Highways boss confident majority will support Gateway project
The public are invited to give views on £31m plans to improve travel in three towns
Last updated 19th Feb 2021
The highways boss of North Yorkshire County Council has expressed confidence that the majority of residents will support the £7.8m regeneration of Harrogate town centre with greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at North Yorkshire County Council, said while the authority was expecting opposition to some elements of the Harrogate Gateway project, he hoped a public consultation to be launched next Wednesday would prove there is strong support for the scheme.
He was speaking today at a press briefing where more details and the first images of the plans to create a pedestrian and cycle-friendly gateway on Station Parade were unveiled, alongside other plans for Skipton and Selby.
Councillor Mackenzie from North Yorkshire County Council, said: “I know full well that such plans, especially when they involve highways, can be controversial. They attract polarised views from members of the public but we are battle-hardened to it.
“Nevertheless, and above all, whatever we do in terms of the Transforming Cities Fund schemes we want to make sure that the majority of the public come with us.
“I certainly can’t guarantee 100% of the public will welcome them but I believe a good majority will.”
Regeneration of the Station Parade area has long been discussed, with plans initially unveiled six years ago.
Under the proposals, there could be a reallocation of road space on James Street and Station Parade with some parking spaces taken away. The pedestrianisation of James Street is also being considered as an option to give greater priority to walkers and cyclists.
Improvements to Station Square Gardens have also been proposed, as well changes to layouts of Cheltenham Parade, Bower Road, East Parade and Station Bridge.
Councillor Mackenzie added: “The emphasis in the last 12 months upon active travel has been thrust into the public limelight and therefore it is extremely appropriate that we are now looking to develop three schemes which will do just that.
“The schemes will also give an enormous economic boost to the three town centres which frankly over the last 12 months have suffered a great deal.”
Also speaking at today’s briefing, councillor Phil Ireland, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, said: “This is an extremely important and exhilarating scheme which is going to have many improvements and enhancements to this very important town centre area.
“The average car journey in the Harrogate district is under two miles so we are thinking some of the active travel improvements in the area will persuade more people to use public transport or walk or cycle.
“This modal shift in attitudes is difficult to try and persuade people to get out of their cars unless you have this environment of segregated cycle lanes and ease of parking of cycles.”
The public consultation will run for four weeks and residents and businesses will be asked for the views on several options before detailed plans are drawn up.
In Skipton, they plan to improved access for walking and cycling from the railway station to the bus station and also have improved railway station frontage and improved access to education and employment sites.
Councillor Simon Myers, Craven District Council’s Lead Member for Enterprising Craven, said: “This is an important scheme, which aims to encourage investment in Skipton and Craven, promote economic growth, and make the area more attractive for businesses and employees.
“These proposals will make walking, cycling and public transport more attractive for our residents, which is good news both for the environment and for the health and wellbeing of our communities.
“The scheme also aims to attract younger people and families to Craven, and improve access to employment and training opportunities."
It marks only the start of a long planning process which, if supported, could see final designs brought forward and construction starting in spring 2022.
To find out more go to www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/northyorkshire