Harrogate BID Archives - Page 7 of 22

Harrogate BID says amended Station Gateway scheme ‘should proceed’

Harrogate Business Improvement District has said the town’s £11.2 million Station Gateway scheme should proceed amid plans to scrap major elements of the project.

Yesterday, Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways at North Yorkshire Council, said reducing Station Parade to one lane and pedestrianising James Street would need be dropped from the scheme in order for it “to be successful”.

The move comes as council officials are currently drawing up alternative options for the project after the previous proposals were paused last month.

In a statement, Harrogate BID chair Dan Siddle and BID manager Matthew Chapman said the organisation would back the scheme under the new plans.

They said:

“Whilst we accept the Station Gateway Project has been a divided subject we believe, after consulting with sector representatives within the BID membership, that the project should now proceed.

“The local authority has listened to the concerns raised, adapted the project to a plan that works for the majority and given assurances that the finished product will further enhance the Harrogate welcome and experience.”

Mr Siddle and Mr Chapman added that the organisation felt the £11.2 million worth of funding would be “amiss to reject”.

The statement added:

“This level of investment to town and city centres is a once in a generation opportunity that Harrogate BID feels would be amiss to reject. Looking at the data that demonstrates how and where town centres are heading the Station Gateway Project will be the foundation of many more centrally funded projects that keeps Harrogate as a key destination for residents and tourists alike.

“As an organisation we must stress we do not see this project as anti-car or pro-cycling, purely one which will give people more choice on how they wish to travel to and move around our town.

“Furthermore, this funding, which has to be used towards this gateway scheme has earmarked some fundamental and positive improvements to public realm that we fully support if, as promised, is finished to a first-class standard.”

Full proposals on how the gateway scheme will be amended are expected to be put before senior North Yorkshire councillors at a later date.

The council halted the scheme immediately after lawyers acting on behalf of local property firm Hornbeam Park Developments launched a judicial review.

As a result, the authority announced it would draw up alternative options which would focus on “a high quality pedestrian-focussed public realm scheme, with improved access into the bus station, and better traffic flow through co-ordinated signal timings”.

Search for Harrogate’s best Christmas shop window begins

Entries have opened for Harrogate’s annual Christmas shop window competition.

Harrogate Business Improvement District, which aims to boost town centre footfall, is organising the contest in partnership with the Rotary Club of Harrogate.

Last year Weetons food hall on West Park was named the overall winner.

Harrogate BID, which is funded by a levy paid by town centre business, said in a statement it “hopes to exceed the record number of entries from last year and make Harrogate the place to be this Christmas”.

Participating businesses have until November 28 to dress their windows. The judges will be looking for illumination, innovation and the spirit of Christmas.

The awards evening will be held on December 7.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager said:

“Alongside the Christmas lights, which the BID fully fund, the Christmas fayre and other attractions in the town, we feel that the competition really adds to the Christmas offer and creates a great first impression to both visitors and residents coming into town over the festive period.”

Last year’s winners

Helen James Flowers accepting her award for medium retailer

Helen James Flowers won the Christmas window shop for medium retailers last year.

Weetons took the overall title and 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 and The Yorkshire Soap Company was highly recommended.

In the small shops category, Harrogate International Festivals finished first. Sophie Likes, Foxy Vintage and Interiors, Susie Watson Designs and Bijouled were highly recommended.

No Christmas lights switch-on event in Harrogate this year

Harrogate’s Christmas lights will be switched on in three weeks’ time — but once again there won’t be an official event marking the occasion.

The event, which traditionally drew a crowd to the town centre to mark the start of the festive season, was halted due to covid.

It has not returned since and Harrogate Business Improvement District confirmed in a social media post the situation has not changed. It said:

“Harrogate BID are excited to announce that the Christmas lights will be switched on from Thursday 16th November in the town centre to kick start the festivities.

“As previous years, there will be a ‘soft’ switch on and no official event.”

The Stray Ferret asked Matthew Chapman, chief executive of the BID, why the big switch-on wasn’t happening this year.

Mr Chapman said:

“Whilst we totally understand and respect how popular the Harrogate Christmas lights switch-on used to be, taking feedback from our members on the return on investment it offered, it was decided to utilise our festive budget in more impactful ways as well as funding events throughout the year such as the Harrogate Celebration of Fashion, Harrogate Music Weekender and recent Britain in Bloom gold award-winning Floral Summer of Celebration.

“As with all projects at Harrogate BID, we are constantly reviewing and will do so again in 2024.”

Harrogate music event to be ‘three days of non-stop fun’, says organiser

This story is sponsored by Harrogate Business Improvement District.

Summer may be over, but Harrogate Business Improvement District’s newest event will bring the town that feeling of non-stop fun and dancing back this month.

The inaugural Harrogate Music Weekender will showcase an array of local performers and cater to everyone’s tastes. From Mariachi bands and live DJs to rock legends and acoustic live sets, the event promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

Local hospitality businesses told the BID that trade often slows down between the summer and Christmas period, so the organisation worked its well-known creative magic and is bringing Harrogate the ultimate musical weekend to boost footfall and get people spending at the venues.

The opening Ibiza-themed night will transport you to the white sandy beaches of the Balearic Coast. If you’ve been dreaming of a sundowner at Café Mambo, then you’re in luck! The event, which will be held at The Yorkshire Hotel, will be soundtracked by DJ Mark Green’s chilled house beats. So, grab your friends and your sunglasses because you’ll never experience Ibiza so cheap again…

The following night will welcome Singo Bingo at The Crown Hotel and promises to be a night of non-stop laughter. It’s bingo with a twist and swaps pencils for music. Expect throwback hits, chart-topping anthems, and lots of prizes to be won with a new favourite party game. Get your singing voices ready and have the time of your life at Harrogate BID’s second night to remember.

But the weekend doesn’t end there…

Discover the ABBA Tribute Night at Doubletree by Hilton Majestic Hotel & Spa; live DJs at Piccolino and Foundry Project; local indie performers at Husk, Manahatta and The Den; a performance from an inclusive band at Artizan Café – and so much more!

Bethany Allen, Business and Marketing Executive at Harrogate BID, said:

“A number of our BID members fed back to us that October can sometimes be a bit of a challenging gap between the summer and Christmas.

“With the confidence of a new 5-year term the BID team set about launching a new fun and exciting campaign that will showcase Harrogate in a different light.

“We are very excited to launch the first ever Harrogate Music Weekender and, with around 30 venues showing interest in being involved, it should be a weekend to remember!”

Visitors from near and far can expect to see a spotlight on Harrogate’s spectacular range of hospitality sites, a weekend of rolling music, and lots of special offers along the way too.

Bethany continued:

“People can expect three days of non-stop fun!”

Harrogate Music Weekender will also offer immersive performances and street entertainment – including a walking DJ booth.

Bobs Cormak, Manager at The Den, added:

“I can’t wait for the Harrogate Music Weekender!

“It’s awesome to see our town rallying behind musicians, especially the venues that are taking on the challenge of hosting live music for the first time.

“I’ll, of course, be busy down in The Den – I’m very jealous of everyone who gets to explore the town centre, catching the fantastic acts along the way! It’s going to be an incredible weekend.”

Harrogate Music Weekender will take place on Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15.

Tickets can be bought online now for the Ibiza and Singo Bingo events — both events are 18+.

Prices start at £5 and include one free drink. Those wishing to attend both events can get a special offer ticket for just £8. The rest of the events are free to attend.

To view the full schedule for Harrogate Music Weekender click here.

To find out more about Harrogate BID and its dedication to the town centre, visit harrogatebid.co.uk, or call 01423 582030 to speak to the team directly.

Free parking in Harrogate multi-storey to boost town centre

People driving to Harrogate will be able to park for free in the Jubilee Multi-Storey Car Park from 4pm on each day next week.

Harrogate Business Improvement District is funding the initiative to give traders an autumn boost before the busy Christmas period.

It is timed to coincide with three events next week. They are Harrogate BIDs Harrogate Music Weekender, the Visit Harrogate Restaurant Week and Harrogate Theatre’s Comedy Festival.

Free parking will be available from Monday, October 9 to Sunday, October 15 from 4pm until the car park closes, which is at 11pm from Monday to Wednesday and on Sunday and at midnight on Thursday to Saturday.

The initiative follows on from the free parking after 3pm scheme Harrogate BID ran in the lead up to Christmas last year.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:

“This is just one of the examples of how Harrogate BID is supporting town centre businesses and partner events.

“By providing free parking in Harrogate during this exciting week of events, we are giving residents and visitors an added incentive to come into town to shop, eat, drink and enjoy three great Harrogate initiatives.”

Natalie Rawel, marketing manager at Harrogate Theatre, said:

“Free parking for this week of the comedy festival will be brilliant for our audiences as it means they can drive into the centre of town without having to think about where to park and how much it might cost.”

The photo shows (left to right) Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, Natalie Rawel, Harrogate Theatre marketing manager, Helen Suckling, partnership and commercial manager at Destination Harrogate and Bethany Allen, marketing and business executive at Harrogate BID

Harrogate Restaurant Week returns to offer discount dining

Restaurants across the Harrogate district will be offering discount deals next month, when Visit Harrogate Restaurant Week returns.

The week-long event runs from Monday, October 9, to Sunday, October 15, and will see at least 15 participating restaurants and food outlets offer set-price dining deals for £10, £15, £20 and £30. Big names taking part include Bettys, The Ivy, Hotel du Vin and the Clocktower Brasserie at Rudding Park.

This October’s Restaurant Week runs for longer than last year’s inaugural event, and incorporates Sunday, October 15, to capture the weekend visitor footfall and coincide with the Harrogate Music Weekender organised by Harrogate BID.

The weekend of October 13-15 will see live performances, street entertainers and special offers driving further footfall to Harrogate’s town centre hospitality venues.

Harrogate BID is supporting the week-long event by providing free parking in the Jubilee Car Park in Harrogate from 4pm daily until it closes.

The purpose of Restaurant Week, which is organised by Destination Harrogate, is twofold. Pre-fixed prices help diners to plan what to spend in advance, encouraging them to discover new places to eat.

It also offers businesses in the food and hospitality industry an opportunity to raise their profile. Following the first Restaurant Week in February, many participating businesses reported an increase in bookings and in footfall for the week – while also showing interest for a follow-up event later in the year.

Helen Suckling, partnership and commercial manager for Destination Harrogate, said:

“The feedback we received from February’s event was very positive and, in extending the time that diners are given to enjoy Restaurant Week, we’re also extending the opportunity to boost business for our food and hospitality trade at a traditionally quieter time of the year.”

Customers can take advantage of the lower priced menus and food deals by visiting participating restaurants, cafés and food outlets and quoting the offer.

Gemma Rio, head of Destination Harrogate, said:

“Excellent food and drink is one of the Harrogate area’s tourism strengths and, through Restaurant Week, we’re showcasing the diversity of our dining offer.

“Restaurant Week also supports our commitment to sustainable tourism. In finding new ways to attract visitors and spread footfall across the whole year, we’re offering new opportunities to our local businesses, along with great deals to our visitors and residents alike.”

Businesses can sign up to the initiative via the Destination Harrogate website.

For information on menu offers and the dates on which they are available, see the Visit Harrogate website.

Visit Harrogate is the official tourism website for the Harrogate area of North Yorkshire. It is operated by Destination Harrogate, which is part of North Yorkshire Council.

Harrogate set to host three-day music weekender

Harrogate Business Improvement District is preparing to host the town’s first three-day music weekend.

Harrogate Music Weekender will include live performances, street entertainers and special offers to drive footfall to the town’s hospitality venues.

The weekender, from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15, will begin with an Ibiza-themed event at The Yorkshire Hotel, followed by singo bingo — a mixture of bingo and music — at The Crown Hotel the following night.

With more acts to be revealed, visitors can also expect live performances from local musicians and artists at The Den, Piccolino, and Revolucion de Cuba.

A walking DJ booth and immersive street performances will also be on offer over the weekend.

The BID, which is funded by a levy paid by town centre businesses, organises initiatives that boost the town centre.

BID members in the hospitality industry told the organisation trade dips between summer and Christmas – leaving them with a gap ahead of the festive season.

It hopes the event will combat this by encouraging locals and tourists to spend more time in the town centre.

The weekend will be soundtracked by a range of music from rock and acoustic to live DJs and throwback hits.

Bethany Allen, business and marketing executive at Harrogate BID, said:

“A number of our BID members fed back to us that October can sometimes be a bit of a challenging gap between the summer and Christmas.

“With the confidence of a new five-year term, the BID team set about launching a new fun and exciting campaign that will showcase Harrogate in a different light.

“We are very excited to launch the first ever Harrogate Music Weekender and, with around 30 venues showing interest in being involved, it should be a weekend to remember.”

Bobs Cormack, manager at The Den, added:

“It’s awesome to see our town rallying behind musicians, especially the venues that are taking on the challenge of hosting live music for the first time.

“I’ll, of course, be busy down in The Den – I’m very jealous of everyone who gets to explore the town centre, catching the fantastic acts along the way. It’s going to be an incredible weekend.”

The two opening events are ticketed and bookings can be made online.

The rest of the events are free to attend.

Hot Seat: The man luring shoppers to Harrogate

Harrogate has one. So has Ripon. But Knaresborough hasn’t.

We are talking about business improvement districts, which are set up when businesses agree to work together to fund schemes that encourage more shoppers into town and city centres.

You might not know much about Harrogate BID but you have probably seen its work.

The recent Harrogate floral summer of celebration, which saw nine town centre floral installations ranging from a Buddha to giant cakes, was its handiwork.

So are the town’s Christmas lights, street entertainers and street ranger Chris Ashby, who buzzes around in an electric vehicle cleaning and weeding.

One of nine Harrogate floral summer of celebration displays by the BID.

In June, 76% of almost 500 Harrogate businesses eligible to vote did so in favour of supporting the BID for a second five-year term.

Such landslide support seemed inconceivable in the BID’s early days, when it was riddled with in-fighting. But the appointment of Matthew Chapman as chief executive in 2021 heralded a change of fortune.

Former semi-professional rugby league player Mr Chapman has navigated his way through the Harrogate business world with a deftness and charm not usually associated with cauliflower-eared rugby bruisers.

June’s vote, which means town centre businesses with a rateable value of at least £19,000 will continue to pay a levy to fund the BID’s work, was a testament to faith in the BID and his rigorous campaigning.

Was he surprised by the whopping majority?

“No. We had done a lot of homework. The groundwork started 14 months before the ballot. We were confident we could prove our worth and I spent a lot of time talking to businesses.”

Even Mr Chapman’s sunny disposition was tested when North Yorkshire Council, whose Harrogate businesses include the Turkish baths, the tourist information office and the library, abstained from the vote.

The now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council’s block vote helped the BID win its first ballot five years ago. Was he disappointed its successor local authority didn’t offer the same support?

“It was a tough pill to swallow because we were the first BID in the UK to have a local authority abstain. But at least we can say it was a true business decision.”

(from left) BID staff members Bethany Allen, Chris Ashby and Matthew Chapman join chair Dan Siddle and vice-chair Andrea Thornborrow to celebrate the ballot result.

The yes vote means the BID’s work, which also includes events such as fashion shows and dog shows, the Harrogate Gift Card, street art and targeted free parking, will continue.

But will Mr Chapman? His departure for a managerial role at North Yorkshire Council was announced last year before her performed a U-turn and stayed. He says:

“I’m very confident of staying for the next five years. What that process made me realise is I’m very passionate about BIDs and Harrogate is a great place to deliver one.”

Harrogate ‘vibrant — but needs big brands’

Mr Chapman previously worked for BIDs in Leeds and Huddersfield but says “coming to Harrogate was like going from the second division to the premier league” because of the town’s prestige. He says:

“I’ve learned that Harrogate is a very traditional place where people are really passionate about its history.”

Harrogate, he says, is vibrant and people have a lot of pride in it, adding shop vacancy rates are below average and footfall is above average for a town of its size.

But he says the town centre “could do with some big brands” and some parts, such as Cambridge Street, are “looking tired and could do with a makeover” although he adds Harrogate’s affluent reputation makes it harder to win bids for regeneration funding.

“Look at Montpellier — that says ‘Harrogate’. We would like all the town to say that.”

Which brings us to the £11.9 million Station Gateway scheme — is he for or against?

‘Tired’ looking Cambridge Street

Mr Chapman displays a nifty rugby player’s sidestep by asserting the BID’s neutrality. Some retailers oppose the loss of parking spaces and part-pedestrianisation on James Street, while some hospitality businesses think it would encourage cafe culture, he says.

Mr Chapman commutes in daily from York, where he was born, to the three-strong BID team’s Victoria Shopping Centre office.

Its term two income is set to fall from £540,000 a year to £485,000 a year, mainly because the council’s latest reassessment of rateable values took more businesses below the levy threshold.

But Mr Chapman is confident his team will continue to delight and keep members happy.

“I want to show a clear return on investment. I have got to be able to stand in front of businesses and show what we are doing in return for charging a levy.”

Business Breakfast: Harrogate business groups to host summer social

Two Harrogate business groups are to host a summer social to help firms strengthen collaboration together.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce and Harrogate Business Improvement District are set to host the event at the Harrogate Inn on August 14.

The meeting will be held from 5.30pm until 8pm and include a networking session and drinks.

The event is open to members of the chamber and BID levy payers only.

For more information and to reserve a place, visit the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce website here.

Harrogate care company among top recommended providers

A Harrogate care company has been recognised as one of the top 20 in the UK at an industry awards.

Carefound Home Care, which has a branch in Harrogate, won the award at the homecare.co.uk awards.

recognised as a Top 20 home care group in the UK.

The company was among the top 20 most recommended care providers based on reviews at the website.

Reviews were also submitted by friends and relatives of people receiving home care in the UK, with the rankings intended to help people find home care that is right for their needs, location and budget.

Oliver Stirk, managing director of Carefound Home Care, said:

“Homecare.co.uk is the UK’s leading home care reviews site and plays an important role in giving families transparency when seeking support for loved ones.”

“We are enormously proud to have won this award for the second year running at Carefound Home Care.”

GALLERY: Have you seen Harrogate’s innovative new floral displays?

Harrogate has been in full bloom this week following the Harrogate Floral Summer of Celebration, coordinated by Harrogate BID.

Nine innovative floral displays have been installed to represent the town’s international links, including its twinning with Luchon in France, Barrie in Canada and New Zealand in Wellington.

They displays follow the BID’s success at Yorkshire in Bloom 2022. Harrogate won overall winner in the Yorkshire Rose Town/City Centre BID category and was a finalist in this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals.

It is in partnership with Helen James Flowers — who won a gold medal in the Floristry Awards at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023.

The summery showcase will be on display until Friday, August 4.

Take a look at our gallery below in case you missed it.