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Skipton Station Gateway

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Please note - this consultation has now closed.

To view the Outcome Report of this consultation, please click here or download from the 'Outcome Report' section of this webpage (to the right hand side if viewing on a computer, and below if viewing on a mobile).


To view the materials of the Round One public consultation held between February and March 2021, please visit: www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/skiptonphase1.

To view all updates on this project please visit North Yorkshire Council website.

The information below was presented during the Round Two public consultation held between October and November 2021:

Major changes are being proposed to transform Skipton Railway Station and the surrounding area to help more people to walk, cycle and access public transport. We want you to have your say.

Craven District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are working together to deliver exciting improvements in Skipton which will benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Between Monday 18 October and Friday 12 November, we are asking for your feedback on these latest proposals, which have been shaped following the public consultation in March earlier this year. Your views are important to help us finalise the designs, so please take this opportunity to let us know what you think.


Step 1: Have a look at the proposals, which have been uploaded to the 'Please View: Our Proposals' section.


Step 2: If you would like to hear more or put your questions to us directly, you can join an online live event, where you can listen to a presentation and ask questions:


Step 3: Tell us what you think by completing the survey, which you can access by clicking the button below.

If you have any other questions, or if you or someone you know requires this information in an alternative format, you can get in touch with us via:


Our Q&A tool: Submit your questions below

Email: TransformingCities@NorthYorks.gov.uk

Telephone: 01609 780780

Freepost: Corporate Director

Central services

North Yorkshire County Council

County Hall

NORTHALLERTON

DL7 5AL (no stamp required)


Background 

The proposed improvements are part of the Leeds City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) — a major new programme of transport infrastructure investment, which aims to provide an accessible, attractive and cleaner alternative to car journeys. £317 million TCF funding, plus local match funding, was secured as part of the West Yorkshire devolution deal to deliver a programme of transport infrastructure improvements across the Leeds City Region.

Building the future we want, with a transport system fit for the 21st century is absolutely vital, not only as we look to help the region recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in tackling climate change by helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.

Skipton’s proposed £7.8m scheme comprises of a series of improvements to public spaces, and walking and cycling facilities. It will establish Skipton Railway Station as an important gateway within the town and the wider Leeds City Region. The package of improvements will help people choose more sustainable transport options and will support better connectivity to employment and education opportunities within Craven District and the surrounding area.

Improving Skipton

We want to use this TCF funding investment to:

  • Support economic growth by improving accessibility, and working with universities and businesses to develop skills and create more jobs.
  • Improve transport connections to give people better access to jobs, education, healthcare and leisure facilities.
  • Reduce the carbon emissions from vehicles to help address climate change.

We want to achieve the following objectives:

  • Deliver a 21st century transport gateway for Skipton, with better connections between the Railway and Bus Stations to make it easier to travel between bus or rail, and to encourage more people to use public transport.
  • Make it easier to walk or cycle by providing a viable alternative to private cars.
  • Increase the number of people travelling to or from Skipton railway station by walking or cycling.
  • Increase use of Skipton railway station for travel between Skipton and the wider Leeds City Region for all journey purposes.
  • Improve air quality within Craven by reducing traffic on the local road network and reduce carbon emissions from transport within Craven.

Our scheme development journey

Development of the scheme began in early 2019 following engagement with key stakeholders including Network Rail, Northern and community representatives. Feedback from this early engagement showed support for improvements within the station gateway vicinity.

Building on this outcome, we have been developing proposals, through the TCF programme, for improving walking and cycling access to rail and bus services and reducing general traffic within the town centre.


You Said, We Did

We undertook a public consultation between February and March 2021 on our initial designs. The consultation presented options that focused on improving walking and cycling access between Skipton Railway Station and the surrounding area, for you to view and provide feedback on.

Your feedback from the earlier consultation has been used to inform the updated designs for the scheme in the following ways:

There was majority support for our proposals to transform the station car park and promote walking and cycling to the station. We received some concerns regarding the removal of trees in this area. Since then we have revisited the designs and introduced a 3:1 planting scheme, where for every one tree we are proposing to remove, another three will be planted within the town. This will help mitigate any tree loss within the station boundary.

We received a mixed response to the proposed bidirectional cycle lane on Broughton Road. Concerns were raised over whether the proposed facilities would improve the safety of cyclists using the route, and the extent to which they would be used. Concerns were also raised over the removal of parking to accommodate the cycle lane, and loss of the existing taxi rank. In light of these concerns, we have made the decision to remove the proposed cycle facilities on Broughton Road from the design and focus on enhancing the pedestrian environment. This has also meant we are able to retain the parking outside Belle Vue Terrace and enhance this area to make it more of an attractive streetscape. In addition, we have been able to retain and enhance the taxi rank on the northern side of Broughton Road, as well as introducing more areas of greenery and landscaping. The Broughton Road proposals will now be progressed with a focus on transforming the area for pedestrians and enhancing public realm, rather than providing dedicated cycle infrastructure

There was majority support for our proposals to improve the route between the Auction Mart and railway station. The proposed footpath link to Craven Leisure centre was well received. Some concerns were raised regarding personal safety along the whole route, with the provision of street lighting being suggested. We are currently exploring options to install lighting along the route, subject to an indicative costing exercise. However, at this stage we have been unable to include the installation of lighting in our revised designs.

The proposals in this area were generally well-supported. We have now updated our proposals to show a little more detail. The following key changes are proposed on this route.

  1. Widening the footways on Carleton Street to enhance pedestrian movements, which requires an extension of the existing one-way system on Cross Street
  2. Introduce a shared space on the approach to Gallows Bridge to open up the area for pedestrians and cyclists

The proposed improvements to Gallows Bridge received high levels of support, with feedback suggesting the bridge should be made easier and safer for people to cross. Suggestions included anti-slip surfaces and ramps for cycles to improve accessibility. We continue to look at options to make more significant improvements to the bridge and have included some questions in the survey accompanying on this subject.


Want to Know More?

On this webpage you will find information including plans and visualisations to help you understand what is proposed. We have also provided answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

If you have questions about the scheme which are not covered by the information provided in the Consultation Materials, you can submit your question via the ‘Questions’ tab (below).

Next Steps  

Following the closure of the public consultation on 12 November, all feedback will be considered as the designs evolve. The designs will be finalised by the end of 2021 ahead of a final decision on implementation of the scheme. It is anticipated that construction of the scheme will begin in spring 2022 for approximately 12 months. The detailed planning of the construction phase will take place following this consultation, where we will aim to keep all roads open to traffic at all times, and noise and other disturbance from the works will be minimised. We will be engaging further with residents and businesses later in the year with more detailed plans.

Please note - this consultation has now closed.

To view the Outcome Report of this consultation, please click here or download from the 'Outcome Report' section of this webpage (to the right hand side if viewing on a computer, and below if viewing on a mobile).


To view the materials of the Round One public consultation held between February and March 2021, please visit: www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/skiptonphase1.

To view all updates on this project please visit North Yorkshire Council website.

The information below was presented during the Round Two public consultation held between October and November 2021:

Major changes are being proposed to transform Skipton Railway Station and the surrounding area to help more people to walk, cycle and access public transport. We want you to have your say.

Craven District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are working together to deliver exciting improvements in Skipton which will benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Between Monday 18 October and Friday 12 November, we are asking for your feedback on these latest proposals, which have been shaped following the public consultation in March earlier this year. Your views are important to help us finalise the designs, so please take this opportunity to let us know what you think.


Step 1: Have a look at the proposals, which have been uploaded to the 'Please View: Our Proposals' section.


Step 2: If you would like to hear more or put your questions to us directly, you can join an online live event, where you can listen to a presentation and ask questions:


Step 3: Tell us what you think by completing the survey, which you can access by clicking the button below.

If you have any other questions, or if you or someone you know requires this information in an alternative format, you can get in touch with us via:


Our Q&A tool: Submit your questions below

Email: TransformingCities@NorthYorks.gov.uk

Telephone: 01609 780780

Freepost: Corporate Director

Central services

North Yorkshire County Council

County Hall

NORTHALLERTON

DL7 5AL (no stamp required)


Background 

The proposed improvements are part of the Leeds City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) — a major new programme of transport infrastructure investment, which aims to provide an accessible, attractive and cleaner alternative to car journeys. £317 million TCF funding, plus local match funding, was secured as part of the West Yorkshire devolution deal to deliver a programme of transport infrastructure improvements across the Leeds City Region.

Building the future we want, with a transport system fit for the 21st century is absolutely vital, not only as we look to help the region recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in tackling climate change by helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.

Skipton’s proposed £7.8m scheme comprises of a series of improvements to public spaces, and walking and cycling facilities. It will establish Skipton Railway Station as an important gateway within the town and the wider Leeds City Region. The package of improvements will help people choose more sustainable transport options and will support better connectivity to employment and education opportunities within Craven District and the surrounding area.

Improving Skipton

We want to use this TCF funding investment to:

  • Support economic growth by improving accessibility, and working with universities and businesses to develop skills and create more jobs.
  • Improve transport connections to give people better access to jobs, education, healthcare and leisure facilities.
  • Reduce the carbon emissions from vehicles to help address climate change.

We want to achieve the following objectives:

  • Deliver a 21st century transport gateway for Skipton, with better connections between the Railway and Bus Stations to make it easier to travel between bus or rail, and to encourage more people to use public transport.
  • Make it easier to walk or cycle by providing a viable alternative to private cars.
  • Increase the number of people travelling to or from Skipton railway station by walking or cycling.
  • Increase use of Skipton railway station for travel between Skipton and the wider Leeds City Region for all journey purposes.
  • Improve air quality within Craven by reducing traffic on the local road network and reduce carbon emissions from transport within Craven.

Our scheme development journey

Development of the scheme began in early 2019 following engagement with key stakeholders including Network Rail, Northern and community representatives. Feedback from this early engagement showed support for improvements within the station gateway vicinity.

Building on this outcome, we have been developing proposals, through the TCF programme, for improving walking and cycling access to rail and bus services and reducing general traffic within the town centre.


You Said, We Did

We undertook a public consultation between February and March 2021 on our initial designs. The consultation presented options that focused on improving walking and cycling access between Skipton Railway Station and the surrounding area, for you to view and provide feedback on.

Your feedback from the earlier consultation has been used to inform the updated designs for the scheme in the following ways:

There was majority support for our proposals to transform the station car park and promote walking and cycling to the station. We received some concerns regarding the removal of trees in this area. Since then we have revisited the designs and introduced a 3:1 planting scheme, where for every one tree we are proposing to remove, another three will be planted within the town. This will help mitigate any tree loss within the station boundary.

We received a mixed response to the proposed bidirectional cycle lane on Broughton Road. Concerns were raised over whether the proposed facilities would improve the safety of cyclists using the route, and the extent to which they would be used. Concerns were also raised over the removal of parking to accommodate the cycle lane, and loss of the existing taxi rank. In light of these concerns, we have made the decision to remove the proposed cycle facilities on Broughton Road from the design and focus on enhancing the pedestrian environment. This has also meant we are able to retain the parking outside Belle Vue Terrace and enhance this area to make it more of an attractive streetscape. In addition, we have been able to retain and enhance the taxi rank on the northern side of Broughton Road, as well as introducing more areas of greenery and landscaping. The Broughton Road proposals will now be progressed with a focus on transforming the area for pedestrians and enhancing public realm, rather than providing dedicated cycle infrastructure

There was majority support for our proposals to improve the route between the Auction Mart and railway station. The proposed footpath link to Craven Leisure centre was well received. Some concerns were raised regarding personal safety along the whole route, with the provision of street lighting being suggested. We are currently exploring options to install lighting along the route, subject to an indicative costing exercise. However, at this stage we have been unable to include the installation of lighting in our revised designs.

The proposals in this area were generally well-supported. We have now updated our proposals to show a little more detail. The following key changes are proposed on this route.

  1. Widening the footways on Carleton Street to enhance pedestrian movements, which requires an extension of the existing one-way system on Cross Street
  2. Introduce a shared space on the approach to Gallows Bridge to open up the area for pedestrians and cyclists

The proposed improvements to Gallows Bridge received high levels of support, with feedback suggesting the bridge should be made easier and safer for people to cross. Suggestions included anti-slip surfaces and ramps for cycles to improve accessibility. We continue to look at options to make more significant improvements to the bridge and have included some questions in the survey accompanying on this subject.


Want to Know More?

On this webpage you will find information including plans and visualisations to help you understand what is proposed. We have also provided answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

If you have questions about the scheme which are not covered by the information provided in the Consultation Materials, you can submit your question via the ‘Questions’ tab (below).

Next Steps  

Following the closure of the public consultation on 12 November, all feedback will be considered as the designs evolve. The designs will be finalised by the end of 2021 ahead of a final decision on implementation of the scheme. It is anticipated that construction of the scheme will begin in spring 2022 for approximately 12 months. The detailed planning of the construction phase will take place following this consultation, where we will aim to keep all roads open to traffic at all times, and noise and other disturbance from the works will be minimised. We will be engaging further with residents and businesses later in the year with more detailed plans.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

If you have any questions about the consultation or project, let us know below!

Please note, your user name and question will be visible to others, so please don't include any personal details.

  • Share Ive just had a look at the proposals and do not pretend to fully understand them however I have a few concerns. The Staff car park at the station looks disproportionately large. Ther would appear to be no drop off and pick up point. The disparity in rail fares between North and West Yorkshire whilst outside the scope of this project is a major barrier to encouraging people to use the station. It is much cheaper to drive to Steeton, park for free and pay West Yorkshire prices, particularly if a group of you are travelling. Black Walk is dark uninviting and looks like an unsafe walking route /public toilet. There are often intimidating groups hanging around in this area. Changing the footpath colour is cosmetic and doesn’t really address the real problem. The junction Cavendish Street onto Belmont Street is difficult to pull out of because visibility to the right is so poor. Cars are often obscured by pedestrians. Will the amendments help this problem or make it worse. Is it possible to make this road one way? on Facebook Share Ive just had a look at the proposals and do not pretend to fully understand them however I have a few concerns. The Staff car park at the station looks disproportionately large. Ther would appear to be no drop off and pick up point. The disparity in rail fares between North and West Yorkshire whilst outside the scope of this project is a major barrier to encouraging people to use the station. It is much cheaper to drive to Steeton, park for free and pay West Yorkshire prices, particularly if a group of you are travelling. Black Walk is dark uninviting and looks like an unsafe walking route /public toilet. There are often intimidating groups hanging around in this area. Changing the footpath colour is cosmetic and doesn’t really address the real problem. The junction Cavendish Street onto Belmont Street is difficult to pull out of because visibility to the right is so poor. Cars are often obscured by pedestrians. Will the amendments help this problem or make it worse. Is it possible to make this road one way? on Twitter Share Ive just had a look at the proposals and do not pretend to fully understand them however I have a few concerns. The Staff car park at the station looks disproportionately large. Ther would appear to be no drop off and pick up point. The disparity in rail fares between North and West Yorkshire whilst outside the scope of this project is a major barrier to encouraging people to use the station. It is much cheaper to drive to Steeton, park for free and pay West Yorkshire prices, particularly if a group of you are travelling. Black Walk is dark uninviting and looks like an unsafe walking route /public toilet. There are often intimidating groups hanging around in this area. Changing the footpath colour is cosmetic and doesn’t really address the real problem. The junction Cavendish Street onto Belmont Street is difficult to pull out of because visibility to the right is so poor. Cars are often obscured by pedestrians. Will the amendments help this problem or make it worse. Is it possible to make this road one way? on Linkedin Email Ive just had a look at the proposals and do not pretend to fully understand them however I have a few concerns. The Staff car park at the station looks disproportionately large. Ther would appear to be no drop off and pick up point. The disparity in rail fares between North and West Yorkshire whilst outside the scope of this project is a major barrier to encouraging people to use the station. It is much cheaper to drive to Steeton, park for free and pay West Yorkshire prices, particularly if a group of you are travelling. Black Walk is dark uninviting and looks like an unsafe walking route /public toilet. There are often intimidating groups hanging around in this area. Changing the footpath colour is cosmetic and doesn’t really address the real problem. The junction Cavendish Street onto Belmont Street is difficult to pull out of because visibility to the right is so poor. Cars are often obscured by pedestrians. Will the amendments help this problem or make it worse. Is it possible to make this road one way? link

    Ive just had a look at the proposals and do not pretend to fully understand them however I have a few concerns. The Staff car park at the station looks disproportionately large. Ther would appear to be no drop off and pick up point. The disparity in rail fares between North and West Yorkshire whilst outside the scope of this project is a major barrier to encouraging people to use the station. It is much cheaper to drive to Steeton, park for free and pay West Yorkshire prices, particularly if a group of you are travelling. Black Walk is dark uninviting and looks like an unsafe walking route /public toilet. There are often intimidating groups hanging around in this area. Changing the footpath colour is cosmetic and doesn’t really address the real problem. The junction Cavendish Street onto Belmont Street is difficult to pull out of because visibility to the right is so poor. Cars are often obscured by pedestrians. Will the amendments help this problem or make it worse. Is it possible to make this road one way?

    Jenny A asked about 3 years ago

    Good afternoon, 

    Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your comments, and thank you for getting in touch about the Skipton Station Gateway scheme.

    The staff car park at the station is an existing car park - Skipton station is a significant hub for the rail operators and the car park is always fully utilised. There is a drop off and pickup point provided in front of the station building.

    We hope to improve usage of Black Walk and therefore reduce potential for antisocial behaviour through the upgrades to surfacing and boundaries with the addition of access into Morrisons supermarket.

    In regard to the Cavendish Street / Belmont Street junction, although the existing road markings and kerb line are largely being retained due to the existing narrow carriageway and footway widths over Belmont Bridge, the proposals include vehicular traffic calming measures and a potential reduction in speed limit to 20mph. The distance from which drivers need to be able to see ahead and stop (Stopping Sight Distance) is considerably lower for vehicles travelling at 20mph in comparison to 30mph.

Page last updated: 15 Nov 2023, 01:37 PM