Light at the end of a long tunnel at last says Harrogate property boss

A Harrogate property chief who oversees a number of town centre businesses has expressed his relief that there is “light at the end of the tunnel”, following Monday’s Government announcement on the easing of lockdown restrictions.

However, despite fresh optimism, he said business owners had hoped they would be able to reopen sooner - particularly as the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme continues to gather pace.

Caution is key as Harrogate gym owners welcome roadmap plan

Tom Lancaster, property manager at 4 Urban Consulting, which acts as the landlord for 5 Albert Street, also known as the Everyman complex and Westgate House, said it had obviously been a very difficult year for businesses, so it was a relief to finally have some positivity.

“The announcement certainly could have been a lot worse, but it could have also been a lot better,” he said.

“I personally think we could relax the restrictions earlier to mid-March rather than May, particularly as the vaccination programme has been so successful.”

Harrogate indies hoping for a reopening boost this summer

Businesses at 5 Albert Street include a combination of independents and chains, such as the Everyman cinema, F45 training studio and restaurants including Farmhouse, Yo Sushi and Estabulo.

Mr Lancaster said: “It has been very difficult for them. As landlords, we are quite understanding and have agreed rent deals with most of them.

“We think it’s very important to work with tenants rather than against them and I like to think we have been supportive.

“We would rather have businesses open and trading than units stood empty doing nothing.”

Roadmap to recovery is welcomed but can we keep up with Boris Johnson's timeline?

Mr Lancaster, pictured inset, said he was confident residents would support town centre businesses once restrictions were eased and the economy would soon recover.

“I think the desire to go out to the cinema, restaurants, bars and shops will be quite strong,” he said.

“It’s not all doom and gloom. There is optimism.

“I think the economy will bounce back relatively quickly.”

Meanwhile, Harrogate residents have welcomed the news that the Everyman cinema, which has remained closed for the majority of the year, would potentially be reopening to movie-goers in May.

Here are 10 of the best chinese takeaways in Harrogate as recommended by you

Reacting to a post on the cinema’s Facebook page, which asked which summer blockbuster people were most looking forward to, Wendy Waterfield said: “Would literally watch anything, it’ll just be nice to go to the cinema.”

While Laura Dudley said: “Black widow!!! I bought a voucher for me and hubby to come and see it a year ago! Can’t wait to use it.”