Work on £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway could start in February

Construction on Harrogate’s £10.9 million Station Gateway project is expected to start in February next year, according to a council report.

Detailed designs for the project, which includes proposals such as reducing Station Parade to one-lane, are currently being drawn up.

It could also see part of James Street pedestrianised in an effort to encourage more walking and cycling.

A progress report due before North Yorkshire County Council on Friday, says:

“Scheme construction is anticipated to commence in February 2022 following approval of the final business case by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

“Completion of the scheme by the Department for Transport deadline date of March 2023 remains challenging.”

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The report adds that further public consultation on the detailed design plans is expected in September ahead of a final business case being complete.

A final proposal for the project is anticipated to go before the county council’s executive in December.

The report follows the recent publication of a 160-page document analysing responses to the first round of consultation to the scheme, which is a joint initiative between Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Of 935 people who replied to a consultation question about traffic on Station Parade in an online survey, 49 per cent preferred the one-lane option, 27 per cent preferred the two-lane option and 24 per cent preferred neither.

Of the 934 who replied to a question about pedestrianising the northern section of James Street, between Princes Street and Station Parade, 54 per cent said they were either positive or very positive about it while 38 per cent were negative or very negative towards it.

Harrogate town centre social distancing planters removed

Planters in Harrogate town centre, which were put in place for social distancing, have been removed this morning.

Workers were seen removing the planters early this morning on Albert Street, with those on James Street expected to follow.

The measures were implemented at the height of lockdown for shoppers to distance from each other in the town centre.

However, the planters are now being removed in line with the lifting of covid restrictions nationally.

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The move proved unpopular with some town centre businesses which said the loss of parking spaces affected trade.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive councillor for access at North Yorkshire County Council, told the Stray Ferret yesterday that all social distancing measures and parking suspensions would be removed this week.

The move would include social distancing cones in Knaresborough.

However, the Ginnel in Harrogate is to remain closed to traffic for an unspecified period of time to support outdoor hospitality.

James Street planters in Harrogate could be gone today

The planters on James Street in Harrogate and the cones in Knaresborough are to be removed imminently as part of today’s lifting of lockdown restrictions.

However, the Ginnel in Harrogate is to remain closed to traffic for an unspecified period of time to support outdoor hospitality.

The planters and cones were introduced last year as social distancing measures for town centre shoppers.

However, they have proved unpopular with some businesses, which say the loss of parking spaces has affected trade.

Traders opposed to the cones in Knaresborough.

Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at North Yorkshire County Council, which is the highways authority, said:

“It is our intention to remove all the social distancing measures and parking suspensions next week.

“I cannot confirm that it will happen on Monday since there may be some clearance work needed on the highways after the Great Yorkshire Show, which closed on Friday evening, but I do hope it may all be completed on Monday.

“The closure of the Ginnel in Harrogate is the only social distancing measure likely to remain in place.”

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Asked why the narrow street would stay closed to traffic when the government is lifting all social distancing measures tomorrow, Cllr Mackenzie said:

“The Ginnel is a very narrow, little-used street where closure will remain a little longer to support outdoor hospitality.”

Lucy Gardiner, co-founder of Harrogate Residents Association, said it was “extremely pleased” to hear the planters were going. She added:

“After months of writing to the councillors and expressing the many concerns from the retailers and residents it is absolutely the right thing for them to do, to actually show they are listening.

“Convenience is an integral part to the high street, which was highlighted by Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association in his recent presentation to the chamber of commerce.

“There is still demand for traditional shopping methods and Harrogate needs to lead the way for the high street — not became like every other pedestrianised place.”

Elderly woman waits two hours for ambulance after James Street fall

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.”

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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.”

Big blue bins create ‘eyesore’ in Harrogate’s premier shopping area

Large bins being abandoned on Harrogate’s Princes Street are causing frustration for local business owners and the BID.

One business owner said the bins are often found huddled in a loading bay on Princes Street, just off James Street.

The bins are used by local businesses who are supposed to put them on the street on pick-up day and then return them behind the shops, but Bob Kennedy from Porters, says they’re always left out.

He says the bins are an “eyesore” and ruin the look of Harrogate’s high streets for shoppers.

He added:

“I just get fed up, the loading bay is full every week. Sometimes they’ll fall over and the rubbish will scatter it’s a right eyesore. It looks a right mess.

Tourists don’t need to see that as they’re walking by, we do a lot to help Harrogate look beautiful and this doesn’t help.”

Mr Kennedy says there can sometimes be as many as 30 various-coloured bins left on Princes Street.

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Harrogate BID has agreed the bins are “unsightly” and has pledged to work with North Yorkshire County Council which is responsible for commercial waste to find a solution.

Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID manager, said:

“We are in complete agreement that the almost constant stationing of these bins on Princes Street needs addressing.

“Not only are they unsightly, their presence also leads to the dumping of further litter, and if containing food waste, they could well attract vermin.”

He added a BID survey is set to be launched in the coming days giving businesses the chance to make the BID aware of issues like the bins.

These bins are collected by Yorwaste, a company owned by North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council, under a contract between the businesses and Yorwaste.

Karl Battersby, the county council’s corporate director for business and environmental services, said:

“We and Yorwaste expect businesses to act responsibly by ensuring that their bins are stored appropriately.

“Following a complaint, Yorwaste has recently contacted a business in this area of Harrogate to ask them to ensure that they take their bins back to their property after the weekly collection. Yorwaste remains in contact with the business in an effort to resolve this issue.”

Harrogate’s controversial James Street planters could go after June 21

The planters on Harrogate’s James Street could be removed after June 21 — but only if the government proceeds with the final stage of its roadmap out of lockdown.

North Yorkshire County Council closed parking bays on James Street at the start of the pandemic and put in planters to allow pedestrians to conform with social distancing guidance.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, the council’s executive member for access, told the Stray Ferret that “it would be reasonable” to expect the planters to be removed after June 21.

Many traders in Knaresborough are also keen for social distancing cones in the town centre to be removed and parking restored.

However, the June 21 date looks increasingly in doubt due to an increase in Delta variant cases. Cllr Mackenzie said he would be “perfectly happy” to see the planters stay if the government delayed the date.

He added:

“Frankly, I’m relaxed about what happens with the planters either way. If it’s felt social distancing is still needed we’ll keep them up.”

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Anna McIntee, of Harrogate Residents Association, set up a petition against the planters that has received over 800 signatures. She told the Stray Ferret that she wants to see the planters removed as soon as possible.

She said:

“Why is the council singling out retailers only on James Street and Albert Street? You can park freely on Cold Bath Road, Cheltenham Parade and Commercial Street.

“The June 21 reopening date is for nightclubs, theatres and large events, not for walking outside on a street. Please remove the planters and let customers have the same access as they do at our supermarkets and outlying retail parks”.

Sneak peek: Warburtons pop-up cake shop opens in Harrogate

National bakery chain Warburtons has opened a new pop-up cake shop in Harrogate today on James Street — so we went for a sneak peek.

Ellie Warburtons, which is based in the former Swarovski store at 36 James Street, will sell premium cakes and hot drinks.

There are eight different flavours on offer and customers will be able to vote for their favourite in store.

The menu includes espresso and raspberry brownies, cookie dough caramel slices, ginger with orange cakes, raspberry and passion fruit cakes, coffee and chocolate cakes.

The cakes cost £3 each and are also available as a box of four for £10. People will be able to buy the cakes online after the national launch on June 21.

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Warburtons has worked with the founders of Harrogate’s Love Brownies on the new concept.

Lee Teal, managing director of Love Brownies, told the Stray Ferret:

“It is really exciting to get rocking and rolling with these cakes. This is the second of our pop-up shops, Warburtons is famous for bread but we want to see where we can go with these handmade cakes.

“This is going to suit Harrogate really well, we are just trying to make the best product we can. Warburtons has a really good transport network so we can get fresh cakes around the country quickly.

“Of course it is amazing working with such a massive brand, it is very exciting putting these together and fingers crossed it works.”

Jonathan Warburton, chairman of Warburtons, previously said:

“This is an exciting new venture for our family business and we are taking very much an entrepreneurial approach to how we build the brand while bringing with us the core of Warburtons ethos – quality and taste.”

The new brand takes its name after Mr Warburton’s great-great auntie Ellie. If it goes well a permanent shop could open in Harrogate.

Pop-up cake shop to open on Harrogate’s James Street

Bakers Warburtons is to open a pop-up cake shop in Harrogate next week.

The former Swarovski store at 36 James Street, which once sold diamonds, will now sell cakes throughout the summer.

The shop will sell the newly-launched Ellie Warburtons cakes, which come in eight flavours, including cookie dough and raspberry with passion fruit compote. It will not sell bread.

The cakes are being launched on a trial basis in temporary stores in Harrogate and Skipton, which will be open all summer.

People will be able to buy the cakes online after their national launch on June 21.

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Jonathan Warburton, chairman of Warburtons, said:

“This is an exciting new venture for our family business and we are taking very much an entrepreneurial approach to how we build the brand while bringing with us the core of Warburtons ethos – quality and taste.”

The Skipton pop-up shop at 18 Otley Street will open on May 28.

Full steam ahead on Harrogate’s £7.9 million Station Gateway project

Detailed designs for Harrogate’s controversial £7.9 million Station Gateway project are to be drawn up, it was agreed today.

Councillors voted to press ahead with the next stage of the scheme, which could see the pedestrianisation of James Street and Station Parade reduced to one lane of traffic,

The project, which aims to create a more attractive entrance to the town with greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists. is part of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

There are similar projects being run in Selby and Skipton but transport officials said Harrogate has proved the most contentious due to resistance from some businesses are worried about the impact on trade.

A recent public consultation, however, revealed public support for a town centre less dominated by cars.

A total of 45% of 1,101 respondents were in favour of the full pedestrianisation of James Street; 32% said no changes should be made and 17% backed a partial pedestrianisation.

For Station Parade, 49% favoured an option to reduce traffic to one lane, while 27% said it should be retained as two lanes and 24% said neither option was workable.

Speaking at today’s North Yorkshire County Council meeting, councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said:

“We have been lobbied quite strongly by the business community in Harrogate, of whom one or two members seem to think the gateway scheme is intended to make life more difficult for them. Those comments could not be further from the truth.

“The whole purpose behind the gateway scheme is to make all three of these town centres more attractive to visitors, especially those who want to come and spend money in our shops, restaurants and pubs.”

More detailed designs will now be completed before a business case is drawn up and a final decision is made.

A county council report said the impact on parking and traffic would be kept to a minimum, with just 45 out of 915 parking spaces lost.

The report also said reducing Station Parade to one lane would increase the average car journey time by 53 seconds, or by 1 minute 14 seconds with James Street fully pedestrianised.

Some businesses fear the removal of parking spaces and traffic lanes will mean busier roads and fewer shoppers.

Councillor Mackenzie added:

“In the past I have had concerns about the effect of one lane on Station Parade… but frankly, when I see the benefits that a one lane scheme can deliver, I believe that small additional extra time is well worth it.”

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Conservative councillor Michael Harrison, who represents the Lower Nidderdale and Bishop Monkton division, told today’s meeting it was important for the impact on traffic to be a key consideration when a final decision is made.

“This is not just about trying to persuade people to get out of the car – we have got to recognise that this area is a through-route as well.

“If there is a negative impact on travel times then we have got to acknowledge that, quantify it and make sure we have the road system working as efficiently as possible around the scheme.

“That is the right way forward and clearly we are going to do that.”

Further public consultation will now take place in autumn following the development of detailed designs and a business case.

If approved, construction could begin in summer 2022 with completion by March 2023.

Four flats could be built above James Street shop in Harrogate

A planning application has been made to convert vacant premises above Paw Prints pet shop on James Street in Harrogate to four studio apartments.

The application was made by a firm called SJM Cotech ltd, which appears to be one of a number of companies owned by Simon Jacob Moran, a Leeds property developer and lettings agent.

The property is located at 16 James Street, near the cut-through to the Victoria shopping centre. It fronts both on James Street and on Market Place to the rear. It was previously home to Thomas Cook, the travel agent.

The application would involve altering the rear of the property, on Market Place. A small retail unit would be added, while the current retail unit on James Street would be retained.

The four studio flats, which will range in size from 59 to 76 square metres, will be built on the first and second floors, which are currently vacant.

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The scheme is an amended version of one which was refused planning permission in December last year.

The previous scheme was refused because planners felt it did not contribute to the appearance of the conservation area, and because the flats would have had limited access to fresh air.

The new application has reduced the number of homes from five to four, and changed the design from 1-bedroom to studio flats.

All traditional elements of the James Street frontage would be retained, while the current modern shop sign would be replaced with a more sympathetic one.

The planning officer for Harrogate Borough Council is due to make a decision on the application by July 1.