8 takeaways from the Harrogate Station Gateway meeting

Councillors voted by 10 to 3 in favour of proceeding with the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway last week.

The heated three-hour meeting saw members of the public and North Yorkshire councillors speak for and against the scheme.

It would see the biggest change to the town centre for decades, including traffic on a 300-metre stretch of Station Parade being reduced to single lane so cycle lanes can be built and part of James Street pedestrianised.

But the meeting revealed far more than that. Here are eight key takeaways.

1 The project looks certain to go-ahead

North Yorkshire Council is expected to ratify the decision to proceed with the gateway when its ruling executive meets on May 30.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which met last week, is only an advisory body to the executive but the council’s Conservative transport chief Cllr Keane Duncan pledged in advance of the meeting to abide by its decision. The 10-3 vote in favour appears to have sealed its fate.

Cllr Duncan told the meeting the council was “up against it” if it didn’t want to lose the £10.9 million pledged by the Department for Transport towards the £11.2 million scheme. He said:

“We will have to make a decision as an executive on May 30 if we want to ensure we deliver this scheme in line with DfT requirements.”

He added the “majority of spend” must take place in 2023/24 budgets, so expect roadworks this winter.

Station Square is many visitors’ first impression of Harrogate.

2 Supporters say it will halt town centre decline

Although the gateway is mainly regarded as a transport scheme, supporters are keen to portray its potential for regenerating Lower Station Parade and the area around the bus and train stations.

Matthew Roberts, economic development officer at the council, displayed a slide at the committee meeting showing the number of shops in Harrogate declined from 539 in September 2013 to 474 in September 2021. The meeting also heard evidence that pedestrianisation often led to an increase in spending.

Mr Roberts concluded his presentation by saying:

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

3 Otley Road cycle route has undermined confidence

The spectre of the Otley Road cycle route loomed over the meeting.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Monika Slater, who represents Bilton Grange and New Park, told officers the much-criticised cycle route had “taken away the public confidence” in the council’s ability to deliver infrastructure schemes.

The prospect of a part-pedestrianised James Street also raised concerns that Harrogate’s premier retail street could become a soulless shopping experience, as some feel Cambridge Street has become, rather than the pleasant oasis portrayed in council designs.

Cambridge Street in the sun

Cambridge Street – bland?

4 Divided Lib Dems enabled the go-ahead

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises North Yorkshire Council, consists of eight Lib Dems and five Conservatives — so the Lib Dems could have halted the scheme.

But there was no party whip and a wide range of views emerged. Committee chair and Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dem leader Pat Marsh, who represents Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone, was scathing:

“I’m totally against this scheme – it’s the wrong scheme. We need to get around the table and look at a more connected plan.”

Fellow Lib Dem Matt Walker, who represents Knaresborough West, and Michael Schofield, who represents Harlow and St Georges, described it as a “vanity project”. But the other five Lib Dems voted in favour, as did all five Conservatives, after receiving vague assurances the committee would be involved in the scheme going forward.

5 There are fears of Harrogate turning into Peterborough or Milton Keynes

Former Harrogate borough mayor Caroline Bayliss was one of many anti-gateway speakers at the start of the meeting. She said the project was “bland enough to suit Peterborough, Milton Keynes or Croydon”, adding:

“It takes away more of our distinct character to be replaced by concrete.”

Former architect Barry Adams, who handed out details of an alternative approach, described it as a “blinkered and contrived highways-led solution”.

By contrast, gateway supporters say it will breathe new life into a run-down part of town that provides the first impression for visitors by bus and train.

Station Parade

There are fears land near the train and bus stations will be developed.

6 Tower block fears

There are fears that the gateway could pave the way for other developments in the vicinity.

Martin Mann, acting chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, even said:

“There are also concerns about the development of the land next to the station, potentially into a tower block, which may overshadow Station Parade and this redevelopment to the public realm.”

Businesses recovering from covid are also more concerned about the disruption caused by months, or years, of roadworks rather than long-term vision of improvement presented by gateway supporters.

Victoria car park

Harrogate has 7,000 parking spaces

7 Just 0.6% of parking spaces will be lost

The loss of parking spaces on James Street is one of the gateway’s most controversial aspects.

Richard Binks, head of major projects and development at the council, said 40 parking spaces would be lost in total because of the scheme

He said Harrogate had more than 7,000 parking spaces, if Asda and Waitrose are included, and therefore only 0.6% of spaces would be lost.

8 Cheltenham Parade bus lane scrapped

Mr Binks revealed plans to introduce a bus lane on Cheltenham Parade had been removed from the scheme.

But he added a bus lane on Lower Station Parade remained part of the plans. He said 44 buses an hour used that stretch of road and “each bus would gain 17 to 20 seconds” because of the lane.

Mr Binks added the project had been amended to allay business fears about unloading on Lower Station Parade after the owner of Party Fever raised concerns the business and customers would no longer be able to park outside. He said:

“We are proposing to truncate the length of the lead in the taper to the bus lane over the length of Bower House and make that double yellow line like it is now. That would avail you the opportunity to load as you do now, It would avail customers 30-minute pick up and drop off time.”

“You have a very valid point, we will take it on board and adjust the project to suit.”

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Harrogate Station Gateway: What happens now?

Harrogate’s £11.2 million Station Gateway project has moved forward after councillors gave their backing to the scheme.

As the meeting on Friday went on, there was a feeling that Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors would not countenance handing back more than £10 million to the government at a time when public money is hard to come by.

When they voted, the lively public gallery had dissipated as residents already sensed the mood of councillors.

It wasn’t a ringing endorsement, however, but they voted by 10 to 3 to back the scheme with some caveats.

After the meeting there were relieved smiles in the chamber from Conservative council leader Carl Les and highways boss Keane Duncan who understood the value of councillor support after three public consultations were pretty much split down the middle.

Executive decision

The next meeting concerning the Station Gateway will take place on May 30 at County Hall in Northallerton.

The council’s Conservative executive is expected to approve sending a full business case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which originally won the funding from government.

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Ahead of the meeting later this month, councillors will receive a detailed report from officers about the scheme, what it seeks to achieve and how it would be delivered.

Cllr Duncan told councillors on Friday that the concerns raised by residents, councillors and businesses will inform the report. However, it will be published online a week before the meeting takes place so it doesn’t leave much time to make changes.

Autumn

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is expected to make a decision on the council’s full business case in the autumn.

The council will then award a contract to a building firm to carry out the works.

Galliford Try has already been working with the council to draw up designs and has helped plan the construction phase.

Harrogate meeting

Harrogate and Knaresborough councillors made it clear they want to have more of a say in how the project develops — both before and during construction.

The committee has no formal powers but a meeting of the area committee is scheduled for September 14 when councillors have asked to receive a report on the project’s progress up to that point.

December

If the business case is approved in the summer, the council is keen to get shovels in the ground as soon as possible.

Cllr Duncan has said construction work could start by the end of this year.

But there’s a tight timescale to complete the project as the Department for Transport expects money earmarked for the Station Gateway to be spent before the end of the current financial year, although some can also be spent in 2024/25.

On Friday, Councillors also asked for a ‘rigorous monitoring system’ to be put in place before construction work starts that examines its impact on traffic, the environment and businesses.

But as the Station Gateway project moves forward, it’s unlikely to be any less controversial despite winning the approval of local councillors.

Council in discussions with Harrogate Station Gateway contractor

North Yorkshire Council has been in early discussions with a contractor over the £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway scheme.

Richard Binks, head of major projects at the authority, revealed the council had held initial talks, known as “early contractor involvement”, with national highways firm Galliford Try.

Mr Binks said the company, which employs 3,700 staff, had been consulted on potential construction costs ahead of work starting on the scheme.

The project was backed by the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises North Yorkshire Council, by 10 votes to three at a meeting on Friday.

It paves the way for the council’s ruling Conservative executive to give the project the go-ahead on May 30.

Mr Binks told the area constituency committee:

“We are working with a tier one contractor called Galliford Try.

“We are getting monthly market valuations on potential construction cost coming forward before the final tendered price.”

The Stray Ferret has approached North Yorkshire Council to ask about the nature of the discussions with the company and whether Galliford Try is the preferred contractor for the scheme.

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The move comes as the company has also been appointed to similar projects, funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, in Stoke-on-Trent and Sheffield.

Galliford Try also took over the construction of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass scheme in 2018 from Carillion, which collapsed.

The appointment led to the project running over Lincolnshire County Council’s budget by £24 million.

‘Piecemeal vanity project’

The scheme will see Station Parade reduced to one lane of traffic so a bus lane and cycle route can be built and James Street partly pedestrianised.

Cllr Pat Marsh, who was one of the three councillors to oppose the project last week, described it as a “piecemeal vanity project”.

Cllr Marsh — who is leader of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems — said the scheme had been characterised by poor consultation and lack of any business impact assessment.

But Mr Binks and fellow council officers said it would rejuvenate the area around Harrogate’s train and bus stations and boost the local economy.

Senior North Yorkshire councillors are expected to ratify the gateway plan on May 30.

Station Gateway: Highways boss welcomes ‘positive’ backing from councillors

The politician in charge of highways at North Yorkshire Council has welcomed the decision by councillors to back the £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway proposals.

The perceived rights and wrongs of one of Harrogate’s most controversial transport schemes in decades were discussed at a special three-hour meeting of the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee on Friday.

Three Liberal Democrat councillors issued strong objections to the project, including Knaresborough West councillor, Matt Walker, who called it an “£11-million-pound vanity project”.

Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone councillor, Pat Marsh, said it was the “wrong scheme” for Harrogate.

However, Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, Paul Haslam, said the scheme will benefit businesses and encourage active travel and Conservative councillor for Oatlands and Pannal, John Mann, said the changes will rejuvenate the “run-down and dated” area around the train station.

Ultimately, 10 councillors — five Liberal Democrats and five Conservatives — agreed to support the scheme with conditions. Three voted against.

‘Transformative impact’

Cllr Keane Duncan, who has had responsibility for transport on the Conservative council’s executive since Don Mackenzie retired last year, said he was pleased that councillors from opposition parties came together to back the project.

Cllr Duncan said:

“I welcome the positive, cross-party support expressed for the gateway project. The majority of councillors recognised the importance of securing this £11m investment and the transformative impact the project could have for Harrogate.

“Their support gives the executive the ability to proceed to the next stage. Input and oversight provided by local councillors will be incredibly valuable, now and into the future.”

Friday’s successful motion to support the Station Gateway was put forward by Liberal Democrat councillor for Coppice Valley and Duchy, Peter Lacey, and it came with three conditions.

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These were that the “genuine concerns” of residents and groups are listened to, local councillors have a “meaningful role” in the implementation of the scheme and that a “rigorous monitoring system” to examine its potential impact on traffic, environment and business is put in place.

The motion will be presented to the council’s executive at a meeting on May 30 when senior councillors will decide whether to submit a full business case for the project.

If approved, construction could begin by the end of this year.

Last Friday’s area constituency committee meeting was unusual in that it focused on just one topic.

And despite being an advisory body, there were more eyes on it than normal meetings because the council promised to abide by whatever decision councillors took.

North Yorkshire Council has pledged to give area constituency committees more of a say in decision-making going forward. It could mean more meetings take place place around hot-button issues in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Reflecting on Friday’s meeting, Cllr Duncan added:

“With localism at the heart of the new North Yorkshire Council, it was right for the executive to seek the views of local councillors, elected by and accountable to the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough.”

Stray Views: ‘Shame’ on councillors who approved Station Gateway

Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Congratulations to all the councillors who voted to pass the Station Gateway plans — you have just killed off a large quantity of small businesses in the town.

It’s about time your salaries and pensions were docked at the same amount as these small business owners are going to lose.

Then you might start making the right commercial decisions. Shame on you.

Tony Cowan, Harrogate

Gateway is ‘a highway engineer’s-led solution’

I along with all those who spoke against the gateway project in its present form were extremely disappointed with the outcome but the support from the public gallery was encouraging.

We had all put a lot of time, thought and consideration into preparing our statements.  This was the result of talking to others, local knowledge, professional experience and above all an understanding of how this town works – the skills which the executive and officers of North Yorkshire Council clearly still do not have.

There was nothing new in the North Yorkshire Council presentations and it was clearly a case of delivering the same old information that we have all heard so many times before but yesterday in a series of rather long, boring and bumbled presentations that did not inspire any of us.

It is still unfortunately purely a highway engineer’s-led solution.  It is not capable of celebrating this as an exemplary and attractive gateway to the town simply because there was no mention of urban design (or an understanding of what makes places work).  This is generated by a lack of awareness from those with limited understanding of Harrogate, its character and the largely cohesive Conservation Area it sits in.

Once again an attempt at a publicity exercise to justify the project but with more than a hint of desperation as threats emerged at the loss of funding or it being moved elsewhere.

All this was followed by councillors debating a decision which will have far reaching consequences on our town. Unfortunately, most of those present seemed to have little grasp of the actual mechanics of what will occur.

Sadly the project now has conditional support from the area constituency committee but does require North Yorkshire Council officers to work with residents and businesses to find the best use of the money.

Part of this should include discussions on the alternative scheme I handed to area constituency committee members.  Cllr Keane Duncan did however point out there were time pressures to proceed with the project.  Sadly as we all know the highways executive has a history of ignoring the democratic process, not listening and dismissive of public comment.

Time will definitely determine what happens next.

Barry Adams, Harrogate

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Old trees are dangerous

I’ve just read your article reference the crushed Porsche.

I’m not sure what the council’s tree and woodlands policy is but Harrogate has thousands of very mature trees requiring radical maintenance to reduce various risks to pedestrians, motorists and subsurface infrastructure alike.

Mike Hodgson, Harrogate 

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

 

Lib Dem leader describes £11.2m Harrogate Station Gateway as ‘vanity project’

The £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway has been branded a “piecemeal vanity project” by the chair of the committee that voted to approve it.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee, which advises North Yorkshire Council, backed the scheme by 10 votes to three at a meeting on Friday.

The decision paves the way for North Yorkshire Council’s ruling Conservative executive to give the project the go-ahead on May 30.

It means Station Parade will be reduced to one lane of traffic so a bus lane and cycle route can be built and James Street partly pedestrianised.

Committee chair Pat Marsh was one of three Lib Dems to oppose the gateway but support by five of her colleagues and five Conservatives enabled it to go through despite vociferous public opposition.

In a press release issued last night, Cllr Pat Marsh — who is leader of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems — called for businesses and residents to be consulted as the scheme progressed. She said:

“Of particular concern was the level of poor consultation and lack of any business impact assessment for the project. The council needs to acknowledge their mistakes and learn from them.

“Many residents and businesses put forward positive suggestions for improving the scheme. There is little evidence that any of this was listened to and actioned.”

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Cllr Marsh, who represents Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone, added:

“The lack of long-term investment in the town centre and any meaningful strategic active travel plan for the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency means that projects like the gateway are seen as isolated piecemeal vanity projects by the council’s administration rather than a solution that links improvements in traffic flow throughout the town, leading to significant carbon emission reductions.”

“There is nothing in this scheme that will reduce traffic volumes in the town centre to any meaningful degree.”

Cllr Marsh claimed North Yorkshire Council’s “unwillingness” to consider a Harrogate park and ride scheme “further highlights the lack of strategic thinking”.

She also claimed recent failures to secure levelling-up and active travel funding from the UK government “questioned the ability of North Yorkshire Council to deliver this project on time and to budget”.

Friday’s meeting saw councillors agree to support the gateway on condition that further engagement with local businesses and residents took place.

The committee also requested an active role in the project as it progresses.

£11.2m Station Gateway set to go ahead after crucial Harrogate area vote

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.”

The Harrogate Station Gateway scheme.

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.

A proposal to pedestrianise James Street in Harrogate, which is being consulted on as part of the Station Gateway plans.

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.

As it happened: Councillors vote to SUPPORT Harrogate Station Gateway scheme

Councillors met today to decide whether the controversial Harrogate Station Gateway scheme should go ahead.

The Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee decided to back the £11.2 million project – but with conditions.

Here’s what happened.

1.15pm – Meeting ends

The area constituency committee meeting has ended.

Thanks for following our coverage throughout the morning.

1.06pm – Committee votes to welcome Station Gateway investment with conditions

Cllr Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat, has tabled a motion to welcome the investment in the scheme with conditions, including that concerns of residents are listened to as the project is developed and that the committee has a “meaningful role” in the implementation of the scheme.

The committee will also ask for a full report on the progress in the Autumn.

The committee votes to approve the motion by eight to three.

12.45pm – ‘It’s the wrong scheme’, says committee chair

Cllr Pat Marsh, Liberal Democrat and committee chair, says she is against the scheme.

She describes the project as “the wrong scheme” for the town.

Cllr Marsh says she is not against cycling and is looking for the best project for the town. She describes the project as “piecemeal”.

12.42pm – Otely Road scheme ‘taken away public confidence’

Cllr Monika Slater, Liberal Democrat, tells officers that the Otley Road cycle route has “taken away the public confidence” in the council delivering infrastructure schemes.

The council decided not to proceed with the scheme after building the first section of the route.

Meanwhile, Cllr Hannah Gostlow, Liberal Democrat, says she has felt “conflicted” over the scheme.

However, she says the scheme should be used as a “starting block” for active travel.

12.30pm – ‘The easiest thing to do would be to do nothing’

Cllr Michael Harrison, Conservative, says as a councillor the “easiest thing to do would be to do nothing”.

He agrees with Cllr Warneken’s comments and adds that making a decision to do anything in Harrogate “is difficult”.

Cllr Paul Haslam, Conservative, proposes that the committee endorses the scheme.

The public gallery is steadily emptying, after more than two hours of the meeting. Fewer than half of the seats are now occupied.

Those remaining are still listening intently, and are vocally opposing anyone who speaks in favour of the scheme. However, they are far fewer in number than earlier in the morning.

12.25pm – ‘If we don’t do something, when are we going to do something?’

Cllr Arnold Warneken, Green Party, asks the committee if it does nothing on the gateway today, “when are we going to do something?”

He takes a swipe at Cllr Walker “for politicising this”.

He adds:

“We all have an opportunity to have our say. I can see the huge benefits of this.

“It’s a catalyst for making change.”

12.20pm – ‘It’s a £11m vanity project’

Heading into debate, Cllr Matt Walker, Liberal Democrat, starts by describing the scheme as a £11m vanity project.

He says the council’s strategic review as “flimsy” and delivering “nothing of benefit”.

However, Cllr John Mann, Conservative, says “on balance” there is more advantages than disadvantages.

“What a surprise” shout members of the public as Cllr Mann declares his support.

12.10pm – ‘No queuing to Ripley’

Cllr Chris Aldred, Liberal Democrat, asks whether any of the traffic will back up to Ripley as a result of the work.

Mr Binks says there will be no queuing to the area.

In response, someone in the public gallery shouts “It already does”.

12.05pm – Impact on business

Cllr Michael Schofield asks why no consultation was done “properly” with business and why no business impact assessment was done.

Mr Roberts says a business impact assessment is “not normally carried out” on this type of scheme.

“So they don’t care, then,” say people in the gallery.

11.57am – First investment in Harrogate in 30 years

Mr Binks says the gateway scheme is “definitely an economic driver”.

He adds its an opportunity for Harrogate to have its first significant investment in 30 years.

Mr Binks ends his presentation and takes questions from councillors.

11.55am – ‘There’s a lot of parking opportunity in Harrogate’

Mr Binks says Harrogate already has “a lot of parking opportunity” as he outlines the loss of 40 spaces as a result of the scheme.

He adds that Harrogate has some 7,000 parking spaces, if Asda and Waitrose are included. As a result, he says the spaces lost would amount to 0.6% of the overall figure.

11.45am – Council data ‘is accurate and validated’

Mr Binks says the council’s plan for Station Parade is justified as the authority commissioned a study into the road using computer modelling over traffic.

He says:

“We have got that raw data to suggest what we are doing is accurate and validated.”

He adds that the drive from Kings Road to Station Parade has eight set of traffic lights which cause a delay in journey times.

Mr Binks says the flow of traffic is affected by the number of traffic signals – not the reduction from two lanes to one.

11.40am – Council acknowledges opinion is split

Council officers acknowledge that opinions on the scheme are “split down the middle”.

They also acknowledge that concern has been raised about the “impact on business”.

11.32am – Town centres ‘are changing’

Mr Roberts says town centres “are changing” and that the status quo “is not sustainable”.

In his presentation, Mr Roberts says 77% of people responded to a consultation to say that walking and cycling infrastructure needed to improve.

It’s pointed out that the £11.2m must be spent on physical infrastructure. It cannot be spent on areas such as improving bus services.

“Get the pavements sorted then!” shouts one woman from the public gallery.

11.25am – ‘We want to make Harrogate better’

Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, opens his statement by saying he has 35 years experience in delivering regeneration schemes.

He adds:

“We genuinely want to make Harrogate better. It is the jewel in the crown of North Yorkshire.”

He hands over to his colleague, Matt Roberts, who says the council is “seeking a balanced approach” for people to get around town.

He adds:

“This is not about stopping cars.”

11.20am – ‘Not seeking your blind support’

Cllr Duncan tells the committee that he is “not seeking your unconditional, blind support”.

He says the executive will consider all views from the committee before the executive meeting in 25 days time.

11.17am – Gateway ‘not a perfect solution’

The meeting resumes and opens with Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, says the gateway scheme is “not a total and perfect solution”.

However, he adds that it is an “opportunity to change the town centre”.

He points out that there are 25 days left until the council’s executive makes a decision. He adds that he wants to use those days to “ensure we have the strongest case” for the project, including consulting with the committee.

A handful of people have left the public gallery during the break. Some of the most vocal opponents remain, however, and have already been shouting their views in opposition to Cllr Duncan’s statements.

11am – Committee breaks

Councillors have taken a break at the end of public questions for 10 minutes.

Mr Binks, head of major projects, is set to give a presentation when the meeting resumes.

10.55am – Harrogate Chamber of Commerce does not support gateway

Martin Mann, acting chief executive of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, tells the committee that the chamber does not support the scheme.

Mr Mann points out that construction of the scheme could go on for “two to three years” due to other works planned by utility companies.

10.47am – Gateway scheme ‘not the way forward’

Frances Holroyd, who owns property in Princes Square in Harrogate, describes the scheme as “not the way forward”.

She goes on to add that the scheme should be “rejected in its entirety” and calls on the council to work with local businesses.

More applause from some in the public gallery.

10.42am – Investing in gateway for visitors and reducing carbon

Jemima Parker, of Zero Carbon Harrogate, starts her statement by pointing out local authorities who have made investment in gateway schemes and have also “made a public climate emergency”.

“What has that got to do with Harrogate?” people call as she refers to other towns with what she deems better infrastructure around their public transport.

Ms Parker points at the gateway scheme offers “modest carbon reductions”.

10.36am – Lack of vision ‘alarming’

Veronica Adams, another resident, reads from some of Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam’s views.

She says that Mr Neesam found that council’s often had a “clear vision” which they shared with the public. But goes onto add that he found the current authority’s lack of vision “alarming”.

10.30am – ‘This is not Holland, it’s Harrogate’

Judy D’Arcy-Thompson, a resident and part of the Stray Defence Association, says that the scheme would take away the “freedom and flexibility” of residents while also discriminating against the elderly.

She adds:

“This is not Holland, it’s hilly and often very chilly Harrogate.”

Meanwhile, Barry Adams, of the Harrogate Residents’ Association, adds that Harrogate is “not against change”, but describes the gateway scheme as “meaningless”.

Mr Adams goes on to add that the scheme “will not solve congestion in Harrogate”.

10.23am – ‘Wrong scheme at the wrong time’

More concern from business owners at William Woods, of Independent Harrogate, says the project is the “wrong scheme at the wrong time”.

Mr Woods asks why no public meeting was called to discuss the project. The public gallery applauds again.

Mr Woods’ question over whether the decision was democratic let to calls of “well done, well said” from the public gallery.

He adds:

“If you really care about Harrogate, you must reject this scheme.”

10.20am – Changes could be seen as “unnecessary” in the future

Andrew Brown, of Harrogate Civic Society, says the move to change Station Parade could be seen as “unnecessary” in the future.

He said the society is concerned over potential tailbacks, the pedestrianisation of James Street and public realm changes to Station Square.

Members of the public say “yeah!” and applaud when the civic society raises concerns about the impact on traffic.

10.15am – Concern over deliveries to Station Parade businesses

Sue Savill, of Party Fever on Station Parade, says that the cost to local businesses would “be devastating”.

She raises concern over deliveries to businesses on Station Parade.

Her speech is met with applause from half of the public gallery.

Richard Binks, head of major projects at the council, said he “empathised” with Ms Savill over her concerns. He added that he was happy to take the concern on board to adjust the project.

10.10am – Harrogate should ‘welcome investment’

Kevin Douglas, from Harrogate District Cycle Action, starts the statements.

He says Harrogate should “welcome the investment”. He adds that the scheme will help to “improve the town centre”.

Mr Douglas adds:

“This will not prevent people from driving in the town centre, if they want to.”

He calls on councillors to support the gateway scheme.

10am – Meeting starts

The meeting is underway and will start with questions and statements from the public.

Both Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, and Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, are in attendance to observe proceedings.

The public gallery is packed and more chairs are being brought in as members of the public continue to arrive.

9.27am – Pedestrian projects elsewhere

The report also suggests towns and cities that have been made more pedestrian-friendly have seen an increase in visitor numbers, and a boost to local businesses.

It says:

“For example, investment to make the Piccadilly area of Stoke-on-Trent more pedestrian-friendly led to a 30% increase in footfall there, whereas footfall increased by up to 35% on streets where the pedestrian experience had been improved in Scotland.

“The introduction of a pedestrianisation scheme in Coventry also led to a 25% rise in footfall on Saturdays and the trial closure of some roads in Cheltenham in 2018 similarly had a positive effect on the number of visitors to the local high street.”

9.24am – Recommended for approval

Unsurprisingly, the officer’s report to the committee about the scheme recommends that it is approved.

It argues the town centre is “at risk of decline” if nothing is done to make it more appealing and fit for modern needs. It says:

“The number of retail units in Harrogate has reduced by 12% in seven years with more at risk of becoming residential properties via new powers for permitted development changes in use class.

“Of the 92 retail units directly abutting the highways within the Station Gateway site, 15 were vacant in September 2021 (16%). This can be compared with a vacancy rate of 6% across the wider town centre. 

“Evidence suggests that the town centre retail sector is at risk of decline in the medium term. Consumer behaviours and expectations are evolving, and towns must diversify and advance to maintain healthy and vibrant visitor economies. The scheme is seeking to do just this. “

9.20am – Background to the scheme

The gateway scheme is financed by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund and looks set to cost £11.2 million.

It 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.

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Crucial vote today on Harrogate Station Gateway

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.”

station gateway james streetA 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.

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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.

Crunch Harrogate Station Gateway meeting set for this week

Harrogate and Knareborough councillors will have the opportunity to back or oppose the Station Gateway scheme at a meeting on Friday.

The meeting has been specially arranged by North Yorkshire Council and the authority’s ruling Conservative executive has pledged to abide by whatever decision local councillors collectively make about the project.

A final decision on whether it goes ahead is expected in the summer.

The £11.2 million Station Gateway has been in development for three years after funding was won from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund to make the town centre more accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.

But it’s proved to be controversial with the results of the latest round of public consultation, published in January, suggesting the Harrogate public are narrowly against it.

For or against?

This week’s meeting will include 13 councillors — eight Liberal Democrats and five Conservatives.

Conservative councillor for Bilton and Nidd Gorge, Paul Haslam, is a proponent of the Station Gateway.

He has argued it would give a boost for active travel in the town and the changes would result in a better first impression of Harrogate for people arriving by bus or train.

Latest Station Gateway visuals which show Harrogate's James Street pedestrianised.

Station Gateway proposals show Harrogate’s James Street pedestrianised.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Harlow and St Georges, Michael Schofield, came out against the project last week.

He questioned the council’s track record in delivering active travel schemes following the Otley Road cycle path saga and he believes the disruption caused around Station Parade during construction would hurt town centre businesses.

Public responds to traffic orders

The council’s head of major projects and infrastructure, Richard Binks, has prepared a report for councillors that includes details of proposed traffic regulation orders that were submitted last month in anticipation of the Gateway scheme going ahead.

The orders include making the section of Station Parade to the junction with Bower Road one-way and introducing a northbound one-way section on Cheltenham Mount between Cheltenham Parade and Mount Parade.

There is a proposed order to bring in a 24-hour bus lane on the northern section of Station Parade.

Another order has been proposed to part-pedestrianise James Street between Princes Street and Station Parade.

Since the orders were proposed in March, 41 comments have been received with most being negative. However, the report notes that letters of support about the orders are not usually expected.

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Concerns have been raised by residents about the potential for increased congestion due to Station Parade becoming single-lane.

In response, the council has said modelling has suggested the gateway could mean it takes just 50 additional seconds to travel across town during the evening rush hour.

However, it called this a relatively small increase and said it does not take into account “successful strategy modal switch outcomes”, which essentially means getting people out of their cars and onto bicycles — one of the key ambitions of the project.

How to watch the meeting

Next week’s meeting starts at 10am at the Civic Centre in Harrogate and it will be streamed live on YouTube.

Anyone who wishes to speak at the meeting or ask a question has until midday today to submit a request. More information on how to get in touch with the council can be found here.