FAQs

We want to help people with disabilities to be able to access town centres and make full use of the public transport network more easily and safely. We have considered all comments received previously and engaged with various groups to develop a high-quality design, including wider pavements, improved crossings, consideration of materials and colour contrasts. The impact of the proposed changes to taxi-related facilities, parking and traffic flows on people’s travel habits has also been considered. The designs comply with all relevant industry best practice, government-issued guidance, and legal requirements such as the Disability Discrimination Act. 

We can provide copies of the materials presented as part of the consultation in braille, large print and audio format on request. Call North Yorkshire County Council: 01609 780780 or email: TransformingCities@northyorks.gov.uk

We have not made major changes to the highway designs since the last round of consultation. The fundamental proposals were considered during the first consultation when removing a lane on Station Parade to provide segregated cycle lanes was the most supported option. We are implementing the most popular option from that consultation and are now seeking to fine tune a design, with input from the local community. We have amended some junction designs and the layout of the Station Bridge/East Parade roundabout at the Odeon cinema to provide better crossing points. We have also changed some of the tree planting proposals to avoid areas with underground services. The changes provide a balance between improved safety for walking and cycling and maintaining the operation of the local road network.

The scheme has been designed to improve connections between the town centre, railway and bus stations, residential areas and other major destinations. It also provides links to other active travel projects across the town [see Major transport schemes and plans | North Yorkshire County Council for details of these]. In responding to the feedback from the Harrogate Congestion Study consultation (2019) to improve walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure we have followed government design guidance that increasingly requires us to prioritise walking and cycling. 

As a result of the design amendments, we have considered what impact the current designs could have on road users and traffic across the town centre. A technical note explaining the impact of the Preliminary Design was one of the documents considered by North Yorkshire County Council's Executive in January 2020, you can read this here. 

The modelling software is specialist software created by Jacobs for the council. In order to understand what a worst-case impact might be, we have used pre-pandemic traffic data and did not take into account any benefit from those who may change from private car journeys to walking and cycling. 

Since that last consultation we have considered what the impact might be as a result of the further design changes to the Station Bridge/East Parade roundabout - link to the technical note here. This shows that whilst there is likely to be some negative impacts during the busiest part of the day, the morning and afternoon peaks, they are not expected to cause excessive congestion and are estimated to be within acceptable levels by highways officers.

We have provided additional detail about the proposed trees and planted areas. Nine trees will need to be removed. Additional information about underground utilities has determined where it is and is not possible to plant new trees. We are now looking to plant an additional 24 new trees. Whilst the planters outside the Everyman will be removed, we are discussing where they can be relocated nearby.  

Since the last consultation, we have consulted with the police to ensure that the proposals result in safe, well-lit spaces that reduces anti-social behaviour. 

The Authorities are working with Northern Rail to improve existing cycle storage provision as well as provide innovative covered cycle storage at the Railway Station that will ensure that cycles can be left safely.

We have provided further detail of the Station Square and One Arch design. This includes the types and locations of seating, planting, lighting and the water feature as well as the location of a proposed art feature. The Queen Victoria monument remains in place, surrounded by improved landscaping. 

We are proposing to use York stone paving in the highest quality areas as being appropriate material for Harrogate and commonly found in the town centre. Elsewhere tarmac and granite are proposed, with tactile paving to indicate crossing routes. 

These are the current design proposals which we will review following the results of this consultation. If the County Council’s Executive determines to progress the scheme, finer details relating to the implementation of the project will need to be determined at that stage. 

We would currently expect construction to start in 2023 and finish in 2024. We have appointed Galliford Try to undertake early engagement – this means inputting into the detailed designs and planning the construction phase of the project in more detail. The contractor will only start the build phase if the project is formally approved. We would work closely with the contractor to make sure that the impact is minimised for everyone, including residents and businesses, but it is inevitable there will be some disruption. We would work closely with those most affected to ensure all works are done with the minimum possible impact. 

Following the close of the public consultation at midnight on Tuesday 23 August, we will consider all feedback and produce a consultation outcomes report. We will also consult on the Traffic regulation Orders that would be needed. North Yorkshire County Council’s Executive will then consider whether to submit a Full Business Case to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for approval and implementation of the scheme. If the scheme is approved, it is anticipated that construction will begin in 2023 for approximately 12 months. We aim to keep roads open to traffic as much as possible, and noise and other disturbance from the works will be minimised.