Revealed: Work is to start on controversial Harrogate Gateway project at price of £13.4 million

The long-delayed multi-million pound Gateway scheme to improve Harrogate town centre is set to begin in the New Year after contractors were appointed.

NY Highways will start work on the £13.4 million Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) project on behalf of North Yorkshire Council, which is focused around Station Parade.

The scheme is designed to improve access to Harrogate Train Station for pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers, supporting more environmentally friendly travel options for learning and employment within the area.

The pedestrian route beneath the One Arch railway bridge will be renovated, creating a safer and more attractive link to the town centre.

Before work starts and throughout the scheme, the council will engage with businesses to provide information, explain how the works will be carried out and discuss any concerns they may have.

This will include drop-in sessions and visiting businesses directly.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Coun Malcolm Taylor, said: “After almost six years in the pipeline, we welcome the start of this scheme which represents a significant investment in Harrogate town centre.

“Before and throughout the programme, we will be talking with local businesses to explain what is happening and listen to them.

“We understand that any scheme of this scale can raise questions, particularly around how it will affect trade, so those ongoing discussions are important.

“We will try and reduce disruption wherever possible, so we are starting the work in the New Year to avoid impacting businesses over the busy trading period.

“Local businesses are at the heart of Harrogate, and this project is to ultimately drive economic prosperity through improved access to employment and future investment, so we want to take businesses with us every step of the way.”

Responding to the news, Harry Braid of Harrogate based property investor and owners of The Exchange, Rushbond PLC, said: “As the new owners of The Exchange, we are delighted to see the ambitions of North Yorkshire Council, and the provision of substantial capital to improve the arrival experience and connections between the railway station and Harrogate town centre.”

Gary Millar of Sheet Anchor Evolve, which operates Victoria Shopping Centre, added: “We mark the gateway to Harrogate’s established retail centre, and we support this upgrade at a point that aligns perfectly with our own ambitions.

“We are particularly excited about plans for Station Square and look forward to the variety of events it will host in the coming years.

“Refreshing and diversifying the shopping experience by investing in our public realm is key to driving more footfall and supporting Harrogate’s fantastic retail offer.”

It is hoped that the scheme will be completed in autumn 2028.

The project is predominantly funded through the Government’s TCF, which is a major programme of transport infrastructure investment covering North Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is contributing £11 million, with a further £1.35 million from York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority and £1.05 million from North Yorkshire Council.

A total of £38 million was allocated to deliver the TCF schemes in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton.

Full details here