Eighteen months on since planning permission was ratified for a Ripon Lidl, there is still no sign of work starting.
Lidl submitted a planning application in May 2021 and it was approved on Christmas Eve of the same year.
The company ran a public consultation on the scheme, which involves opening a 1,250 square metre store at St Michael’s Park, Rotary Way.
It would be located near the existing M&S Foodhall and create up to 40 jobs
In its planning application, Lidl said the site was ideal:
“Lidl has a commitment to secure representation in Ripon and has been searching for suitable premises for a number of years. The nearest Lidl food stores are located some distance away in Knaresborough, Thirsk and Northallerton.”
However, there is no sign of the store opening. This is despite the planning documents saying Lidl hoped that 2022 would be the “first full and settled trading year for the new store”.
The Stray Ferret is regularly asked by readers for an update on what would be the town’s first Lidl.
As today marks 18 months since the plans were signed off, we contacted the company to find out more about its plans.
But as with our previous request for an update in April, did not receive a response.
Lidl silent on Ripon supermarket plans
Lidl has declined to give an update on its plans for a Ripon supermarket — more than 18 months after it received planning permission.
The German retailer was given the go-ahead to build a supermarket alongside M&S Food at St Michael’s Retail Park in September 2021.
At the time Lidl said it would create up to 40 jobs and occupy three units at the £10m Rotary Way site, which opened in 2020.
But there have been no updates since, prompting the Stray Ferret to ask the company this week if it still planned to proceed with the scheme and, if so, when work would start.
The company has so far declined to respond.
Lidl submitted its Ripon planning application in May 2021 following a virtual consultation.
Since then Harrogate’s first Lidl has opened at the former Lookers car dealership on Knaresborough Road.
There is also a Lidl on Chain Lane in Knaresborough.
National chain Pure Gym has confirmed it will open its Knaresborough branch in May, after a delay from its planned opening this month.
The gym, on the site of the former Lidl supermarket on York Road in Knaresborough, is already inviting locals to sign up for membership.
It has an opening offer of £12.99 per month for the first six months, after which the price rises to £23.99.
Pure Gym first revealed it was planning to take on the Knaresborough site last March. In November, it said it planned to be open by March this year but this has been pushed back by two months.
The York Road site was previously a Lidl supermarket until 2018. During covid, it was used as a vaccination site by Homecare Pharmacy Services until it moved to larger premises on nearby Chain Lane in September.
A Pure Gym spokesperson said:
“Following some delays to building works, we can confirm that our contractors are now on site and doing all they can to get PureGym Knaresborough open as soon as possible.
“The brand-new gym, which is expected to open in mid-May, will provide members with an extensive range of first class fitness equipment including a functional zone, free weights area, cardio equipment, fixed resistance and fitness studio – all available with Pure Gym’s affordable and flexible memberships.
“We look forward to welcoming new members to Pure Gym Knaresborough in the coming months.”
No.8: Businesses opened and closed in 2022
In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2022, we look at the business which have opened and closed this past year.
It has been a year of change on the business scene across the Harrogate district.
Some long-standing brands closed their doors for the final time, while many new businesses arrived, and others changed hands.
Among the most high-profile arrivals was Leon, which opened its first Harrogate district branch in June. After disputes over signage in the run-up to opening, the chain restaurant hit the headlines again when, the day before it opened, its offer of free food in exchange for feedback from customers added to the queues of traffic on Wetherby Road.
Other hospitality brands arriving in Harrogate for the first time included Cosy Club, Giggling Squid and Pret. Meanwhile, the independent scene was also enhanced with the likes of the Sunshine Bakery in Boroughbridge and Husk Beer Emporium’s move to a bar in Harrogate.
Manager Erin Seelig at Cortado on Leeds Road.
Leeds Road in Harrogate proved a top spot for coffee shops, with Cortado and Folk both arriving this year, while Kings Road remained a popular place for independents as Lilypad and Pink Door opened.
There were also numerous arrivals in retail, largely from national chains: Jules B and Oliver Bonas both opened in central Harrogate, while Hotel Chocolat expanded to a larger premises.
Lidl was the major new name when it came to supermarkets, with its new Harrogate store opening in October to add to its existing Knaresborough branch. Tesco also opened its Killinghall convenience store, while Sainsbury’s Local began trading on Cambridge Street in Harrogate.
There were a few close calls too: vegan restaurant Vertigo announced last year it would open in the bottom of the Everyman cinema building, but after months without any progress, confirmed in March it had gone out of business.
Tomahawk Steakhouse, meanwhile, said it planned to open in the former Solita Food Hall on Station Parade, but in its last update this autumn said it was still awaiting access to the venue:
“At the moment Tomahawk are tied up with legalities that have unfortunately been completely out of our control.
“We were all prepared and ready to go, but with liquidators from the previous owners comes a lot of red tape. We have had to sit on the sidelines whilst it gets thrashed out between the relevant parties.
“It is a shame because we would love to get going with everything and get open, but it’s completely out of our hands.”
A number of businesses reopened under new ownership this year, including some with new names. Among them was one of Harrogate’s oldest brands, Fattorini, which changed hands at the beginning of the year.
Gino D’Acampo’s My Restaurant in Harrogate became Piccolino, another brand in the same group, while the Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant opened for the first time since the end of 2020, unveiling newly refurbished premises.
Elsewhere, Jespers Bar and Kitchen opened in the former Hustle and Co premises on Station Parade, and HG1 Grill and World Bar took over the former Bistrot Pierre site on Cheltenham Parade, which had been occupied by Samsons for just a few months at the beginning of the year.
Ruebery Flowers in Knaresborough became River and Rose under new owner Kirsty Wilson, while The Old Deanery in Ripon reopened following a refurbishment by Chris Layton and Rebecca Hill, who took over following its closure in late 2020.
The former Millstones restaurant on the A59 near Menwith Hill became the Outside Inn, while the Old Spring Well was relaunched as the Curious Cow.
There were also successes for many established businesses across the district.
The Secret Bakery expanded from its Harrogate outlet to a second branch in Knaresborough, while bookshop Imagined Things moved to new premises on Montpellier Hill.
Prologue, Starling and Cold Bath Brewing Company in Harrogate all expanded their operations, as did Ripon’s Caffe Nero.
And it wasn’t just in retail and hospitality where new businesses arrived: Ebru Evrim opened its yoga studio on Harrogate’s James Street, while new gyms Coach and Lift added to the fitness scene in Harrogate.
This year has also seen some losses across the district, including long-standing businesses.
Catch – which had taken over and rebranded the former Graveley’s fish and chip restaurant on Cheltenam Parade – ceased trading in October.
Ripon’s Bambudda closed in July, following the closure of the Black a Moor Inn at Bridge Hewick in March.
Other hospitality businesses lost this year included Gron and Cafe M. Among the shops lost were the Refilling Station, Orvis and Sofa Workshop. Cocktail bar 63rd+1st was lost less than a year after opening on Harrogate’s Albert Street.
There was sadness among many young families as Brimham Rocks Activity Farm announced it would no longer be welcoming visitors to its barns and fields from September, though it continued to offer a mobile petting farm, reindeer hire and other activities elsewhere. Dozens of parents expressed their sadness on social media after the news was announced.
Finally, some prominent premises that used to be home to big brands still stood empty in 2022.
The former Debenhams building, which closed its doors for the last time in January 2021, had been earmarked for demolition, but plans to replace it with “high quality” apartments were withdrawn in May this year.
And the former Slug and Lettuce premises on Montpellier Hill has stood empty all year after closing in spring 2021. Plans were submitted in September this year to convert it into retail premises and apartments.
It is no doubt a challenging time in retail and hospitality, and 2023 will certainly bring more changes.
Having already reported on plans lodged to deliver new bars, restaurants and shops, the Stray Ferret will bring you all the news about new arrivals and departures throughout the year.
Pure Gym set to open in Knaresborough in MarchPure Gym has revealed it plans to open in Knaresborough in March.
The no frills health club operates more than 300 gyms in the UK, including one in Harrogate, which opened in 2015.
The Stray Ferret revealed in March that it planned to open on the site of the former Lidl supermarket on Knaresborough’s York Road.
In an update today to the Stray Ferret, Pure Gym promised to bring “affordable, flexible fitness to Knaresborough” with an introductory offer of £12.99 a month.
Pure Gym in Harrogate, which opened in 2015.
The Lidl closed in 2018 and in February last year Homecare Pharmacy Services began providing covid clinics from a building in the car park until it moved in September last year to larger premises on Knaresborough’s Chain Lane.
Pure Gym now aims to have a gym up and running on the site alongside the main road in four months. It will open from 6am to 10pm daily.
A Pure Gym spokesperson said:
“Pure Gym is delighted to be bringing affordable, flexible fitness to Knaresborough.
“Scheduled to open in March 2023, the brand-new gym will be spread across about 11,500 square feet and will offer pin and free weights, group exercise classes, a range of machines and equipment, a large functional area and access to our PTs to help members achieve their fitness goals.
“The people of Knaresborough and the surrounding areas will enjoy access to Pure Gym’s flagship low-cost, zero-contract memberships to help support their physical and mental wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming new members to Pure Gym Knaresborough – look out for our opening offer.”
Shoppers form long queue for opening of Harrogate’s first Lidl
A long queue of shoppers formed outside Harrogate’s first Lidl supermarket this morning for the grand opening.
On a bright but cold morning, people began queueing well before 8am when the doors opened for the first time.
Work began on the new store in February this year. Today the Mayor of the Harrogate borough, councillor Victoria Oldham, formally announced the store open and cut a ribbon before local residents poured in.
The Stray Ferret was there for a live broadcast on Facebook:
Chris Aldred, the Liberal Democrat councillor for the Harrogate Fairfax ward, said it was important the area had a lower cost supermarket:
“Times are hard aren’t they? We’re all trying to save whatever we can save so having this on the doorstep on this side of town is good.
“It’s also better for the environment as people won’t have to travel long distances to get bargains. I just think it’s really, really good for Harrogate.
“I’ve been really impressed with Lidl’s attitude throughout the process – it was a proper consultation. They went around knocking on doors talking to people and, as a result, there wasn’t a single objection.
They even refurbished the public bench on the pavement which they didn’t have to.”
Pupils from Starbeck Primary School hold up their winning designs after the store held a competition to create a poster for the opening.
Store manager Martin Hart told the Stray Ferret he was surprised by the number of people outside the store today:
“There was a massive push from the team last night and this morning to get the store ready for customers.
“When I saw the queue I was a bit overwhelmed but excited and it’s great to see how much interest is there and I think the store is going to be good for Harrogate.”
Lidl Harrogate store manager Martin Hart
Harrogate’s first Lidl to open tomorrow
Harrogate’s first Lidl supermarket is due to open on Knaresborough Road tomorrow.
Work began on the store in February this year on the site of a former car dealership.
The much anticipated store has a 1,263 square metre sales area, an in-store bakery and 94 parking spaces. The company says the store has created 40 new jobs.
To celebrate its opening tomorrow, Lidl said it is offering bargains on some products including bluetooth speakers, fan heaters and heated under-blankets.
The new store will be open daily from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Lidl GB said:
“It is fantastic that we are able to open our doors and welcome everyone into our new store in Harrogate.
“We have received overwhelming support from local residents, and we would like to thank all those that have played a part in delivering this new store.
“We now look forward to serving our multi-award winning products to everyone within the local community.”
The new Harrogate store is part of Lidl’s current expansion plans – it is now the sixth largest supermarket in the UK.
New Lidl store in Harrogate to open in two weeks’ time
The new Lidl store in Harrogate will open on Thursday, October 13 at 8am, the company has confirmed.
Construction has been under way since February on the Knaresborough Road site, previously home to Lookers Ford car dealership.
The company said the shop will create around 40 new jobs and will offer an in-store bakery, customer toilets including baby changing facilities, and parking for cars and bicycles.
It will be open daily from 8am to 10pm, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
A spokesperson for Lidl GB said:
“It is fantastic that we are able to open our doors and welcome everyone into our new store in Harrogate.
“We have received overwhelming support from local residents, and we would like to thank all those that have played a part in delivering this new store. We now look forward to serving our multi-award winning products to everyone within the local community.”
Drone shots reveal progression of new Knaresborough Road Lidl
Drone shots of the new Lidl on Knaresborough Road reveal work is progressing ahead of opening later this year.
They were sent to us by Stray Ferret reader Darren Leeming and show that the supermarket looks almost complete from the outside, with solar panels also installed on the roof.
It will be the first Lidl to open in Harrogate, following the branch in Knaresborough.
The multi-million-pound building includes a 1,263 square metre sales area, an in-store bakery, customer toilets and 94 parking spaces.
Credit: Darren Leeming
The new store will be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
The German-owned company is currently on a recruitment drive for the new store. A Lidl spokesperson said:
“We are delighted to confirm that construction of our new Lidl store on Knaresborough Road, Harrogate, is well under way.
“The store is due to open this autumn and we are currently hiring for open vacancies, so would encourage anyone interested to visit our careers website.
“We look forward to sharing more information with the local community closer to the time.”
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Harrogate’s first Lidl set to open this autumn
Harrogate’s first Lidl supermarket is set to open this autumn, the company has confirmed.
Work began in February to demolish the old Lookers car dealership on Knaresborough Road to make way for the new store.
It will be the first Lidl to open in Harrogate, although there is already one in Knaresborough.
The multi-million-pound building includes a 1,263 square metre sales area, an in-store bakery, customer toilets and 94 parking spaces.
The new store will be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
The German-owned company is currently on a recruitment drive for staff. A Lidl spokesperson said:
“We are delighted to confirm that construction of our new Lidl store on Knaresborough Road, Harrogate is well underway.
“The store is due to open this autumn and we are currently hiring for open vacancies, so would encourage anyone interested to visit our careers website.
“We look forward to sharing more information with the local community closer to the time.”