£13.4 million makeover of Harrogate station area to start in the New Year
Contractors have been appointed for the Station Parade project
Work on a £13.4 million project to improve the area around Harrogate train station is due to start in the New Year, after contractors were appointed.
The project is focused around Station Parade and is aimed at improving access to the station for pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers.
NY Highways will carry out the work on behalf of North Yorkshire Council.
The pedestrian route beneath the One Arch railway bridge will be renovated, creating what the council describes as a safer and more attractive link to the town centre.
The council says the changes will support more environmentally friendly travel options for learning and employment in the area.
It is hoped the work will be completed in autumn 2028.
Before work starts and throughout the project, the council says it will engage with businesses to provide information, explain how the works will be carried out and discuss any concerns.
This will include drop-in sessions and visits to businesses.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for highways and transport, said: "We understand that any scheme of this scale can raise questions, particularly around how it will affect trade, so those ongoing discussions are important."
Cllr Taylor also said: "We will try and reduce disruption wherever possible, so we are starting the work in the New Year to avoid impacting businesses over the busy trading period."
He said: "After almost six years in the pipeline, we welcome the start of this scheme which represents a significant investment in Harrogate town centre."
Reaction from Harrogate businesses
Harry Braid of Rushbond PLC, the Harrogate-based property investor and new owner of The Exchange, said: "As the new owners of The Exchange, we are delighted to see the ambitions of North Yorkshire Council, and the provision of substantial capital to improve the arrival experience and connections between the railway station and Harrogate town centre."
Gary Millar of Sheet Anchor Evolve, which operates Victoria Shopping Centre, said: "We are particularly excited about plans for Station Square and look forward to the variety of events it will host in the coming years."
The project is mainly funded through the Government's Transforming Cities Fund. This is a major programme of transport investment covering North Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is contributing £11 million.
A further £1.35 million is coming from York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and £1.05 million from North Yorkshire Council.
A total of £38 million was allocated to deliver Transforming Cities Fund projects in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton.