Harrogate Gateway: Lib Dems and Green Party signal support for £7.9m town centre transformation

Harrogate's Liberal Democrats and Green Party have both signalled their support for plans to transform the town's public transport hub with a £7.9m development.
This is how Harrogate's Station Parade could look if the £7.9m project is supported.This is how Harrogate's Station Parade could look if the £7.9m project is supported.
This is how Harrogate's Station Parade could look if the £7.9m project is supported.

The political parties said separately that the plans to create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly 'gateway' to the Station Parade area was a step forward to improving the entrance to the town as they also set out a series of demands they say must be met before construction starts.

Liberal Democrat councillor Philip Broadbank said plans to regenerate the town centre area stretched back to when the party had political control of the council more than 19 years ago and that "at long last some real improvements and changes may be on the way".

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He said: "Whenever change is proposed there is always resistance from some people but with swift changes to our shopping habits taking place now we need to look at ways of ensuring our town centres continue to improve and remain viable, attractive and vibrant for the future.

"There are some really interesting ideas being put forward and it will be very important to keep everybody with an interest in the future of our town centre involved as the consultation proceeds.

"The opportunity for change and improvement is welcome."

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Under the proposals going out for consultation this week, traffic on Station Parade could be reduced to one lane and the pedestrianisation of James Street is also being considered to give greater priority to walkers and cyclists.

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Shan Oakes, chair of the Harrogate and District Green Party, welcomed progress on the project and said any proposed road closures should be trailed before permanent changes are made.

"We would encourage non-permanent changes initially with bollards or plant holders to see what effect they have over a six month period," she said. "The pedestrianised areas should also be available for multi-use and the council works to make sure they don’t get underutilised.

"We also don’t want to be concreting over everywhere so have plenty of trees and green spaces should be included. Most importantly though, they must ensure the consultation is well publicised along with public internet discussion sessions."

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Councillor Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Harrogate Borough Council, also said it was key that the consultation - to be launched on Wednesday - listens to views from all residents and businesses.

She added more trees should be planted in the area and that buses should also be given greater priority on the roads.

"The issue with regards to the single lane of traffic and the redevelopment of James Street does need robust consultation with the public and businesses so whatever scheme is developed has buy in from everyone which will mean compromise," she said.

"But this is not about individuals it is about our shared spaces; it is about the environment and it is about ensuring that Harrogate becomes the destination of choice.

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"We need to welcome everyone to our clean, green town and encourage them to stay and enjoy all that we offer which is so different to many other towns."

Improvements to Station Square Gardens have also been proposed under the plans, as well changes to layouts of Cheltenham Parade, Bower Road, East Parade and Station Bridge.

To find out more go to www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/northyorkshire

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter