Councillors across Harrogate and Knaresborough have today voted to support plans for the £11.2m Station Gateway project.

The scheme, which would see Station Parade reduced to one lane of traffic in favour of a bus lane and cycle route, received 10 votes in favour and three against.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee heard views and evidence and debated the project for more than three hours before making their decision.

They voted on a motion to support the scheme, on condition that the council would engage further with local businesses and residents to address their concerns.

The heated meeting began with time for members of the public to address the committee.

Members of the public at the start of the meeting.

Sue Savill, owner of Party Fever, raised the issue of lack of access to businesses on the east side of Lower Station Parade. She said the scheme would remove parking spaces immediately outside the front in favour of a bus lane and cycling path, adding:

“The cost to local businesses would be devastating. It would make Harrogate less attractive to visit.”

William Woods, of Independent Harrogate, said it, Harrogate BID, Harrogate Chamber and Harrogate Residents Association opposed the plans, adding:

“You must ask yourselves, can all these businesses really be wrong?”

He said the Station Gateway project would do “absolutely nothing” to reduce queues on the main approaches to Harrogate, such as Wetherby Road.

There was raucous laughter when Judy D’Arcy-Thompson, of the Stray Defence Association, said a report supporting the plans highlighted the lack of cycling connection between the railway and bus stations, which she pointed out were just “20 paces” apart.

She said the “largely intelligent, conscientious population” was already aware of the need to protect the local environment without the scheme being needed. She concluded:

“Please do not bring down the portcullis and tear the heart out of Harrogate.”

How Station Parade will look

Just two members of the public spoke in favour of the scheme: Kevin Douglas, of Harrogate District Cycle Action, and Jemima Parker, of Zero Carbon Harrogate.

There were loud shouts from the public against them. Committee chairman Pat Marsh had to ask several times for people to be quiet to allow the speakers to be heard.

There were snorts of derision as Harrogate District Cycle Action leader Kevin Douglas told the meeting:

“To make cycling an option for all, including children, we do need dedicated cycle tracks…

“Of course this scheme does not prevent people from driving in the town centre if they choose to.”

Evidence from officers

After statements from the public, the meeting moved on to hear from councillors and officers putting forward the plans.

North Yorkshire’s executive member for highways, Cllr Keane Duncan, said the scheme was not “total and perfect” but was an “opportunity” to address the issues Harrogate was facing.

He said he was not trying to pass the buck of a controversial decision to the committee, but was willing to listen to their views and look at any concerns they raised.

Richard Binks, the council’s head of major projects and infrastructure, addressed concerns about the loss of parking spaces. With a total of 6,789 parking spaces – and around 7,500 if nearby supermarkets were included – he said the impact of losing 40 spaces across James Street and Station Parade would be minimal.

Tania Weston, programme manager of the Transforming Cities Fund, added:

“This is not just a cycling scheme – it’s about accessibility. It’s not about preventing driving, it’s giving people options.”

Economic and regeneration manager Matt Roberts told the meeting:

“Change is often daunting but in Harrogate’s case is much needed.”

Otley Road cycle route fears

After the presentations, the meeting moved to debate among the 13 councillors on the committee.

Cllr Michael Schofield, the Lib Dem representative of Harlow and St Georges, said businesses felt the consultation on the scheme was insufficient. He questioned the authority’s ability to deliver on a sustainable travel scheme, given the recent problems with the Otley Road cycle route.

“These people are really worried about their livelihoods. Why haven’t they been consulted properly and why hasn’t a business impact report been carried out with them?”

Matt Roberts said it was not usual for schemes like that to include that, but an economic impact report had been completed.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Matt Walker, of Knaresborough West, said he welcomed investment, and the council’s offers to meet with residents and businesses, but said:

“This scheme is actually an £11m vanity project. It delivers nothing more than an expensive landscaping project…

“It does not sit within a wider strategic plan. Nobody is going to visit the gateway project. People visit for thriving independent shops, along with the Valley Gardens… and others.”

However, speaking in support of the plans and addressing the public gallery, Green party Cllr Arnold Warneken of the Ouseburn division, said:

“I find it very difficult to sit here and listen to how impolite some of you have been. I feel some members of this committee might have wanted to say something but the hostile atmosphere might have prevented them.”

He said most people wanted to protect the environment and called on councillors to “have the courage” to vote for something that would do that.

The plans for James Street

Cllr Paul Haslam, the Conservative representative for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, supported the scheme. His view was that the town needed to be a welcoming place to support businesses of all kinds, in order “to retain quality people” and reduce the number of young people leaving for “more exciting” towns.

As a long-standing businessman and retailer, he said there was already a changing retail landscape thanks to the internet, exacerbated by covid. He argued Harrogate had to “create a USP to attract shoppers”, adding:

“It’s a serious planned investment in our home that will enrich the economy for years to come.”

Cllr Monika Slater (Lib Dem, Bilton Grange and New Park) welcomed officers’ and Cllr Duncan’s assurances that they were open to developing the plans and willing to speak to businesses and individuals about their concerns. She said:

“I really feel that the Otley Road cycle scheme has caused a big problem… It has taken away the public’s confidence in North Yorkshire.”

Lib Dem Cllr Hannah Gostlow, of Knaresborough East, said she supported measures to support active travel but they needed to be joined up. She said it regularly took her 45 minutes to travel from Knaresborough to Harrogate.

“We need a holistic approach to active travel in the constituency.

“We need inspiring schemes that celebrate our heritage and win the support of residents and businesses.”

She called on the area committee to drive through measures to improve active travel with support from the community.

‘Deeply divided’

Holding a leaflet handed to her by a member of the public who had earlier spoken against the scheme, Lib Dem committee chairman Pat Marsh said she was “totally against” the Station Gateway, adding:

“I actually think this alternative solution that connects into my own community and into Bilton, Knaresborough and Starbeck – why aren’t solutions like that being looked at instead of one that’s sending idling traffic up through our town?”

Cllr Peter Lacey (Lib Dem, Coppice Valley and Duchy) said the town was “deeply divided” over the plans. He said:

“This scheme is caught in a sea of disgruntlement and disappointment that I personally share.”

Cllr Lacey put forward a motion to support the scheme, with conditions which would see council officers work with residents and businesses to find the best use of the money. He added:

“This is a test of our ability to work together to deliver the best possible scheme.”

Cllr Duncan said there were time pressures to proceed with the scheme and submit a business case, but he was happy to undertake to follow the councillors’ wishes.

Three councillors – Matt Walker, Michael Schofield and Pat Marsh – voted to oppose the plans, while Cllr Arnold Warneken was ineligible to vote. The rest supported taking the plans forward.

The scheme, including any amendments, will be put before North Yorkshire Council’s executive on May 30 for a final vote.

A crucial vote will be held today over whether the controversial Harrogate Station Gateway scheme should go ahead.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee will meet at 10am to decide whether to back the £11.2 million project.

While the final decision will be made by North Yorkshire Council’s leaders later this year, executive member for transport Cllr Keane Duncan has said he will abide by the vote given by local representatives.

The project, financed by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, would see a bus lane and two-way cycle space introduced on Station Parade, with traffic reduced to one lane.

Cheltenham Mount would become a one-way street, while James Street would be partially pedestrianised from Princes Street eastwards

Improvements would be made to junctions and crossings on Cheltenham Parade and Station Parade, and to the roundabout near the Odeon cinema on East Parade. There would also be work to the One Arch underpass, Station Square and the length of Station Parade to create a more welcoming environment.

A report due before the committee today said:

“The scheme seeks to balance the needs of all modal users in ensuring continued access to businesses for loading and the ability to drive into and park within the town centre area, albeit with a predicted modest increase in average car journey times.

“The proposals aim to introduce a significant high-quality uplift to the public realm in the heart of the towns eastern side aimed at increasing retail footfall and quality of experience for residents and visitors.

“The project will also provide safe cycling infrastructure and improved footways which is key in promoting healthier and more sustainable travel choices originating from the rail station hub.”

A part-pedestrianised James Street

The meeting will hear from the council’s head of major projects and infrastructure Richard Binks and its economic and regeneration project manager Matt Roberts, as well as Tania Weston, Transforming Cities Fund programme manager.

Half an hour is allocated to public questions and statements, though these had to be submitted in advance of the deadline earlier this week.

The committee, meeting at the civic centre in St Luke’s Avenue, Harrogate, is made up of 13 councillors who represent divisions in Harrogate and Knaresborough. Of them, eight are Liberal Democrats and five are Conservatives.

Only two have so far declared their voting intentions: Michael Schofield, who represents the Harlow and St Georges division for the Lib Dems has said he will not support the plans.

Cllr Schofield argued the plans could damage local businesses, and said North Yorkshire Council has a poor track record in delivering active travel projects, citing the much-criticised Otley Road cycleway.

However, Conservative Paul Haslam, of the Bilton and Nidd Gorge division, said he is planning to vote in favour.

He said the changes would be a step forward in encouraging active travel, and would also make for a better first impression for people arriving in Harrogate by bus or train.

Read more:

• Stray Views: Time for councillors to back Harrogate Station Gateway
• Dutch-style roundabout ditched from £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway

Businesses have raised concerns about the potential impact of the changes on town centre trade, arguing fewer people would shop there if they could not park nearby.

A total of 40 parking spaces would be lost through the changes: 20 on Station Parade and 20 on James Street.

Four taxi spaces and three disabled bays would be lost on James Street, but one extra taxi space and three disabled bays would be added on Station Parade.

After a third consultation on the plans was held at the end of last year, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce said:

“It is going to have a massive impact on town centre business, many of whom are vehemently opposed to the scheme as they believe it will have a detrimental impact on their livelihoods.

“We recognise the impact of climate change and the need to encourage active travel, but it’s clear this project is not the correct way forward because the majority do not support it.”

However, the plans have found support among other groups and individuals.

In a letter to the Stray Ferret last month, former town centre business owner and cycling campaigner Malcolm Margolis said:

“It’s true that many local businesses are noisily opposing it. It was the same in the 1980s when Cambridge, Oxford and Beulah streets were pedestrianised. A chorus of local business owners said it would be a disaster. It wasn’t.

“As the owner of a sports shop in Beulah Street I supported the changes. I thought they would be good for my business and they were. Our business increased appreciably because footfall increased.

“It also created a considerably more pleasant environment for our staff to work in – quieter and cleaner.”

Today’s meeting begins at 10am. The Stray Ferret will be covering the debate and vote live – keep an eye on our website for the latest updates.

Today’s Totally Locally party in Ripon provided a taste of how Kirkgate could be utilised throughout the year if the street was permanently pedestrianised.

The event, which was organised by independent traders in the city with the backing of Ripon Business Improvement District, attracted hundreds of visitors.

Despite an unfavourable forecast, the day of sunshine and showers saw family groups and individuals arrive from 10am to listen to live music, purchase gifts and enjoy some alfresco dining, as cafes, restaurants and other retailers lined the street with their stalls, tables and chairs.

Performers included the Hyde Family Jam (main picture) the All for One Ripon band (pictured above) and the Knaresborough Vestal Social Club Band.

Richard Hughes, one of the event’s organisers and owner of Manchega Tapas Bar on Duck Hill, told the Stray Ferret:

“Independent businesses, not just in Kirkgate, but throughout the whole of Ripon, have made this happen.”

Mr Hughes, (pictured above, centre) with colleagues from the left: Tilly Whild, Brad Lucas and Felix Lees, added:

“It shows what Ripon could do by properly pedestrianising Kirkgate and enabling small businesses to work together to unlock the street’s full potential by making it a vehicle free area.”

Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst, said:

“It has been great to see how traders in Kirkgate and other parts of Ripon have collaborated to create such a tremendous community event under the Totally Locally banner and we hope that there will be many more to follow.”

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Business leaders say one of Harrogate’s most prestigious streets is experiencing a resurgence after the challenges of covid.

James Street was for many years seen as the most desirable place to open a shop in the town, with its heritage features and high quality brands.

However, the last couple of years have seen it struggle with empty units, the temporary removal of parking spaces, and controversial plans to pedestrianise at least part of the street.

But with major national brands including Oliver Bonas and Pret a Manger set to open there in the coming months, along with popular local beer emporium Husk, could James Street be experiencing a return to its former fortunes?

Harrogate BID certainly thinks so, as manager Matthew Chapman explained:

“It is very good news to see a swathe of new business opening on James Street, including a number of well-known national brands.

“It has always been one of the town’s most prominent streets, hosting a wide variety of quality shops, and when Next moved to Victoria Shopping Centre it was a blow. In its place we had a discount store, which certainly wasn’t in keeping with other shops on the street.

“Now the unit is to be occupied by what we believe to be a top fashion brand, and coupled with Pret a Manger moving in next door, it will give James Street a very welcome boost.”

The positive news for the street comes despite fears raised by existing businesses that any pedestrianisation – and the nearby Station Gateway scheme which would reduce Station Parade to one lane for cars – could be severely damaging to retail.

Station Gateway proposals show Harrogate’s James Street pedestrianised.

Business owners have argued that customers like to park up nearby and pop into shops for just a few minutes, rather than parking further afield and walking in. Reducing their ability to do so, owners say, will have an effect on footfall and seriously hamper their viability.

Bob Kennedy, who owns Porters on James Street, said the arrival of new businesses is a welcome sign – but does not necessarily reflect confidence in the proposed changes.

“It’s a classic case of what will happen if we pedestrianise it. Walk up Cambridge Street and have a look at the quality and you realise why people want to be on James Street instead.

“I don’t think [pedestrianisation] would lead to businesses leaving. With the larger independents and upcoming chains, it’s simply if you are in a spot and it’s making you money, you stay. If it’s losing you money, you look to leave.

“Whether the Station Gateway will lead to people taking less money and less profitability and therefore make them think about leaving, who knows?”

Read more:

• Oliver Bonas set to open store in Harrogate
• Pret A Manger set to open in Harrogate ‘very soon’
• Public inquiry threat revealed for James Street pedestrianisation plans

Mr Kennedy said rents had come down as landlords realised demand for retail space had fallen slightly, making it more viable for businesses to open up and try to make shops viable.

This was more likely to be a factor, he said, than any proposed changes which could take a long time to come into effect.

However, he said the situation was cyclical, with low rents encouraging more demand, which would in turn drive rents back up. Larger, national brands would be more likely to be able to absorb those higher costs, he said.

Planters were used to prevent parking on James Street during the covid pandemic

For Harrogate BID, there is a clear sense of positivity across the town centre after a tough two years.

Mr Chapman added:

“It’s not just James Street that is seeing new life being breathed into empty units.

“Walking around town as I do regularly, new businesses are also popping up in a number of other locations, including Montpellier, which is good news for the town centre economy.

“Having a vibrant mix of national and independents is what makes Harrogate appealing to shoppers, both local and from further afield.”

Knaresborough businesses have said they would strongly oppose any moves to pedestrianise the town’s Market Place.

Knaresborough Town Council put forward an idea to pedestrianise a section of Market Place in a recent survey on the future of the town.

But businesses spoke out overwhelmingly against the proposal in a heated debate at a Knaresborough Chamber of Trade meeting last night.

They said the plans, which could see the area from the phone boxes to the market cross pedestrianised with the loss of 14 parking spaces, would damage trade.

Many said the loss of parking would encourage shoppers to go elsewhere and make deliveries more difficult.

Concerns have also been raised about how the area would look and who would manage the upkeep.

‘Massive impact on sales’

After the meeting, Stuart Pieri, who owns of The Wine Shop which looks out onto the car park, told the Stray Ferret:

“I already have people leaving boxes of wine at the door whilst they go and get their cars and park up outside on the double yellows so without those parking spaces in front it’ll be even worse. It’ll have a massive impact on sales for me. It would be the difference from people buying a box and a bottle.

“As a resident, it would be lovely to see it pedestrianised and done properly but from a business point of view it’s not as practical. Either way, of course I will adapt, but I’d rather not have to.”

Carole Bardon, owner of the Lavender Rooms, had similar opinions:

“It would make life really difficult, especially for deliveries. The idea of it is nice, more space for chairs outdoors, but it just hampers everything else. People wouldn’t be able to park out here, especially disabled people wouldn’t be able to get to us.”

Read more:

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Kelly Teggin

‘Don’t fix what isn’t broken’

Kelly Teggin, owner of a hair salon on Castlegate said:

“I don’t think Knaresborough needs pedestrianising, we struggle for parking as it is. Those parking spaces are always being used so to lose them would have a huge impact, we’ll all lose customers if they don’t think they can get parking. Why fix something that isn’t broken?

“Also, it would need proper management and with the castle only a minute’s walk away pedestrians are already spoilt for choice. I think the idea is nice but the ripple effect on businesses and cost doesn’t add up.”

Residents and business owners in Knaresborough are being asked to give their opinions on whether the town’s Market Place should be pedestrianised.

Knaresborough Town Council has begun canvassing opinion on whether to pedestrianise a large section of Market Place.

The current suggestion is for the area from the phone boxes to the market cross to be pedestrianised, which would mean the removal of 14 car parking spaces and cars being prohibited from the loop around the market.

The roads surrounding that section, including the bottom of Market Place, Castlegate and the top area near Caffe Nero would still be available for car use.

Cllr Christine Willoughby said the plans were at “a very early stage” but she hopes people will back the idea. She said:

“In an ideal world, it would be a nice thing to do in the town. I visit large, open markets in foreign cities and just think how nice they are. I’d like to see it happen here, but we have to have support from residents and businesses before taking it to the next stage.”

Read more:

• Knaresborough chamber plans to ‘build back’ after bitter fallout over BID
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Residents are being asked to share their opinions on pedestrianisation in a survey that aims ‘to help share the future of the town’. The survey closes on January 27.

Cllr Willoughby said the town council was conscious of how pedestrianisation might affect businesses on Market Place and it had asked Knaresborough Chamber of Trade to speak to members.

She added the idea had circulated for years but had never come to fruition, but she hoped that with the support of local businesses and residents it could finally happen.

If the town supports the proposal, the next stage would be to contact North Yorkshire County Council, which is the highways authority. It also earns income from the car park.

Paper copies of the survey are also available to collect from Knaresborough Library or by contacting the town council on 01423 864080 or clerk@knaresboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk.

An elderly woman had to wait two hours with a broken shoulder for an ambulance after tripping over the kerb on James Street, Harrogate.

The woman, in her 70s, told nearby shop staff that she fell after not seeing the kerb because of the planters.

The incident happened at about 11am on Tuesday, June 8.

Local shop assistant, Clare Nelson, who came to help the woman, said Yorkshire Ambulance Service said because she wasn’t in a critical condition there would be a two-hour wait.

Ms Nelson told the Stray Ferret the woman’s shoulder was broken and she was very shaken:

“She was very distressed and shaken, she’d only come for the day and wasn’t aware of the layout. Luckily there were people around to help her but it was still uncomfortable for her.”

She said she watched three other people tripped over the kerb during the two-hour wait. Working in Porters Ms Nelson says she sees several people a day trip over the kerb due to confusion.

The street has planters in the car parking bays to allow for social distancing but, she says,  this makes it seem as it is all one level.

She said things need to change:

“I’ve seen plenty of people do it, it’s confusing. Either they move the planters or they do it properly – it’s not practical as it is.”

Read More: 

• Four flats could be built above Harrogate’s James Street
• Pedestrianisation of Harrogate’s James Street moves a step closer

The planters have not been popular with many traders on James Street who argue that the loss of car parking bays has affected trade.

‘Reviewing social distance measures’

Melisa Burnham, highways area manager, said:

“The safety of all road users is our main consideration when implementing new measures. If anybody experiences a problem we encourage them to contact us via the website here.

“Our highways teams have not received any reports of the public tripping on the kerb in James Street since the measures were introduced last summer. Emergency vehicles still have access to the area and planters can be moved should vehicles need to park against the kerb.

“We will be reviewing all social distancing measures in conjunction with Harrogate Borough Council after July 19 in line with lockdown easing. I would like to reassure the public that all social distancing measures on James Street and Albert Street will be removed if government restrictions are lifted.”

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

“During the last few weeks the urgent and emergency care system has come under increasing pressure.  We can confirm that this emergency call was received during a particularly busy period on Tuesday 8 June.

“All calls are categorised according to the nature of the patient’s illness or injury and those in a life-threatening condition are always prioritised.”