and drink, one that is interesting, and one that is proud of its history and heritage.
“I would like to thank Malcolm Neesam for penning the words, and our two other partners in this project, De-signs, and The Lift Agency for creating these superb vinyl graphics.”
Harrogate Business Improvement District has “urged caution” over plans for the town’s £7.9 million Station Gateway project.
In its consultation response, the BID said it “broadly welcomed” the investment but added the town centre economy is in a “fragile state” and needed to be confident the changes would help Harrogate “thrive”.
The BID said it supported a two-lane option for Station Parade but with one lane dedicated to buses and taxis only.
It did not agree with the proposed two-way cycle lanes as it “does not form part of a connected and segregated cycling route, and would result in reduced space for pedestrians”.
Meanwhile, the BID said it supported segregated cycling on both sides of East Parade and preferred minor public realm improvements outside Victoria Shopping Centre in order to focus on Cambridge Street.
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It also preferred for pavements to be widened on James Street, allowing a single carriageway for vehicles, with some short stay/blue badge/delivery bays. Other proposals being consulted on include pedestrianising the street.
A proposal for widened pavements and single lane of traffic on James Street, which the Harrogate BID supports in the Station Gateway plan.
The BID also raised concerns the current consultation process had not engaged the wider Harrogate community, and urged North Yorkshire County Council to consider sending details of the proposals via email and post to all Harrogate residents.
Sara Ferguson, chair of Harrogate BID, said the project would have a “major impact on our town centre”, adding:
“We are pleased the investment aims to create a step change in travel, and forms part of a much wider plan to tackle the climate crisis and deliver a more sustainable future for the town centre.
“We also hope this investment will help to support our journey to recovery, but urge that consideration is given to the consultation feedback to ensure that we capture the views and ideas of businesses, residents and visitors, to shape and influence the proposed plans.
“It is essential that we continue to invest in infrastructure for cars, particularly off-street car parking, park and ride, improved signage, and electric car charging to ensure that Harrogate can thrive and prosper for many more generations.”
The government’s Transforming Cities Fund has provided funding for the gateway project, to improve the design of the town and encourage more sustainable transport.
North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority are delivering the initiative.
Harrogate Business Improvement District appoints new managerHarrogate Business Improvement District has appointed Matthew Chapman as its new manager.
Harrogate is one of more than 300 places in the UK to have a BID, which aim to attract inward investment in town and city centres and boost footfall.
Mr Chapman, who will begin the £45,000 role on May 1, was appointed Leeds BID operations manager in 2016 before becoming Huddersfield’s BID manager in November 2019.
The job advert for his new role said the successful candidate would be responsible for a budget of £3m over five years, managing staff and partners, leading projects and delivering key performance indicators.
Harrogate BID chair Sara Ferguson said:
“Matthew was the standout candidate in our recent recruitment drive for a new manager. He brings with him experience of working with two major Yorkshire BIDS.
“We are very much looking forward to working with Matthew as Harrogate comes back to life from covid lockdown number three. He has some fantastic ideas for promoting Harrogate as a must-visit destination.”
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Mr Chapman said:
Harrogate town centre cleaned ready for return of retail“Harrogate is a fantastic town with so much to offer, and coming here as a regular visitor since my childhood, I know it well.
“Thanks to my roles with both Leeds BID and Huddersfield BID, I’ve gained a great deal of experience working with businesses, councils, tourism bodies and the police. Building teams and working with wider teams is a core strength of mine.
“I’m really looking forward to starting my new job helping to promote Harrogate as a wonderful destination to shop, eat and drink, and to ensure the town centre is clean, safe and welcoming to all.”
Harrogate Business Improvement District has called in its cleaning crew to sort out the town’s “grot spots” ready for the return of retail next month.
Teams have started weeding and washing footpaths on East Parade, Tower Street and Bower Road, including the pedestrian tunnel.
When they have finished there they will move onto other areas the Harrogate BID has identified as being in need of a clean.
Last year the BID awarded Yorkshire-based company UK Nationwide Cleaning Services a four-year cleaning contract.
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Between April and December, the company power-washed about 40,000 square metres in the town centre.
Sara Ferguson, chair of the Harrogate BID, said:
Harrogate business groups want Station Gateway cash spent elsewhere“One of our remits is to build on the day-to-day work undertaken by Harrogate Borough Council’s street cleansing department, and to ensure Harrogate town centre continues to look at its best all year round.
“With Easter a month away, and ‘non-essential’ shops to reopen on April 12, we want the town to look clean, welcoming and inviting for the long-awaited return of customers, hence this early spring clean.”
Three Harrogate business groups have come together to ask for some of the money set aside for cycle lanes on Station Parade to be spent elsewhere.
North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council launched a four-week public consultation on the Harrogate Gateway Project today.
The councils set out plans last week to pedestrianise James Street, build cycle lanes on Station Parade and improve cycling facilities in the town centre.
Under the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, the county council secured £7.8 million in ring-fenced funding.
Now that the public consultation has started, the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Harrogate BID and Independent Harrogate have had their say.
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The groups suggested East Parade and Cambridge Street as places they feel the money would be better spent.
However, Harrogate Borough Council has said the funding can only be spent improving the bus and train station area only and has to be focussed on transport-related activity.
Sandra Doherty from the chamber, Robert Ogden from Independent Harrogate and Sara Ferguson from Harrogate BID said:
“The challenge we are facing is how do we achieve a net-zero carbon town centre economy and simultaneously create a trading environment in which todays’ businesses can thrive?
“The Harrogate Gateway project gives us the opportunity to start the job of achieving this.
“While we welcome measures to reduce traffic congestion on Station Parade, we feel East Parade would be best placed for the new cycle lanes.
“We also believe that money would be better spent enhancing Cambridge Street, as this is very much the ‘gateway’ into Harrogate town centre from both the bus and railway stations.
“Also, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that previous studies have revealed that between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of visitors to Harrogate arrive here by car.
“Considering Harrogate’s role in Bicycling Touring Club, the Tour de France Grand Depart and the UCI World Cycling Championships, the town has somewhat lagged behind others.
“If this project is about making Harrogate accessible to more sustainable forms of transport, we particularly need to encourage visitors with electric and hybrid vehicles.”