Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Albert Street could become one-way eastbound between John Street and Station Parade.
- Changes could be made to the Albert Street/Station Parade/Station Bridge junction with movements from Albert Street for vehicles limited to right turns only (onto Station Parade towards Victoria Avenue).
- Two-lanes for general traffic would remain on Station Parade (southbound) between Albert Street and Victoria Avenue.
- We have proposed one-way cycle lanes be delivered on both sides of Station Parade in this location. This may involve moving some existing trees.
- We hope to be able to retain the majority of on-street parking including the existing Blue Badge parking.
- There are no plans to change the location, size or function of the existing bus stops and lay-bys.
Are these the final designs?
No. These plans are at a ‘feasibility’ or ‘outline’ design stage. This means there is a large amount of work yet to be done around what exact changes will be made and where.
The purpose of this consultation is to inform the next design stage, which represents an opportunity to reflect on feedback. Further engagement will likely be required between now and construction starting. If major changes are proposed, then this will take the form of a second phase of public consultation. It is assumed discussions with key stakeholders will continue throughout the design stage.
When will construction start and end?
We currently expect construction to start in 2022 and finish in 2023. Once more detailed designs have been produced, we will appoint a contractor who will firm up the construction dates.
We will work closely with the contractor to make sure that the impact on all users, local residents and businesses is minimised, but it is inevitable there will be some disruption.
We will work closely with those most affected to ensure all works are done with the minimum possible impact.
How will the proposals benefit people with disabilities or who experience other access and use-ability challenges?
Wherever possible we want to help people with disabilities access town centres and make full use of the public transport network. We have proposed new safe crossing facilities and a range of other features to help improve access. This being said we have also proposed changes to taxi-related facilities, parking and traffic flows which may impact peoples existing travel habits. We want to understand how people feel about the proposals and why they feel this way. This feedback will inform the next design stage. Moving forwards we would like to engage people with disabilities and groups which represent people with access and use-ability challenges to discuss the types of materials we may want to use, the exact location of safe crossings etc. The design of the schemes will need to meet all relevant industry best practice, government issued guidance and legal requirements such as the Disability Discrimination Act.
We can provide copies of the materials presented as part of the consultation in braille, large print and audio format on request. Call North Yorkshire County Council on: 01609 780780 or email: TransformingCities@northyorks.gov.uk
Why consider making James Street traffic-free?
Currently, COVID-19 temporary measures are in place on James Street – before deciding on any future changes to James Street, we are presenting a number of options in this consultation which will inform the proposed way forward. We want to understand how you feel about the three available options and why you feel this way.
Why are you proposing to remove a lane on Station Parade to improve cycling and walking facilities?
We are responding to the community requests through the Harrogate Congestion Study consultation (2019) to implement improved walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure. Installing cycle routes that are in compliance with government guidance means that we have to carefully identify where space is available and Station Parade provides a key connection to the town centre, to Harrogate Railway Station and to Harrogate Bus Station. Modelling work has been undertaken which shows that if traffic growth can be managed then only very modest increases to vehicle journey times will result from removing a lane on Station Parade.
What could the changes mean for residents and business on Station Parade between Albert Street and Victoria Avenue?
Creating safer connections for cyclists will mean a reduction in space for people on foot and this is a clear trade-off. We hope to find a balance which helps promote all sustainable and active travel.
The changes are focused on a relatively small part of the wider town centre. Why are you not proposing more radical and or wider reaching change?
The project has a finite budget and the Department for Transport requires that the Transforming Cities Fund schemes are completed by March 2023. This means we have had to focus our efforts on where we think the funded is best spent. As part of designing the concept of the project it enables future projects to be implemented when funding becomes available and there will be consultations later in 2021 in relation to parallel and complimentary projects.
Is there demand for cycle lanes in the town centre?
Is there demand for cycle lanes in the town centre?
In order to tackle congestion across Harrogate we need to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to enable people to make walking, cycling or public transport their first choice for journeys. Currently in Harrogate there are no cycle routes that continuously link from residential areas to major destinations such as the town centre, Cardale Park and Hornbeam Park and we are working toward putting in cycle routes to enable cycling to be an option for everyone. Evidence from elsewhere in the UK and around the globe suggests that when cycling facilities are delivered more people will choose to cycle. In some cases this may mean people deciding to leave their car at home.
How many trees will be lost by the proposals?
The proposals will be subject to change as the scheme develops. We estimate that approximately 15 trees would need to be removed as part of the Two-Lane Option, fewer trees would need to be removed under the One-Lane Option. Across the scheme, we aim to plant three or more trees for every tree removed and wherever possible we will use a mixture of species and plant semi mature trees.
The plan is not detailed enough. When will we see more detail?
This is a large project covering a significant portion of Harrogate town centre. We have tried to break the proposals down into Zones and offer people commentary alongside the plans. We appreciate you will still have questions and or reservations. Hopefully the survey will help us identify where these issues exist and help us understand them in more detail. The feedback will be used to inform the next design stage. We are inviting you to sign up to a newsletter which gives us the opportunity to keep everyone involved and offer the opportunity to see the plans as they develop. We will be having ongoing and detailed discussions with the most affected parties (e.g. retailers and local businesses as well as local residents).
What will be the impact on taxi parking and operations?
The proposed scheme will provide the opportunity to review provision of all parking, loading and taxi waiting areas within the area. We will be undertaking direct engagement with taxi operators to ensure that taxi ranks are prioritised in areas which would be of greatest benefit to taxi users.
What will be the impact on Blue Badge parking?
Our current proposals aim to safeguard the total number of Blue Badge parking spaces, for drivers and users who are registered as disabled, across the scheme. Where possible we will aim to provide an overall increase above the current number of Blue Badge parking spaces provided, either at existing locations or in new locations. We will be coordinating more detailed discussions with those who face any access and use-ability challenges throughout the future design phases.
How many parking spaces are being lost?
This will depend what option we proceed with. The number could change significantly as the design process continues. The proposals are expected to require a loss of up to 45 on-street parking spaces. Our surveys indicate that there is capacity both on other streets as well as in local off-street car parks to accommodate this level of parking loss. We are inviting you to respond to the survey to offer feedback on this.
What about security, anti-social behaviour and safety?
The proposals will change the look, feel and levels of activity across the scheme area. We hope to create more popular routes to and from the station particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as spaces which more people will want to use more regularly. It is expected that this increase in use by the public will help to address existing anti-social behaviour issues which we are already aware of. We want to understand how residents and other stakeholders feel about these changes. We hope to address any concerns you may have through the scheme design as it develops further.
What kind of public art features are proposed for Station Square?
The are no confirmed designs for public art across the scheme at this stage, including Station Square. We would look to work with a local artist or group of artists as the scheme develops on a public art strategy and design proposals. The aim of new public art is to enhance the quality of the scheme for the enjoyment of all users and to help create a strong sense of place which attracts visitors and new businesses to Harrogate.
Will the Queen Victoria Monument be moved?
We have proposed changes to the way the space around the monument is used. These changes do not require the monument be moved but we would welcome people's thoughts on whether this is the best location for the monument. We appreciate this monument is very important to the community and any plans to move it would require extensive and meaningful engagement with the public and key stakeholders.
How are you creating a scheme which is fit for the 21st Century?
Our overall strategy for the scheme is focussed on improving access to public transport services and the town centre for people travelling by the most sustainable modes (i.e. walking and cycling). This approach contributes towards tackling some of the great challenges which we are, and will, face as the century progresses, namely climate change, poor air quality and reduced physical activity. In addition to addressing these factors, we’re also looking to incorporate smart technology features into the scheme, such as smart benches with internet access and device charging as well as e-bike charging.
About the Transforming Cities Fund
- two new Park & Rides
- one new rail station
- four new foot and cycle bridges
- six new or improved bus stations and interchange hubs
- new high quality cycle routes along six corridors
- bus priority along six key bus routes to create more reliable and faster bus journey times
- 800 new cycle parking spaces
- seven improvements to Rail Station Gateways
- new Real Time Information and improved passenger experience across the network.
- improve journeys by bus, rail, bike and on foot for up to 1.5 million people
- take up to 12 million car trips per year off our roads by 2036
- make 33 million rail journeys easier by improvements to rail stations
- increase bus, rail, and walking and cycling trips by up to 6%, 4% and 7% respectively by 2036
- reduce CO2 emissions by up to 1.5% / 15,000 tonnes from car travel by 2036
- create more than 1,000 jobs and add up to £1 billion to the economy by 2036
- support connectivity to 650 housing sites and 220 employment sites
What is the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme?
Providing an accessible, attractive and cleaner alternative to car journeys is at the heart of Leeds City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) - a major new programme of transport infrastructure investment secured as part of the West Yorkshire devolution deal.
The programme will be funded through £317 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) plus local match funding of up to £140 million.
In partnership with local authorities, the Combined Authority will deliver transformational infrastructure, which will dramatically improve people’s access to walking, cycling and public transport.
It is estimated TCF schemes will improve journeys by bus, rail, bike and on foot for up to 1.5 million people, take up to 12 million car trips per year off our roads and reduce CO2 emissions from car travel by up to 15,000 tonnes by 2036.
Communities across Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York are set to benefit from the schemes, which include new or improved bus and rail stations, cycling and walking infrastructure, and new Park and Rides
What will be delivered through the TCF programme?
The programme will deliver:
Which organisations are involved?
The Combined Authority is working in partnership with local authority colleagues from Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Selby, Wakefield and York councils on the TCF programme.
What benefits will the TCF programme bring?
It is estimated TCF will:
How is the TCF programme funded?
As part of the West Yorkshire devolution deal, the Combined Authority secured £317 million from the DfT’s TCF programme to deliver schemes in the low-cost scenario.
Since then, the Combined Authority has approved the use of future gain share funding, alongside other income streams, to deliver the high-cost scenario up to an additional £140 million.
This additional funding will help us deliver more transport improvements, which will benefit communities across West Yorkshire.
Why is this work important? / Why is this money being spent on TCF at this time?
This work is more important than ever, not only as we look to address the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.
We need to reduce car trips by 21% and increase cycling trips by 2,000%, walking trips by 78%, bus strips by 39% and rail trips by 53% if we are to achieve our ambitious net zero targets in this time frame.
The programme will connect people to economic and education opportunities through accessible, affordable, attractive and cleaner transport, boosting productivity and helping to create healthier and happier communities for the future.
Through the programme and building on the significant progress already made, we are working in partnership to transform our town and city centres for walking and cycling, improve bus reliability and journey times, and investing in our region to prepare for HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Who will benefit?
Communities across Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York are set to benefit from the schemes, which include new or improved bus and rail stations, cycling and walking infrastructure, and new Park and Rides.
The programme is focused on connecting people in the communities of greatest economic need with job and training opportunities. This will, in turn, help boost productivity, living standards and air quality.
When do projects get underway?
There are 22 packages of schemes, comprising between 30 and 35 individual projects, within the overall programme.
Different schemes are at different stages, right through from the development of business cases and designs, to gearing up for public consultation, with Halifax Bus Station redevelopment due to start on site in spring 2021.
Find out more information at westyorks-ca.gov.uk/TCF
When will the programme of works be completed?
The schemes funded through the DfT need to be delivered by spring 2023, with schemes financed by local match funding being delivered beyond these timescales.
How is the programme impacted by COVID-19?
To date, there has been minimal impact of the programme as a result of COVID-19. The majority of the projects are at the early stages of development and much of the work required can be carried out virtually. As the schemes move to the next stage of delivery, we will continue to monitor the impact and identify any risks to delivery.
We are also looking at best practice ways of delivering public consultations and engagement activity to ensure all members of the community get the opportunity to have their say on TCF schemes during COVID-19.
The full implications of COVID-19 on the region, the economy and the transport system are still to be understood and the impact on the Combined Authority’s programmes and schemes to date has been mixed.
We are working closely with our local authority partners at every level of our appraisal process to ensure delivery timescales have taken into account the current issues and that each scheme is stress tested to ensure its ongoing viability.
In the wake of COVID-19 it is more important than ever to assess the changes to the landscapes of our towns and cities, and the impact on current and future planned schemes, particularly, but not exclusively, those relating to transport.
The impact of COVID-19 in relation to travel behaviour into and around towns and cities is assessed as part of each scheme’s appraisal.
While public transport patronage is currently lower than pre COVID-19 levels, it remains a priority to invest in public transport infrastructure to both help with economic recovery and to have the required infrastructure in place to respond to an increase in demand post-COVID-19.
As part of West Yorkshire’s devolution deal, £317 million was secured to deliver the Leeds City Region TCF programme but it will cost more than this to deliver the schemes outlined in the bid. What does this mean?
A range of options are being developed as part of each business case to determine the best scheme, which will include a range of options up to the high-cost scenario.
As part of the devolution deal, the Combined Authority secured £317 million from the DfT’s TCF to deliver schemes in the low-cost scenario.
Since then, the Combined Authority has approved the use of future gain share funding, alongside other income streams, to deliver the high-cost scenario up to £140 million.
How does TCF complement other transport infrastructure schemes being delivered across the region?
It will build on the significant investment already made through the Combined Authority’s other programmes, such as the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, Connecting Leeds and CityConnect.
Many of the TCF schemes provide enhancements or extensions to the projects being delivered through these programmes, helping to spread the benefits across a wider geography.
The programme is focused on connecting people in the communities of greatest economic need with job and training opportunities. This will, in turn, help boost productivity, living standards and air quality.
For more information about the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund visit westyorks-ca.gov.uk/projects/west-yorkshire-plus-transport-fund
For more information about Connecting Leeds visit leeds.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/connecting-leeds-and-transforming-travel
For more information about CityConnect visit cyclecityconnect.co.uk
Where can I find out more information?
Find out more information about the Transforming Cities Fund programme at westyorks-ca.gov.uk/TCF
How can I have my say on schemes in my area?
Public consultation and engagement activities are scheduled to take place in 2021.
Details of the TCF consultations can be found at www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk. You can get in touch with the Combined Authority’s Consultation and Engagement team via YourVoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk, 0113 245 7676 or Freepost CONSULTATION TEAM (WYCA). Please note that, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the majority of the Combined Authority’s staff are working from home and there will therefore be significant delays in receiving any postal contributions. If you can, please contact the team using another method to ensure a quick response.
How was the bid developed?
The bid was led by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with the 10 local authorities across the Leeds City Region. It was developed in two stages, with a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) submitted to the DfT in June 2019. The final bid was submitted to the DfT in November 2019. The bid documents can be found at westyorks-ca.gov.uk/TCF
Who was the bid developed with?
The bid was developed in partnership with local authorities across the Leeds City Region, including Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Selby, Wakefield and York. The bid was also co-developed with the DfT, which provided feedback on the plans as they emerged. In line with other Mayoral Combined Authorities, we are required to feedback on the progress of the programme’s delivery.
How were decisions made around which schemes to include in the bid?
The programme is focused on connecting people in the communities of greatest economic need with job and training opportunities. This will, in turn, help boost productivity, living standards and air quality.
As part of the bidding process, the Combined Authority was asked to develop a series of schemes, which could be delivered under three different cost scenarios (low, core and high). Each scheme needed to meet the Combined Authority’s priorities, as well as objectives set out by the DfT, such as reducing carbon emissions, and increasing capacity for commuters with better access to employment centres, especially from disadvantaged communities.
Schemes put forward by local authorities were scored against the objectives before being reviewed as a programme. Once agreement had been reached between local authority and Combined Authority officers, the programme was signed off by each of the leaders, as well as members of the Combined Authority’s Transport Committee.