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11
Nov 2021
Harrogate Civic Society has 'many concerns' about Station Gateway
The society calls for the £10.9 million scheme to be reconsidered even if it jeopardises funding. It says it will increase congestion, cause conflict with motorists and cyclists and doesn't reflect Harrogate's distinctive character. Consultation on the latest plans ends tomorrow.
Harrogate Civic Society has called for the £10.9 million Station Gateway scheme to be totally reconsidered as consultation on the latest designs draws to a close.
The organisation, which protects Harrogate's heritage, said it had "many concerns" about the initiative, which aims to make the town more attractive and improve cycling and walking.
Its submission to the consultation questioned whether the scheme, in its current form, would achieve its main aims and called for a rethink, even if it risked jeopardising funding.
It said:
"We have many concerns, including the absence of wider strategic thinking to address traffic flow; the risk of increased congestion if part of Station Parade is one lane; potential conflicts between the flow of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles at crossing points; poor design proposals for Station Square, which do not reflect Harrogate’s distinctive character.
"We would prefer to see the whole proposal reconsidered, even though this may mean that Harrogate would lose the opportunity for improvement though this particular fund.
"Traffic and congestion is a problem in the town, the environment for pedestrians and cyclists must be improved, businesses in the town centre should be supported through infrastructure improvement, and the town centre should be a better place for those living in it but this scheme, in its present form, does not achieve this."
Read more:
- Harrogate businesses consider legal challenge to Station Gateway
- Station Gateway: the story so far of the £10.9m scheme
What is the Harrogate Station Gateway?
The Harrogate scheme is one of three projects worth a combined £42m in Harrogate, Skipton and Selby funded by the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, which encourages cycling and walking.
They are being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Craven District Council and Selby District Council.
A consultation on the revised designs ends tomorrow. It is anticipated that work in Harrogate will begin by the middle of next year.
To take part in the online consultation, click here.
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