Plan approved to convert former Harrogate Slug and Lettuce into retail units

A plan to convert the former Slug and Lettuce bar in Harrogate into four retail units and apartments has been approved.

Leeds-based developer Rushbond PLC lodged the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council for the Herald Buildings on Montpellier Parade in September last year.

Built in the 1850s, the buildings were also the headquarters of the Harrogate Advertiser newspaper for much of the last century until it moved out in 1990.

The Slug and Lettuce chain then occupied part of the buildings for nearly 30 years before closing in May 2021

Now the council has approved plans to subdivide the ground floor into four mixed use units, including retail and food and drink.

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Meanwhile, the upper floors will be converted into five flats.

The plans have been designed by Harrogate-based SPX Architects. Documents say the development would “enhance the area’s reputation” as a destination for independent boutique-style shops.

It says:

“The proposals generate a sustainable, long-term use for the upper floors of this locally designated heritage asset and simultaneously improve its energy efficiency and visual contribution to the area.

“Moreover, the replacement of a large public house and its associated outdoor eating and drinking areas with a scheme providing a complementary mix of small high-quality ground floor retail units to those found on Montpellier Mews, Montpellier Parade and Montpellier Street only serves to enhance the areas reputation as a destination for independent boutique style shops.”

Rebecca Micallef, economy and transport officer at the council, said in a letter to the authority’s planners that the move would help to enhance the area.

She said:

“We are keen to see the opportunity for four new retail units to be developed within this vacant space, to improve the active frontage, attract new businesses into a key town centre location, enhance the quality of the retail offer of the Montpellier Quarter and support the high street economy. 

“The introduction of upper floor residential seems to be appropriate at this location and will add to the vibrancy of the town centre, supporting both its daytime and evening economy.”

Fifty knives dropped off in Harrogate’s ‘knife amnesty bin’ during first month

Fifty knives have been anonymously dropped off in a safe bin since it was installed at the Dragon Road car park in Harrogate last month, figures reveal.

The Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire Police project, which is paid for and managed by the police, was introduced due to a sharp rise in the number of knife-related incidents in the county.

In the Harrogate district alone, there were over 2,700 recorded incidents where a knife or bladed article was mentioned between the beginning of 2020 and June 2022.

High-profile incidents involving knives included a January 2020 attack near the Victoria Shopping Centre and a murder at Mayfield Grove in 2021.

The police blamed the rise in people carrying knives on fueding drug gangs and criminals using the weapons to protect themselves.

The council said previously the bin also provides a place for parents who might have confiscated a knife from their child but who do not want to hand them directly to police.

The bin in Harrogate was installed on January 23 and is the first of its kind in North Yorkshire.

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According to a report that will be discussed by councillors next week, 50 knives have been deposited so far, which includes a one way-chute that stops anyone from retreiving a knife that’s inside.

The Dragon Road car park is directly next to Asda and the supermarket chain has backed the scheme.

It no longer sells single knives and it has a policy of questioning anyone who buys a pack of knives after 10pm or appears under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The deposit box will be there for 12 months as part of a pilot scheme. If it’s successful it could be rolled out elsewhere in the county.

The report added:

“To date we have received positive feedback and a number of other locations across the district and county interested on enhancing the offer.”

Harrogate pub hosts free Pancake Day fun tomorrow

A Harrogate pub is hosting free Pancake Day fun tomorrow that gives people the chance to earn the title of ‘fastest flipper in town’.

The Fat Badger will provide pans and pancake mixes and anyone who turns up between 9.30am and 4pm is welcome to make their own treats and then see how quickly they can complete the course.

The event is being held in the pub’s beer garden on Cold Bath Road, adjacent to the footpath so people walking past can see it.

There is no charge to enter and the winner will receive Sunday lunch for two people, including a bottle of wine, at the Fat Badger.

Simon Cotton, managing director of the HRH Group, which owns the Fat Badger, said:

“The rules are simple; it’ll be against the clock and each person will need to make a regular size pancake and successfully flip it twice to be entered.

“One go per person but everyone can enter for free as it’s just for fun and community engagement.”

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Developer apologises for debris in River Crimple at Spofforth

A housing developer has apologised after debris from its site near Harrogate entered a nearby waterway.

Polystyrene and plastic from the 72-home Yorkshire Housing site at Spofforth was floating in the River Crimple in the village over the weekend.

Yorkshire Housing was granted permission to build the homes at Massey Fold in October 2021 after a long-running campaign by some villagers against the development.

Crimple Beck at Spofforth 2023

Litter strewn across the river and the nearby area. Pic: @spofforthmark

The organisation, which owns and manages about 20,000 homes, said in a statement:

“On Friday, some insulation blew open in the high winds and broke up. The contractor notified the Environment Agency straight away to let them know what had happened.

“Because of the stormy weather over the weekend it wasn’t safe to retrieve and clear-up the debris until this morning. We’re working quickly to do this.

“Windy weather isn’t an excuse and this shouldn’t have happened. We’ve discussed this with the contractor who will ensure any loose materials are secure to prevent this happening again.”

Signs on site say the development, known as Bridgewell, will consist of two, three and four-bedroom homes built in partnership with construction company the Jack Lunn Group and the non-departmental housing agency Homes England.

Villager Mark Lee raised concerns about the incident on social media.

Devastating pollution in Spofforth today, waste and debris from the new development by @JackLunnGroup @HomesEngland @yhousing @EdwardArch the river Crimple is actually blocked by your mismanagement and carelessness! @ClimateDesk @thestrayferret @Harrogate_News @UnderwaterMedia pic.twitter.com/IiszgX96hV

— mark lee (@spofforthmark) February 19, 2023

Conservationist Keith Wilkinson, who is chairman of Nidd Gorge Advisory Partnership and honorary secretary of Bilton Conservation Group, said the incident reinforced the need to look holistically at problems associated with Harrogate’s three rivers — the Nidd, Crimple and Oak Beck.

Mr Wilkinson said contamination from the Nidd tributaries inevitably impacted on the Nidd itself and therefore it would be better to adopt a more strategic view to managing water quality.

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Stray Ferret Business Awards: Business Growth Finalists

The Business Growth Award is sponsored by Raworths. 

Raworths delivers legal excellence to the people of Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

The firms offers specialist services covering business, dispute, property, individual and family law.

The Business Growth Award recognises businesses that have seen significant growth over the last three years, measured across financial turnover, employee expansion and market share increase.

The Finalists

Evolve Psychology Services

Evolve Psychology Services is an independent psychology and neuro-developmental clinic offering forensic and clinical services.

The clinic now has 30 clinicians, a services manager and 5 business centre staff to provide premium services.

In 2022, the clinic was awarded two NHS contracts for neuro-developmental assessments.

Evolve’s team is now able to offer 70 community assessments per month, which has seen the business grow more than 100% yearly since its foundation.

Dr Laura Powling, consultant clinical psychologist and director, said:

“We are extremely honoured to be shortlisted for the Business Growth Award. The business growth allows us to increase our capacity to provide much needed assessments and services to all the clients that are referred to us, which in turn allows them to access the appropriate support moving forward.

“We are extremely proud of the growth achievements we have made, and being shortlisted for the award is fantastic recognition and validation of the importance of the development of essential services”.

Harlow Consulting

Harlow Consulting provides detailed research to develop the client’s outputs, efficiency and effectiveness.

Harlow Consulting has seen swift revenue growth, with financial turnover going from strength to strength each year.

The team has expanded from the original two founders to seven highly-qualified staff members.

The business has also significantly expanded its office space at Cardale Park, Harrogate.

Jennifer Brennan, Director, said:

“Harlow Consulting feel very grateful to be shortlisted for the Stray Ferret Business Growth Award.

“It is great to be recognised alongside the other amazing nominees. We are very proud of our team, who have worked hard and given their all, resulting in the rapid growth we have experienced.”

Bamber & Brown

Bamber & Brown began in 2021 selling speciality coffee from a converted horse box at the entrance to Birk Crag.

Since then the company has seen exceptional financial growth and has become a hotspot for takeaway coffee.

In 2022, a horse shelter at the site was developed to serve fresh pizzas to the public.

The company has recently also acquired a premises license, which will be used to create a Prosecco Bar.

Philippa Brown, Founder, said:

“To say we’re over the moon about being finalists is an understatement! It was very unexpected and a marvellous recognition for my team’s dedication.

“I have wanted to bring back the historical old tea rooms at Birk Crag in some way for 25 years and decided it was now or never. A huge thank you to my lovely loyal and supportive customers who have made it happen!”

TMR Foods

TMR Foods, founded in 2019, supplies premium quality fish and seafood across Yorkshire.

During covid, the new business began doing private deliveries, which resulted in a loyal customer base.

TMR has since added two more vans onto the roads and established a base in Ripon to work from.

TMR Foods is now developing pre-packed ranges to supply to retailers.

Tony Rushton, Co-Founder of TMR Foods, said:

“We are thrilled to have been recognised for our hard work and dedication to providing the finest seafood from the east coast.

“As a family-run business, being shortlisted for the award is a testament to the passion and commitment of our team, and we are grateful for the support of our customers who have made this achievement possible.”

IDR Law

IDR Law is the only legal firm in the UK that deals exclusively with contentious probate work.

IDR Law began in Harrogate, but has since opened offices in Manchester and Bristol.

The team has grown from just two employees to 18 staff members in 2023.

The firm also launched ‘IDRU’ – a university-style training programme – that offers staff 24/7 learning resources curated by top barristers and legal experts.

Founder and Director, Martin Holdsworth, said:

“Despite being very well known in our sector, I’ve always thought we were not well known locally – Harrogate’s best kept legal secret! There is much to celebrate after a stellar year of growth – taking us to 15 specialist lawyers and offices in Manchester & Bristol – but it remains deeply satisfying to have been recognised in our own Harrogate backyard!

“Despite several national award nominations this year, getting a finalist listing for a local award feels very special.”

The Soundproofing Store

The Soundproofing Store provides professional soundproofing solutions on a national scale.

The company has recently began working with commercial clients in the construction sector, as well as domestic customers, which has resulted in significant growth in revenue and network.

The Soundproofing Store recently created the only soundproofing floor mat without the need for an over boarding layer. Sales of the mat amassed to over 11,000.

Tamzin Jefferson, Marketing Manager, said:

“The Soundproofing Store has seen significant growth over the last 3 years and is now the largest online only retailer of soundproofing materials in the UK.

“It has been a challenging few years for many businesses, but we’ve continued to invest in our website, the service we offer and the soundproofing solutions we supply – whilst ensuring we have a clearly defined point of difference within the market”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Harrogate’s Rachel Daly scores twice as England beat Italy

Harrogate’s Rachel Daly scored twice as England beat Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup.

Daly, who made her first start up front, secured the Lionesses their second win of the competition with two headers in a 2-1 victory.

The tournament is hosted by the Football Association and sees four teams play against each other during the February international break.

The 31-year-old was given the start up front after scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances for Aston Villa this season.

Daly’s performance will prove a headache for head coach Sarina Weigman ahead of the final game of the Arnold Clark Cup on Wednesday.

Sunday’s victory over Italy sees England top the tournament table on six points.

The Lionesses will play Belgium for the Arnold Clark Cup at Ashton Gate, Bristol, on Wednesday at 7.45pm.

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Harrogate hotel begins recruiting — three weeks after laying off 76 staff

The St George Hotel in Harrogate is recruiting staff — just three weeks after it closed with the loss of 76 jobs.

The hotel is due to re-open in about 13 weeks as a pub with rooms rather than a traditional hotel. That is the preferred model of The Inn Collection Group, a Newcastle-based company that bought the historic venue in February last year.

The company is now advertising for a general manager on a salary from £45,000 and a head chef on a salary from £42,000.

A spokesman said the venue was still due to re-open in mid-summer. Scaffolding has gone up outside the building.

Asked about the decision to recruit so soon after making redundancies, the spokesman said:

“There were unfortunately delays to our refurbishment programmes as a result of problems within the construction industry and associated supply chain having a knock-on effect.

“This unfortunately meant in some cases we have had to make some redundancies in order to secure the long-term future for the sites.”

The Inn Collection Group also owns the Ripon Spa Hotel, Dower House in Knaresborough and Dean Court in York, among others.

The St George Hotel, which is opposite the Royal Hall on Ripon Road, grew out of the Chequers Inn and was renamed after George III’s gift of the Stray to the people of Harrogate in 1778. 

It was enlarged several times during the 19th century and renamed the St George shortly before the First World War. 

It was badly damaged by fire in 1927 and requisitioned by the Post Office and Air Ministry during the Second World War before re-opening as a hotel in 1952. It acquired a spa facility in 1985. 

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Boy, 16, arrested for attempted murder in Harrogate

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an incident in Harrogate early this morning.

Police were called to a home on Claro Road at 12.15am after a man in his teens received what officers have described as “significant injuries”.

A North Yorkshire Police statement this evening added the man was taken to hospital by paramedics and continues to receive treatment.

The statement added his family are being supported by specially trained officers and urged people to respect their privacy.

The boy was arrested  at 12.25pm and remains in police custody.

Claro Road

There was a heightened police presence in the area around Claro Road today.

Detective Inspector Nichola Holden said:

“We know local residents are likely to be concerned by this incident and I hope the quick arrest of a suspect will go some way to reassure them.

“We believe this to be an isolated event with both teenagers known to each other and we are carrying out a full investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding it.”

“Several witnesses have been spoken to or interviewed by officers investigating this incident and we are confident we have spoken to everyone we need to. However, if you have any other information which you feel may be relevant, please contact police as soon as possible.”

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The police statement added:

“We know many people may wish to comment on this incident, especially on social media, we do ask speculation is avoided as not only can this be detrimental to the investigation but can also cause upset to the family and friends of the victim at this deeply upsetting time.”

Police urged anyone with information to call 101 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference 1223001009.

Stray Ferret Business Awards: Digital Innovation Finalists

The Digital Innovation Award is sponsored by ASE Computer Services Ltd.

ASE Computers Ltd is an IT Sales and Services company offering both corporate clients and individuals IT solutions.

ASE Computers Ltd has recently become a Sophos Partner.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that have embraced digital and grown the business as a result.

Finalists

Re-Macs

Re-Macs is an online business specialising in refurbished Apple devices.

The company has introduced digitally automated systems that enable staff to calculate the profit made on each product.

Re-Macs also launched a sister site, mac-recycle.com, where customers can trade-in their used Apple Macs and get an instant quote.

Tom James, Director of Re-Macs, said:

“It is fantastic to see all our hard work considered for a nomination for the Stray Ferret awards. We are obsessed with improving all aspects of what we do all the time.

“We’re on our way now to becoming the largest seller of refurbished Apple computers in the UK!”

Strive Group

Strive Group is a connected experience agency in Harrogate.

Strive Group was tasked by Volvo to create a virtual specification configurator, using the power of its ICE (Interactive Customer Experience) ahead of the Volvo C40 Electric Recharge launch.

‘ICE’ permitted potential customers to explore the car with immersive features such as the opening and closing car doors, testing the media system and even fitting an external tow bar.

Alistair Grant, Director and Owner of Strive Group, said:

“As a Harrogate business, we are very proud to receive recognition within the business community for the work we deliver for global clients. Our ‘I.C.E.’ platform has been developed to create a fully immersive experience for brands.

“With Volvo, we have further developed this concept, allowing customers freedom to explore the car as they would in a real life showroom, build the car to their specification and complete the ownership experience through subscribing or purchase the vehicle”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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Harrogate Rugby Club launches foundation to ‘tackle all barriers head-on’

The Harrogate Rugby Club has set up a foundation to help make the game more accessible to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The Harrogate Rugby Club Foundation will promote physical activity and teamwork amongst all age-groups and aims to benefit a thousand people by 2024.

It will host free tag rugby sessions for schools, as well as community fitness classes, walking rugby programs and mixed-ability rugby sessions.

The rugby club has acted as a social hub since its foundation in 1871.

The project’s mission-statement outlines its aims:

“From primary schools to retirement home, we are here to keep people physically and mentally fit throughout their life. Using rugby as a means to access areas of inequality, deprivation and hardship, we will ensure that everyone in the Harrogate community has the opportunity to benefit from the amazing game that is Rugby Union.”

The foundation will launch officially on Saturday 18th February, at a match between the Men’s 1st XV and Sheffield Tigers.

Local schoolchildren who have already got involved in the rugby club’s free tag rugby sessions will be pitch side at the weekend, taking up the role of ball boys/girls for the match.

Entrance to all matches this weekend will be free.

The rugby club has created a crowdfunding page for the foundation to raise money for free coaching in schools, as well as equipment.

To support the fundraising campaign, visit the crowdfunder page.

 

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