Ambitious proposals to transform the town centres of Selby, Harrogate and Skipton are moving forward.
It’s after members of the North Yorkshire County Council Executive (25 January) gave their unanimous backing to start detailed designs and final business cases for each scheme.
The idea is very controversial, in Harrogate, David Simister, chief executive of the District Chamber of Commerce said the views of the business community had been ignored.
Many residents there have complained the idea will make congestion worse because Station Parade will become one-way
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The £42m package aims to connect more people with the places they want to go by making it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport.
The schemes are being paid for with money from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which is designed to transform gateways to towns and cities.
The Selby project will:
- Improve rail and bus facilities, including a new rail station building front
- Create a new public space in front of the rail station
- Create a new entrance into Selby Park, providing a new park path through to the town centre and Abbey
- Provide new and upgraded walking and cycling routes, including a direct link from the station to Portholme Road
- Create a new public space on the former Ousegate wharf
- Create a new car park and eastern access into the rail station from Cowie Drive
For Harrogate, improved railway and bus station frontages with better access for walking and cycling; improved facilities for walking and cycling in the town centre; and improvements to public spaces
For Skipton, improved access for walking and cycling from the railway station to the bus station; improved railway station frontage and improved access to education and employment sites
The schemes are being delivered by North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Selby District Council and Craven District Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said:
“This is about making these town centres more accessible and welcoming, and the many benefits that can bring.
“All three schemes are intended to bring a range of improvements. As well as increasing opportunities for cycling, walking and the use of public transport, they set out to improve the public realm and make the town centres still more attractive to residents and visitors.
“In turn, these measures will boost the towns’ economic prospects.
“This project is a great example of working together to deliver benefits to residents and businesses.
“We have listened and responded to feedback from the public consultations and are confident people will be pleased with the results.”
Following the Executive’s decision, work will progress on detailed designs and a final business case for each of the three schemes.
The business cases will be submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is administering funds on behalf of the Department for Transport.
Subject to its approval of the plans, contractors will be appointed and work could begin in each town later this year.
Traffic Regulation Orders would be necessary for various works, and these would be open to public comment.
Although the Department for Transport set an initial completion date of March 2023, the Department has advised that completion could extend into 2024.