Harrogate businesses have voted against plans to reduce Station Parade to a single carriageway and close off James Street to traffic.
A poll of Harrogate businesses has shown the majority are against plans to reduce Station Parade to a single carriageway and permanently close off James Street to traffic. The joint Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, Harrogate BID and Independent Harrogate survey – which was sent to in excess of 900 businesses - comes ahead of the next round of consultation of the £10.9m Harrogate Station Gateway scheme being published imminently. Of those who responded, it revealed that: 75 per cent of businesses were against the full pedestrianisation of James Street 72 per cent were against reducing the A61 – Cheltenham Mount to Station Bridge – to a single lane 30 per cent were in favour of making lower Station Parade one-way 42 per cent in favour of two-way cycle lanes on Bower Road and along East Parade to the Odeon roundabout 74 per cent were in favour of improving the area in front of Victoria Shopping Centre with the potential to host a range of events and activities Meanwhile, 79 per cent believed that reducing Station Parade to a single carriageway will be of no benefit to town centre businesses, and 68 per cent felt likewise to pedestrianising James Street. A joint statement from all three organisations said:
"Before the next phase of the Harrogate Station Gateway Project consultation begins, we canvassed the views of business owners and landlords. "The questions we asked required either a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, and from conversations we have had with our members and Levy payers over many months, the results come as no surprise, ie keeping the James Street and Station Parade status quo. "Those who responded also strongly rejected the idea that pedestrianising James Street and reducing Station Parade to a single lane would bring business benefits. "We would like to thank those who took the time to participate in this survey, the findings of which now be shared with North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council officers and members."North Yorkshire County Council had planned to back Harrogate council's trial pedestrianisation of James Street from the Princes Street junction to Station Parade. Harrogate Borough Council believes the partial pedestrianisation would enhance pedestrian safety, attract shoppers and boost business. The statement added:
"Whilst we welcome investment in the town centre, we are keen to see it spent improving access for all, not just those arriving by foot or bicycle, whilst at the same time enhancing the existing public spaces with quality materials. "We also appreciate the funding the authorities has received has to be used in specific ways which will constrain what they do, but we cannot ignore our businesses views regarding this project. "Now Covid restrictions are lifted, we ask that during the next round of consultation there are plenty of opportunities for the public to inspect the plans and speak to the project team, in person, and not just via online presentations. "For our part, we will be looking to hold an event for businesses, in particular for those whose livelihoods are dependent on a vibrant town centre, so they can fully understand the benefits we are told this scheme will bring."Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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