Harrogate Station Gateway

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Thank you to all those who took part in this consultation – we received over 2,000 responses.

Please find the Outcome Report available to view here.

To view all updates on this project please visit North Yorkshire Council website.

The findings will be presented to the North Yorkshire County Council’s business and environmental services executive members on Friday 20 January 2023, when they will be asked to approve the next steps.

These will include publication of the necessary traffic regulation order, which is scheduled for February 2023. This is a statutory requirement for any changes to the highway and will be a further opportunity for formal comment.

During 2023, executive councillors will consider whether to submit the full business case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for approval to release the funding. In the event that all approvals are received, construction is expected to begin before the end of the year.

The following information was presented between 20 July - 23 August 2022:

Major improvements are proposed for the area next to the rail and bus station in Harrogate town centre. We want you to have your say.

The Harrogate Transforming Cities Fund is a £10.9m project to improve Harrogate town centre. The intention is to transform the area into one where you can walk, cycle or take public transport more easily. This would improve the town centre area around the railway and bus stations for all, as well as connecting people to economic and education opportunities. Proposals include:

• improvements to James Street that will provide a better retail environment to help support the town centre economy

• transformation of Station Square and One Arch

• enhanced walking, cycling and bus access along Station Parade and Station Bridge

This is a joint project between Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

How can I get involved?

  1. View the updated proposals below, plus view the maps, proposed materials and planting in the 'Our Designs' section
  2. Read our frequently asked questions
  3. Fill out the survey by Tuesday 23 August 2022
  4. Send us your ideas using the Ideas Tool
  5. Ask us a question using the Questions Tool
  6. Visit us at the Victoria Shopping Centre on Thursday 4, Friday 5 and Saturday 6 August, 11am - 4pm (on the ground floor)
  7. Join our live online webinar on Wednesday 10 August 6pm - Please click the link here: Join live event

If you were unable to make the webinar and would like to view the recording, please watch it here: https://youtu.be/_dyTp2Dz5vY


Previous consultations

These proposals were first created after the outcomes of the public consultation on the 2019 Harrogate and Knaresborough Congestion Study. The vast majority of the public who responded to the consultation did not support the building of a northern relief road. Instead, there was greater support for implementing more sustainable transport measures, including better provision for walking and cycling, and improved public transport access. To view the report, please click here.

Building on this outcome, we have been developing proposals, through the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme, for improving walking and cycling access to rail and bus services and reducing general traffic within the town centre.


Photo of a man riding a rideThe first TCF consultation (held February – March 2021) asked for feedback about the fundamental potential design options focussed on Station Parade and adjoining streets. The majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the proposals - to view the outcome report, click here - and the council agreed to take these proposals forward.


Photo of a woman riding a bikeThe second TCF consultation (held October – November 2021) focussed on more detail relating to the proposals and explained where decisions had been made and why. All information can be found on www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/harrogateround2. The feedback to this consultation raised concerns about possible congestion, air pollution, and impacts on local businesses and taxis.


In developing our design, we have considered this feedback; we have also considered how things like utilities could affect the design.

This third round of consultation provides more detail about the designs and additional information to help you answer our survey questions.


We asked, you said

A stylised image of a busIn the second round of consultation, you told us that you were worried that closing one lane on Station Parade might cause more congestion. As a result of the design amendments, including changes to the Station Bridge/East Parade roundabout, we have considered what impact the current detailed designs could have on road users and traffic across the town centre – the technical note can be found here, plus you can view the notes from May 2021 and September 2021. This uses a ‘worst-case’ scenario based on pre-pandemic traffic data and did not take into account any benefit from those who may change from private car journeys to walking and cycling. This shows that whilst there is likely to be some negative impacts during the busiest part of the day, the morning and afternoon peaks, they are not expected to cause excessive congestion and are considered acceptable.

A stylised image of a shoeAlso, you told us that you were worried that there could be a negative impact on local businesses. We have an economic case that shows improvements to public spaces and improvements for walking and cycling tend to have a positive or neutral economic impact on local businesses. Our survey on James Street suggests that nearly all people would continue to shop here if parking was removed.

A stylised image of a bikeLast time, you told us you were concerned about air pollution in the town. We have reviewed the likely impact of the current detailed designs - you can view the air quality assessment here and the cover note here. This shows that it is still considered that the proposals will have a negligible impact on the area. We believe the designs will lead to an improvement in air quality through removing traffic from James Street and enabling a shift towards less car use and more use of public transport, walking, and cycling. If the decision is made to submit a Full Business Case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we will continue to review the air quality assessment throughout the scheme.

We have also:

  • Refined the One Arch and Station Square designs
  • Refined some junction designs to make it easier to cross, e.g. a puffin crossing on Cheltenham Parade
  • Amended designs of the Station Bridge/East Parade roundabout by the Odeon cinema
  • Developed further proposals for lighting
  • Chosen the designs of benches, bins and so on


Have your say

A stylised image of a computer screen, clock and megaphoneBetween 20 July and 23 August 2022, we are asking for your feedback on these latest proposals.

Your views are important to help us finalise the designs, so please take this opportunity to let us know what you think.


1: View our proposals in the 'Our designs' section.  

2: Visit us

Visit us at Victoria Shopping Centre, at Unit 21 on the ground floor, to view the drawings or ask us questions. The team will be available at the following times:

  • Thursday 4 August, 11am – 4pm
  • Friday 5 August, 11am – 4pm
  • Saturday 6 August, 11am – 4pm

We are also holding an online event. We will present the designs and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. The recording will be made available to view after the event:

And please take a look at our previous ‘Flythrough’ video to help bring our proposals to life: please note, this is to give an idea of what the proposals might look like and does not represent a final design.


3: Tell us what you think by completing the survey, which you can access by clicking the button below:

Click here to take the survey

Contact us

If you have any other questions, or if you or someone you know requires this information in an alternative format, you can get in touch with us via:

Email: TransformingCities@northyorks.gov.uk

Telephone: 01609 780780

Freepost: Corporate Director

Central services

North Yorkshire County Council

County Hall

NORTHALLERTON

DL7 8AL

Next Steps  

Following the close of the public consultation on Tuesday 23 August 2022, we will consider all feedback and produce a consultation outcome report. North Yorkshire County Council’s Executive will then consider whether to submit a Full Business Case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for approval and implementation of the scheme. If the scheme is approved, it is anticipated that construction would begin in winter 2022/3 for approximately 12 months. We would work to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

Thank you to all those who took part in this consultation – we received over 2,000 responses.

Please find the Outcome Report available to view here.

To view all updates on this project please visit North Yorkshire Council website.

The findings will be presented to the North Yorkshire County Council’s business and environmental services executive members on Friday 20 January 2023, when they will be asked to approve the next steps.

These will include publication of the necessary traffic regulation order, which is scheduled for February 2023. This is a statutory requirement for any changes to the highway and will be a further opportunity for formal comment.

During 2023, executive councillors will consider whether to submit the full business case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for approval to release the funding. In the event that all approvals are received, construction is expected to begin before the end of the year.

The following information was presented between 20 July - 23 August 2022:

Major improvements are proposed for the area next to the rail and bus station in Harrogate town centre. We want you to have your say.

The Harrogate Transforming Cities Fund is a £10.9m project to improve Harrogate town centre. The intention is to transform the area into one where you can walk, cycle or take public transport more easily. This would improve the town centre area around the railway and bus stations for all, as well as connecting people to economic and education opportunities. Proposals include:

• improvements to James Street that will provide a better retail environment to help support the town centre economy

• transformation of Station Square and One Arch

• enhanced walking, cycling and bus access along Station Parade and Station Bridge

This is a joint project between Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

How can I get involved?

  1. View the updated proposals below, plus view the maps, proposed materials and planting in the 'Our Designs' section
  2. Read our frequently asked questions
  3. Fill out the survey by Tuesday 23 August 2022
  4. Send us your ideas using the Ideas Tool
  5. Ask us a question using the Questions Tool
  6. Visit us at the Victoria Shopping Centre on Thursday 4, Friday 5 and Saturday 6 August, 11am - 4pm (on the ground floor)
  7. Join our live online webinar on Wednesday 10 August 6pm - Please click the link here: Join live event

If you were unable to make the webinar and would like to view the recording, please watch it here: https://youtu.be/_dyTp2Dz5vY


Previous consultations

These proposals were first created after the outcomes of the public consultation on the 2019 Harrogate and Knaresborough Congestion Study. The vast majority of the public who responded to the consultation did not support the building of a northern relief road. Instead, there was greater support for implementing more sustainable transport measures, including better provision for walking and cycling, and improved public transport access. To view the report, please click here.

Building on this outcome, we have been developing proposals, through the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme, for improving walking and cycling access to rail and bus services and reducing general traffic within the town centre.


Photo of a man riding a rideThe first TCF consultation (held February – March 2021) asked for feedback about the fundamental potential design options focussed on Station Parade and adjoining streets. The majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the proposals - to view the outcome report, click here - and the council agreed to take these proposals forward.


Photo of a woman riding a bikeThe second TCF consultation (held October – November 2021) focussed on more detail relating to the proposals and explained where decisions had been made and why. All information can be found on www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/harrogateround2. The feedback to this consultation raised concerns about possible congestion, air pollution, and impacts on local businesses and taxis.


In developing our design, we have considered this feedback; we have also considered how things like utilities could affect the design.

This third round of consultation provides more detail about the designs and additional information to help you answer our survey questions.


We asked, you said

A stylised image of a busIn the second round of consultation, you told us that you were worried that closing one lane on Station Parade might cause more congestion. As a result of the design amendments, including changes to the Station Bridge/East Parade roundabout, we have considered what impact the current detailed designs could have on road users and traffic across the town centre – the technical note can be found here, plus you can view the notes from May 2021 and September 2021. This uses a ‘worst-case’ scenario based on pre-pandemic traffic data and did not take into account any benefit from those who may change from private car journeys to walking and cycling. This shows that whilst there is likely to be some negative impacts during the busiest part of the day, the morning and afternoon peaks, they are not expected to cause excessive congestion and are considered acceptable.

A stylised image of a shoeAlso, you told us that you were worried that there could be a negative impact on local businesses. We have an economic case that shows improvements to public spaces and improvements for walking and cycling tend to have a positive or neutral economic impact on local businesses. Our survey on James Street suggests that nearly all people would continue to shop here if parking was removed.

A stylised image of a bikeLast time, you told us you were concerned about air pollution in the town. We have reviewed the likely impact of the current detailed designs - you can view the air quality assessment here and the cover note here. This shows that it is still considered that the proposals will have a negligible impact on the area. We believe the designs will lead to an improvement in air quality through removing traffic from James Street and enabling a shift towards less car use and more use of public transport, walking, and cycling. If the decision is made to submit a Full Business Case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we will continue to review the air quality assessment throughout the scheme.

We have also:

  • Refined the One Arch and Station Square designs
  • Refined some junction designs to make it easier to cross, e.g. a puffin crossing on Cheltenham Parade
  • Amended designs of the Station Bridge/East Parade roundabout by the Odeon cinema
  • Developed further proposals for lighting
  • Chosen the designs of benches, bins and so on


Have your say

A stylised image of a computer screen, clock and megaphoneBetween 20 July and 23 August 2022, we are asking for your feedback on these latest proposals.

Your views are important to help us finalise the designs, so please take this opportunity to let us know what you think.


1: View our proposals in the 'Our designs' section.  

2: Visit us

Visit us at Victoria Shopping Centre, at Unit 21 on the ground floor, to view the drawings or ask us questions. The team will be available at the following times:

  • Thursday 4 August, 11am – 4pm
  • Friday 5 August, 11am – 4pm
  • Saturday 6 August, 11am – 4pm

We are also holding an online event. We will present the designs and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. The recording will be made available to view after the event:

And please take a look at our previous ‘Flythrough’ video to help bring our proposals to life: please note, this is to give an idea of what the proposals might look like and does not represent a final design.


3: Tell us what you think by completing the survey, which you can access by clicking the button below:

Click here to take the survey

Contact us

If you have any other questions, or if you or someone you know requires this information in an alternative format, you can get in touch with us via:

Email: TransformingCities@northyorks.gov.uk

Telephone: 01609 780780

Freepost: Corporate Director

Central services

North Yorkshire County Council

County Hall

NORTHALLERTON

DL7 8AL

Next Steps  

Following the close of the public consultation on Tuesday 23 August 2022, we will consider all feedback and produce a consultation outcome report. North Yorkshire County Council’s Executive will then consider whether to submit a Full Business Case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for approval and implementation of the scheme. If the scheme is approved, it is anticipated that construction would begin in winter 2022/3 for approximately 12 months. We would work to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

If you have any questions about the consultation or project, let us know below.

Please note, your user name and question will be visible to others, so please don't include any personal details.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    I commented on the width of the two way cycle lanes and the hard edge that they had been given in the previous proposals, and pointed out that they reduced considerably the useable width of the lane as you cannot cycle close to a hard edge, unlike a painted line. The two way cycle lanes were already rather narrow. Have these comments been addressed in the current designs? It is not possible to tell this from the plans.

    Bike1 asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for getting in touch.

    Wherever possible cycle lanes will be designed in accordance with the guidance set out in LTN1/20. Site constraints and widths may mean that this is not possible in all places. 

    If the decision is made to progress the project then this is one of the things that will be detailed before a final design is completed.

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    Please can you confirm that the traffic flow decreases (3 cars per minute) for station road take into consideration there is only one lane available as opposed to the previous arrangement. Surely if the amount of cars only reduces by three per minute, but the road capacity has reduced by 50%, there will be greater congestion in this area ?

    S J Readman asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for getting touch, 

    Yes, the traffic modelling takes the reduction to one lane into account.

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    Overall, the plans are OK. But in increasingly scorching Summers not only do trees provide shade, cooler temperatures and support nature, but trees and greenery are a quintessential part of Harrogate's character. So why are there so few new trees being proposed? I would suggest at least doubling the eight proposed for north end of Station Parade, plus lining Albert Street (no trees proposed at present and turning the Station Square into something of a green oasis rather than just boring paving. Also, the legend just shows a blank empty white box for cycle stands and heritage lighting columns. Is this intended? Where will the stands and lighting columns be located? Also, the legend doesn't seem to indicate what the little circles among the paving represent, nor the lines in which they are situated - I may have missed it. Thanks, Joel

    JST asked over 1 year ago
    Thank you for getting in touch.

    The project aims to improve biodiversity within this part of the town centre and introduce measures that help to mitigate climate change. As you say trees have many benefits. So, we are proposing to plant an additional 15 trees. The location, and therefore number, of these are informed by our knowledge of below-ground utilities and the amount of space available. We will seek to increase the number of trees if more information suggests this is possible.

    The existing cycle stands by Harrogate Theatre will remain. Cycle stands are proposed in Station Square between the road and the vents to the west and at the south end of the square. Also, west of the railway line at One Arch. New stands are proposed on Station Bridge, the northern section of Station Parade  We are also exploring options for additional cycle storage at the railway station. The existing heritage columns on Station Square and the east side of One Arch will be retained. 

    The white circles/squares are a fault in the PDF and should match the surrounding paving.
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    Why are you pressing ahead against local opposition,you represent the local community,do you not?

    Rpec asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for getting in touch.

    We are currently consulting with the public and stakeholders on the scheme design. We have previously carried out two consultations, the first of which showed support for the principle of the scheme we are consulting on currently. We acknowledge that not all members of the community are supportive of all aspects of the scheme proposals but feedback to date suggests lots of people are, hence why the scheme has got to this stage. It should be noted that the Harrogate Congestion Study consultation also highlighted a public preference for more sustainable transport infrastructure. 

    Once the current round of consultation is over, we will analyse the results, amend the scheme where necessary and recommend a way forward to the NYCC cabinet to make a decision upon.

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    Have you considered where bikes will be parked? What are your security measures?

    Simon asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question.

    Cycle parking will be provided at Station Square and One Arch, and should be covered by CCTV in the area. Additionally, we are working with Northern Rail to develop proposals for additional cycle parking at the station.

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    Horrendous idea, harrogate is already very difficult and slow to drive around this will only result in a lot more congestion on parliament street which at present is terrible for traffic. Another point regarding the cylists Is that if you live in harrogate the last thing you’re going to do is cycle through to town centre when we have stunning country roads to cycle down Money would be far better spent improving the roads as they are absolutely riddled with pot holes to the point where I have kerbed alloys on my car and nearly fallen off of my motorbike. I cannot see the need for money being on changing an area of road which works perfectly fine, helps reduce congestion, provides lots of parking, everyone who drives down that road travels slowly so there’s no risk to pedestrians I could go on and on. This is a complete waste of tax payers money!!

    Mr Ch asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for getting in touch.

    The funding for this scheme is restricted to major capital infrastructure improvements rather than day-to-day maintenance. The scheme is to encourage more people to walk and cycle, not just for leisure, but also for work. Surveys suggest that there is a significant number of people who would like to do so but are put off because it doesn't feel safe. This scheme will provide safe cycle routes. If more people choose to switch mode of transport then it reduces the number of cars on the road for those who aren't able or do not wish to do so.

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    You seem to be fairly convinced that cycling into the town centre for work/limited shopping will suddenly take off after your "improvements". After taking into account previous questions about the higher average age in Harrogate, have you also taken into account that this is the north of England and most of the weather we get is cold and rain (excepting the most recent summers). This will put anybody off cycling to the town centre. People also need to bring bags/ documents/computers to the office, cycling isn't really an option, especially when you need to wear smart clothes in an office environment which is the majority of jobs in a town centre. I'm not sure many people would relish the thought of cycling to work in the cold /rain after getting ready/made up. It all just seems a little badly thought out and seems to be a knee jerk reaction to the govts green agenda.

    Matt Ward asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for getting in touch.

    Age and weather are not necessarily barriers to walking and cycling, especially with the increasing popularity of ebikes. Whilst some people may not want to cycle in these conditions, others might find it an opportunity to do more exercise. Private business are increasingly investing in safe cycle storage and changing facilities to make it easier for people to travel to work. The Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden have very similar climates to the north of England, which does not appear to deter people from walking and cycling.

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    Where have all the trucks and commercial vehicles travelling south gone.

    DavidS asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question.

    Trucks and other commercial vehicles will be able to use the road network travelling south in the same way as other vehicles will. You can read more about the anticipated impacts on traffic here: Supporting Information | Harrogate Station Gateway | Your Voice (westyorks-ca.gov.uk)

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    Have you investigated the impact on other roads through the town such as Cold Bath Road, Victoria road and Beach Grove as part of your traffic assessment?

    IW asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question.

    The traffic modelling for the scheme considers the impacts on the wider town centre, which includes traffic travelling from or to these areas.

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    I walk up and down Otley Road almost daily and different times of the day and over the last three months can count the number of cyclists using the new expensive cycle ways on one hand. The whole idea is a complete white elephant and no more expenditure should be allowed.

    DavidS asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for getting in touch.

    Since Otley Road was originally designed the government has issued cycle design guidance called LTN 1/20 (please click for further information).

    This scheme has been designed to follow this guidance and aligns with the council’s Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plans.

Page last updated: 15 Nov 2023, 01:34 PM