Harrogate anti Gateway campaigners put 'key questions' to North Yorkshire leaders

“When are the businesses, retailers and the residents of Harrogate going to see the final detailed designs for the Station Gateway Project?”

A key figure backing the Get Away campaign against the controversial £11.2 million Harrogate Station Gateway project has put traders’ biggest fears to North Yorkshire Council leaders.

Businessman and retired Harrogate architect, Barry Adams has written to Coun Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation.

The intervention by Barry Adams, Dip Arch (Leeds) RIBA Chartered Architect (Retired), follows recent conformation by North Yorkshire Council that it will be moving forward with Gateway after the failure of legal challenges against the much-revised and fought-over project.

In his letter to Coun Taylor, Mr Adams poses a series of key questions prompted by traders fears of both the details of Gateway and what they see as its potential negative impact on Harrogate town centre.

1 “When are the businesses, retailers and the residents of Harrogate going to see the final detailed designs for the Station Gateway Project?”

“Apart from the preliminary drawings on display during the public consultations and the basic visuals, no one is aware of any further information being published by North Yorkshire Council even though this was promised some two years ago.”

2 “How will the Station Gateway Project improve the appearance and help to lift the central area of Harrogate as claimed by North Yorkshire Council?”

3 “How will the Station Gateway Project provide easier access to the Station as claimed by North Yorkshire Council?”

4 “We understand the works on site are programmed to be over a period of two years as it stands at the moment.

“What impact will this have on the heart of the town particularly businesses, retailers, visitors and the hospitality trade especially those directly affected the project?”

“What steps will the Council take to mitigate this to reduce the level and impact of any disruption caused by the works?

5 “We've heard from a reliable source that the proposed dedicated bus lane along part of Station Parade is no longer included in the Gateway Project.

“Can you please confirm whether this is the case or not?”

Last year Mr Adams said there was a “growing feeling” that the council had “wanted to push the scheme through without fully considering the best interests of businesses”.

“The engagement has been poor, to say the least,” said Mr Adams.

“We are all for investment in the town but it must be the right investment which makes a positive impact for Harrogate, creates growth and helps local businesses thrive.”

Last month Coun Taylor told the Harrogate Advertiser that, despite the doubts over Gateway, the long-delayed scheme was well worth persevering with.

“The project is designed to improve the area around Harrogate station, creating a safer, more attractive and accessible gateway to the town for residents, businesses and visitors, while supporting sustainable travel options and enhancing the public realm,” he said.

“Harrogate Station Gateway remains an important investment in the town's future, helping to improve connectivity, support economic growth and create a more welcoming arrival experience.”