Partial pedestrianisation proposed for James Street as part of £10.9m Gateway project
Last updated 18th Oct 2021
Transport officials have revealed they want to push ahead with the most unwanted option for changes to James Street as part of the Harrogate Gateway project.
The £10.9m project has moved to the next stage with the launch of another public consultation and new details on plans to transform the town centre with better access for pedestrians and cyclists.
James Street has proved to be one of the most contentious parts of the plans and officials at North Yorkshire County Council have now revealed they want to partially pedestrianise the street despite this option only being supported by 17% of 1,101 respondents to a previous survey.
The other options for no changes to the street layout were supported by 32% of respondents, while a full pedestrianisation was backed by 45%.
The latest plans say a full pedestrianisation has been dropped as it has the potential to “significantly delay the delivery of the scheme due to the process required to gain statutory approval”.
However, the plans add this most popular proposal “would remain an option” in the future.
They say: “We have decided to progress with the part-time pedestrianisation option, as this would retain the potential to make James Street fully pedestrianised in the future with minimal additional changes to the look of the street.
“The part-time pedestrianisation option will restrict vehicle access to loading only and at limited times and retains many of the changes to the look of James Street that were included in the full pedestrianisation option.”
Plans to improve cycling infrastructure along East Parade have also been dropped as this risks construction delays and “increasing the impact of the build on the town’s road network”, the latest plans said.
It has also been confirmed that Station Parade will be reduced to single lane traffic to create room for a cycle lane as previously planned.
Improvements to Station Square and the One Arch underpass will also be progressed, while the Victoria Monument will remain in its current location after a “mixed response” to plans to relocate it.
The latest plans come after negative feedback from some business owners who expressed concerns that the removal of parking spaces and traffic lanes will mean busier roads and fewer shoppers.
However, transport officials have said the impact on traffic flow will be kept to a minimum and that one of the aims of the project is to attract more shoppers by creating a more attractive entrance to the town.
The project is being run by North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, with cash coming from the Transforming Cities Fund which aims to “transform gateways to towns and cities across the region by making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport”.
Residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on the latest proposals by taking part in a conuslation which will run until 12 November.
There is a questionnaire and online events will also be held on 21 and 28 October between 6pm and 7pm.
Members of the project team will also be available to answer questions at the Victoria Shopping Centre on 27 and 29 October, and 5 November.
The designs will be finalised by the end of 2021 ahead of a final decision on the project.
It is anticipated that construction will start in spring 2022 for approximately 12 months.
For more information and to have your say go to www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/harrogate