Wanted: entertainment with ‘wow factor’ for Harrogate town centre

Harrogate Business Improvement District is offering grants to entertainers that can liven up Harrogate town centre’s streets.

The BID issued a plea today for events and installations that will drive footfall into the town centre.

It is offering the grants in order to cover any costs incurred as long as the idea satisfies funding criteria.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:

“We are really keen to bring something new and exciting to Harrogate town centre each weekend, and we are calling on individuals and groups to help us achieve this.

“We are particularly looking for something that is unique, exciting and has the wow factor. Harrogate is a standout town, and we want anything that we help deliver to also stand out.”

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Mr Chapman added that grants weren’t just available for performers, but for individuals, groups and organisations who want to play a part in benefitting the BID levy area.

art on the Stray

Last year’s art on the Stray.

He said:

“Last year, we commissioned the incredible mural that adorns the side of Monsoon, on Cross James Street. We also commissioned Artizan UK to create nine mosaic letters spelling Harrogate to cover the bricked up windows on the side of Boots building, along Cambridge Place.

“I’m really pleased to say these will be in situ next month, adding a much-needed splash of colour to this drab street linking Oxford Street and Cambridge Street. We also provided a colourful banner for Commercial Street to help promote the independent businesses it’s home to.

“We have five key project areas; marketing, promotions and events, access and car parking, safe, clean and welcoming, business plus, and evening and night time economy, and if an idea fits in with one of these, then we are interested and a grant may well be available.”

More information on the grant can be found on the Harrogate BID website.

Harrogate Discount Store to close this month

A discount shop which has operated in Harrogate for the last two years is set to close its doors at the end of the month.

The Harrogate Discount Store took on prime retail space on James Street on a temporary basis after Next moved to the Victoria Shopping Centre.

It will close on Tuesday, January 25 but the owners hope to find smaller premises elsewhere in the town centre.

The company moved in when the landlord wanted a business to fill the space while seeking planning permission for a renovation.

Harrogate Borough Council approved the renovation works, which include refurbishment of the shop front and the addition of separate access for the upper floors of the building, in December.

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In the planning documents, the landlord said the proposal would improve the chances of attracting a “quality long-term tenant”.

Gavin Broadbent, who runs the Harrogate Discount Store with another employee on behalf of the owners, told the Stray Ferret:

“As far as I am aware, the landlord just needs the place back. We were only meant to be here for three months but that was two years ago.

“We have been on a rolling deal and have done quite well out of the place. We have been really busy so we are going to try and find somewhere a bit smaller in a couple of months.

“It has been great. We have really built it up to be quite well liked. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea being on a posh street in the middle of Harrogate but people like a bargain.”

Free Harrogate buses every Sunday in January and February

Shoppers will be able to take advantage of free buses every Sunday in January and February to give businesses in Harrogate town centre a much-needed boost.

Free buses will be available on the electric services only – on the 2, 3 and 6.

The Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) has once again sponsored scheme, called the Sunday Freeway, after partnering with the Harrogate Bus Company in 2020 and 2019.

Tomorrow also marks the final day of Harrogate BID’s free parking initiative on Mondays to Thursdays after 3pm at the Victoria multi-storey car park.

With coronavirus cases on the rise and further restrictions on the agenda, this free service is expected to entice more visitors into Harrogate.

Back in 2019 the free Sunday buses generated a 90% rise in the number of customers travelling compared with the same period the year before.

Sara Ferguson, Harrogate BID chair and business owner, said:

“This is the third time we have partnered with our local bus operator, and on both previous occasions it helped to increase the number of passengers.

“This year, we have chosen January and February, which can be quiet months for the retail and hospitality sectors.

“Harrogate town centre is well worth a visit at any time of the year, and we hope the added incentive of free bus travel will make it even more appealing.”

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The Harrogate Bus Company CEO Alex Hornby said:

“We’re delighted that Harrogate BID are able to again work in partnership with us to support our ‘Sunday Freeway’ on our Harrogate electrics buses.

“Free Sunday travel on our pioneering Harrogate electrics buses will make it easier to support our local economy and help keep our town’s traders in business into 2022.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging time for Harrogate’s businesses, with previous lockdowns and now the prospect of further restrictions.

“More than ever, it’s now up to us all to support them in the vital first few months of the New Year by taking advantage of free travel on Harrogate electrics buses.”

Increased Harrogate district police patrols to get people home safe

Police in the Harrogate district have increased patrols to help people get home safe over the festive period.

North Yorkshire Police has partnered with Harrogate Borough Council as part of an annual Get Home Safely from bars, nightclubs and restaurants campaign.

The key message of the campaign is for people to plan their journeys home in advance, look-out for one another, and look after their drinks and possessions.

Statistics show that domestic abuse incidents increase during bank holiday periods, and the campaign also aims to highlight emotional and practical support available through the charity IDAS.

Revellers will notice posters and digital boards with advice across the district. They will also notice more police on the streets.

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Cllr Mike Chambers, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing and safer communities, said:

“The festive period is often a time when people catch-up with friends and enjoy themselves in pubs and restaurants, and we want them to be able to do so safely.

“For many, this will be the first festive period since before the pandemic, that they have celebrated the festivities and we want them to remember it for all the right reasons by staying safe, and following the latest vovid guidance and advice.”

Chief Inspector Andy Colbourne, from North Yorkshire Police, said:

“The police and council continue to work in partnership to make the Harrogate district a safe place for all to enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“The support of licensed premises in the Get Home Safely annual campaign is particularly prevalent this year and we hope that everyone enjoys a safe night out.”

Lauren Doherty, from Road Safety Talks was left paralysed during a night out with friends. She said:

“A moment of distraction during a night out can change your life forever. Have fun, enjoy yourselves and get home safely.”

Image Gallery: Harrogate feeling festive with first Christmas fayre

Harrogate Christmas Fayre began today with residents and visitors alike heading to the town centre to enjoy the festivities.

Market Place Europe is running the event in conjunction with Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Business Improvement District from today until December 12.

Andy Pidgen, operations manager at Market Place Europe, told the Stray Ferret:

“Everyone has been very helpful, Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council, all the businesses Harrogate BID all need a public thank you.

“From what I understand the Harrogate Christmas Market was very successful. We do four big Christmas markets. I think the wooden chalets give a festive feel, we dress everything up.

“It’s a toe in the water but from what I understand people are pretty pleased so far but we are just at the start of the 10 days.

“Hopefully if the Harrogate Christmas Fayre is successful we can come back next year with some extra additions as well.

“This latest variant is of concern but coronavirus was still there before that. We are all outside but we do have to be mindful of that.”

Can you spot yourself in our gallery?

Lots of visitors to Cambridge Street today.

Panto stars Cinderella and Prince Charming (bottom left), the mayor Trevor Chapman (back, left) with the mayoress, council leader Richard Cooper (back, middle), Matthew Chapman and Sara Ferguson (back, right) from Harrogate BID. Christmas elves flank on either side.

The Candy Cane Express road train.

Operations manager from Marketplace Europe, Andy Pidgen.

Jason Walker, of Gourmet Jay, selling sausage rolls and pasties.

Quite an array of cheeses to nibble on.

A hog roast.

Covid measures are in place.

A variety of cuisines.

Anna Lister (left), founder of Lily and Lister.

L&N Candles founders Laura Berryman and Natalie White.

Elves welcome visitors to the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.

Plenty of food to enjoy, including Lincolnshire sausages.

Traders and visitors give thumbs-up to first Harrogate Christmas Fayre

Traders and visitors have welcomed the first ever Harrogate Christmas Fayre, as the 10-day event gets underway in the town centre today.

The hot chocolate is flowing, Christmas gifts are flying off the shelves and people are enjoying the rides ahead of a big weekend for the town.

The fayre marks a big change for Harrogate’s festive offering, which used to centre on Montpellier Hill.

This event has organisers in the form of Market Place Europe, which is operating in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council and Harrogate Business Improvement District, as well as a new town centre location for stallholders — so what do people make of it?

L&N Candles founders Laura Berryman and Natalie White.

Laura Berryman and Natalie White, from Bilton-based L&N Candles at a stall on Cambridge Street, told the Stray Ferret:

“We were planning to attend the old Harrogate Christmas Market but when that was cancelled, we thought we would seize the opportunity and get involved here.

“So far we have been really busy, so we are really pleased and excited for the next 10 days.”

The founder of Mama Doreen’s is enjoying the experience.

Jessica Wyatt, founder of Mama Doreen’s Emporium at a stall on Station Square, added:

“It is just great to get involved in Harrogate Christmas Fayre, see a lot of my regular customers and spreading the word.

“I haven’t been here long but I am loving it, it’s great. This is how I started Mama Doreen’s with a market stall so it really takes me back.”

Fancy a coffee?

Anna Lister, the founder of Lily and Lister, is selling coffee and treats on Cambridge Street. She said:

“We converted a horsebox and sell our own blend of coffee. We also do luxury hot chocolates and brownies.

“So far lots of people have said this version of the Christmas market in the town centre is much better.”

Not only are the stallholders enjoying the new Harrogate Christmas Fayre, the visitors also seem to welcome the changes.

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Helen Nash, a Harrogate resident who went straight out to take in the atmosphere, told the Stray Ferret:

“I think it’s a really good idea to have it in the town centre. It’s all on a level, it’s not muddy and there seems to be a good selection of stalls including some locals.

“So I hope people can come out and support it. This is really good for the town, the weather has been kind so far too.”

Nick Jackson, from Skipton, visited the Harrogate Christmas Fayre. He said:

“We always went to the Harrogate Christmas Market on Montpellier Hill, so it’s nice to see a bit of a change.

“It’s a great experience, especially coming into the town centre with all of the festivities in place.”

Disabled people to help run new Harrogate cafe

A new cafe will open in Harrogate next month to help people with disabilities learn skills and get into the job market.

Artizan International will open the South-American themed cafe in the former Game unit on Cambridge Road, just around the corner from its shop on Oxford Street.

The charity has taken on a large space set over three floors. The ground floor will be the main cafe and craft area, the first floor will have more cafe seating and the second floor will be for offices and storage.

With such a big space, the cafe will be run by four to six staff and volunteers who are there to support up to four adults with disabilities.

When it opens the cafe will serve its speciality of Peruvian hot chocolate. All of its coffee, tea and sugar will come from Fairtrade sources. It will also stock a range of soups, paninis and cakes.

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Susie Hart, who founded Artizan International, told the Stray Ferret why she wanted to invest in the cafe:

“We are going to be training young adults. The idea is they get training here and get to a level of proficiency where we could then help them find work in other cafes in town.

“At the minute everybody in the hospitality industry is desperate for workers. Meanwhile there are loads of young people with disabilities who would love to have a job in a local business.

“It really could be a win-win for those who want the work and those who need the workers, it is a really exciting time for the charity.”

Ms Hart was originally planning to replicate the success of cafes she ran in Tanzania which were staffed by deaf people.

She worked with North Yorkshire County Council and found that local deaf people were managing to find work.

However, she found out that there were “countless” young people with other disabilities on the council’s records looking for practical training, work experience and employment.

Artizan International is looking for more volunteers to join the team and help run the cafe, which will be open Monday to Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.

Are you interested? Send an email to Sarah Davis by clicking or tapping here. Alternatively call 01423 561556 more more information.

Harrogate town centre Sainsbury’s to open in next two months

Sainsbury’s is planning to open its new Harrogate’s town centre store in the next couple of months.

The supermarket chain had hoped for a late summer opening but only managed to get permission from Harrogate Borough Council in late July.

When the new Sainsbury’s Local shop opens it will create 25 new jobs and also bring the former Topshop unit at 33-37 Cambridge Street back into use after four years.

While there’s not been too much movement at the store in recent weeks, the internal fit out is due to start before the end of November.

The developer plans to split the building into three seperate units. Sainsbury’s would occupy the largest on the left side.

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Skipton Building Society is also planning to move in but it is unclear at this stage which business will take on the third unit.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Property Director, said:

“We’ll soon be moving to the next stage in the fitout of our new convenience store for Harrogate and I’m looking forward to seeing it take shape as it really starts to look like a Sainsbury’s Local.

“It won’t be long now until residents, workers and shoppers in the town centre will be able to enjoy great value, high quality products as well as the improved convenience and choice that a new Sainsbury’s store will bring.”

Mr Dunne added that his team is also in the process of finding a charity to donate excess food to.

Sainsbury’s already has four stores in Harrogate: a large store on Wetherby Road and smaller Local stores on Leeds Road, King’s Road and Cold Bath Road.

Harrogate Christmas shop window contest is back

Shops across Harrogate’s town centre are once again set to dazzle shoppers as they take part in this year’s Christmas Shop Window competition.

Harrogate Business Improvement District has partnered with the Rotary Club of Harrogate to organise and judge the annual festive contest.

It aims to promote town centre shops and push the ‘shop local’ message in the run-up to Christmas.

Businesses have until 8am on November 30 to dress up the windows. Shorlisting will take place on December 1 and the winner will be found on December 2.

The judges will be looking for three elements: illumination, innovation and the sprit of Christmas.

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The contest will be restricted to 50 businesses within the BID’s quarters of Kings, Montpellier, Victoria and West Park.

As in previous years there are three separate categories for large, medium and small retailers.

The overall winner will take home a special certificate and a bouquet of flowers.

Harrogate BID chair Sara Ferguson said:

“Last year, despite the restrictions that covid placed on retailers, Harrogate town centre looked fantastic thanks to our Christmas lights and the efforts of not just shops, but hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants and businesses across the whole town. I suspect that this year, town will look even more festive.”

Competition organiser and Rotary Club of Harrogate member, Graham Saunders, added:

“We are pleased that the competition is back to normal. We look forward to judging the shops and sharing in the awards ceremony.”

Which shops last year?

Mama Doreen’s Emporium was the winner in the large shops category, Helen James Flowers won the medium shops category, and Boho Chic, on West Parade, was the winner in the small shops category.

Helen James Flowers took the overall top spot.

HBC chief executive interview: The vision for Harrogate is very clear

On Friday the Stray Ferret interviewed Harrogate Borough Council chief executive Wallace Sampson OBE on a range of subjects including the covid pandemic, housing, the cost of HBC’s new offices and the future of Harrogate town centre.

It is the first time a senior figure at HBC has agreed to an interview with the Stray Ferret- all previous requests have been declined.  Over the next four days we will publish sections of the interview.

Today focuses on Harrogate town centre and whether the council’s proposed £50m investment into the Harrogate Convention Centre could be throwing good money after bad.

The vision for Harrogate town centre

Mr Sampson, what is your vision for the future of Harrogate town centre?

We need to look at what’s being happening generally with town centres around the country and I don’t think Harrogate is any different or immune to them. If you look at trends over the last few years, everybody would agree the impact of internet shopping is having a fundamental impact on retail and people’s shopping trends. It’s meaning fewer people are coming into our town centres.

If you look at the last 12 months, covid has shown that people want their town centres to be clean, successful, safe and accessible. They also want to see more use of public space and to do that in a very safe and responsible way.

Without a shadow of a doubt, there’s a need to look at how we can reshape our town centres to make them welcoming and where people can meet, visit and spend time. We need to use our open and public spaces in a much more accessible way than we have done before.

Some people have been critical of HBC’s vision and they see a different Harrogate from the one they once knew. They also might be critical of your leadership and role in putting this vision forward. Have you been clear enough and is it getting through to people?

I think the council has been very clear with its vision for the town centre. We’ve had a town centre masterplan that’s been in place for many years now. We’ve been through our economic recovery framework and are looking at ways we can support the town centre and infrastructure requirements.

But there will be significant jobs in retail that will be lost over the next few years. Without being complacent, there are still signs that the Harrogate district’s economy is reasonably resilient.

I did a comparison across the district looking at retail vacancy rates today compared with as far back as 2013. Across the district, our average retail vacancy rates are currently 7.3%. In 2013 it was 8.3%.

If you suggest retail in Harrogate is better than in 2013, why is there a perception that the town centre is declining?

There are fundamental structural changes that are taking place in retail behaviour and Harrogate isn’t immune to that. There’s also the point about high rents affecting the ability of businesses to retain a presence on the high street. That’s affecting small businesses and big strong brands.

The fact that big brands such as Debenhams and Topshop are closing isn’t a sign of a lack of confidence in Harrogate, it’s a sign that big businesses are going through a period of change and how to respond to issues such as internet shopping and their own costs, particular premises-related costs around rent and rates.

Tackling vacant space is something that should be market-led, but we can try and support it. That’s why we’re doing things like the Transforming Cities project that’s going out to consultation and the redevelopment of the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Those things are really, really important to supporting the vibrancy and resilience of our town centres. I say town centres plurally because quite often the conversation is about Harrogate but it’s important we talk about the district as a whole.

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The future of Harrogate Convention Centre

What makes you convinced that spending £50m on the Harrogate Convention Centre will revitalise Harrogate? The Stray Ferret reported the HCC has been losing money consistently over the last 10 years. Is this investment throwing good money after bad?

It’s important to understand how important the convention centre is to the economy of the town. We’ve obviously been affected by covid over the last 12 months but in a normal year the conventions centre attracts about 150,000 visitors a year and its economic impact is significant. We’re talking £30-£40m it brings to the economy a year.

If we understand and accept that the HCC is of fundamental importance to the economy of the town and district, do we do nothing or do we just do the minimum in terms of patching up what is very ageing infrastructure?

If we do the minimum, what does that mean for the ability to attract events to the convention centre? Is there a risk that this leads to a very slow decline? That is the question that ultimately councillors will have to consider.

We need to work up what a redeveloped HCC will look like. We’re just starting that work to get the designs up so we have very clear designs and feasibility. We’ll take a full economic impact report to understand the benefits if we were to redevelop the HCC.

We’ll bring it all back to councillors who can eventually make a decision. In short, do we do nothing or see a decline in infrastructure, or do we invest and show confidence in an ability to win business so that has a knock-on impact to all the businesses in the district.

But the world has changed and conferences might look completely different following covid. Is there a risk the council could spend a significant sum redeveloping the HCC which could turn out to be a huge mistake? 

Councillors make the final decision and that will probably be in about 12 months’ time. They’ll need to take into account assumptions about future opportunities for the business. We will need to reshape our targets to reflect those opportunities.

We also need to look at conferences as well as public events and corporate events.

We’re looking at ensuring how we can retain our exhibitions and ensuring things like entertainment and trade events are much more on a weekend rather than on a weekday. The conferences on weekdays really drive the strong economic impact.

Covid is driving changes of behaviour and whether people in the future will attend trade shows exhibitions. We’ll use all that over the next 12 months to feed into the business plan. That will ultimately drive the decision.

Tomorrow Mr Sampson responds to questions about the number of new homes being built in the district and the Local Development Plan.