This the new opening date for the Harrogate branch of a British retail giant
A new problem has hit the opening of Harrogate’s long-delayed first multi-million pound Tesco superstore.
Since the was granted outline planning permission in 2021, the project has been plagued by repeated delays and readjustments in the Skipton Road area of Harrogate.
On top of that, local residents have been asking “when will our lives get back to normal” as the major construction project has led to months of disruption as changes are made to the traffic system to accommodate the retail development.
The cutting-edge new Harrogate branch, located at the former gas works at the junction of Skipton Road and Ripon Road, will create around 120 new jobs for the local community and has been built using eco-friendly, innovative design, technology and building methods to reduce its environmental impact.
To mark the new Tesco’s eventual opening, the retail giant is to donate a £1,000 grant to Resurrected Bites, the Harrogate-based charity tackling food poverty and food waste.
The scheme, which includes junction alterations and a temporary one-way system to allow for the development of the store and its access, began in August and was originally planned to last around ten weeks.
But the original completion date came and went, then a November 23 date was passed, leading to complaints from Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon.
Tesco then announced its new superstore would be opening this week in time to avoid a clash with the launch of Harrogate's ten-day Christmas Fayre on Friday, December 5.
Now comes the announcement that delays to the construction of the car park means it will not now welcome customers for the first time until Tuesday, December 9 at 8am.
In addition to the existing one-way traffic arrangements on Skipton Road, there will be a final full road closure between 6:30pm and midnight today, December 3
The closure will affect Skipton Road, Harewood Road and the New Park A61 roundabout.
Access to Harrogate Retail Park will still be maintained.
Noise activities will cease by 11pm.
The new Tesco store’s opening hours will be Monday to Saturday 6am to midnight and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.