Plans unveiled to transform Harrogate's former post office into 25 flats after controversial closure

Property developers One Acre Group have revealed proposals to transform the abandoned building on Cambridge Street which controversially closed when the post office relocated to WHSmith.

Harrogate Borough Council is considering the plans which would see the 123-year-old mail office converted into one and two-bedroom flats, as well as office space.

The building’s rear extension, car parking, refuse area and cycle parking would also be demolished under the proposals.

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The post office was relocated to WHSmith at the Victoria Shopping Centre in May 2019 as part of similar plans for 40 branches across the UK.

This was despite a campaign by the community and Harrogate MP Andrew Jones, who raised concerns that services could be “downgraded” under the move - something Post Office bosses disputed.

The new plans - submitted on behalf of the Post Office - said the conversion would "generate a number of job opportunities" and "enhance the overall vitality of this part of the town centre."

They added: "The proposals will also deliver new residential uses to the upper floors of the building and within the new contemporary rear extension, and the increased residential population within the town centre will also offer support to existing businesses, particularly the evening economy with resultant benefits on the overall vitality and viability of the town centre, which will be particularly important in response to the Covid-19 pandemic."

The post office opened in 1897 and was designed by architect Sir Henry Tanner. It is unlisted but located within the Harrogate Conservation Area.

If the plans are approved, works to convert the historic building could start in summer 2021.

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter