Work on Harrogate's Station Gateway project is expected to begin in the New Year after councillors appointed a contractor for the scheme.
The £14.3 million project, part of the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), is intended to improve public spaces in Harrogate town centre, enhance access to public transport and support connections to employment and education.
The planned works include redeveloping One Arch and Station Square, installing improved traffic signals, creating a bus lane, adding a southbound cycle lane on Station Parade and providing new paving and cycle parking at Harrogate Railway Station.
Additional upgrades to traffic signals are planned for the A61 junctions at King’s Road, Ripon Road and Cheltenham Parade.
Construction is scheduled to start after the festive period, with completion expected in autumn 2027.
Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said:
“The scheme has been in the making for around five years, with several rounds of consultation and engagement to produce the final designs.
“We have maintained our commitment to delivering the scheme, which will be key in promoting sustainable travel and public transport options.
“The town centre will become more visibly appealing, ultimately driving economic prosperity through improved access to employment and futre investment.”
Funding comes mainly from the TCF, a wider transport infrastructure programme covering the Leeds City Region.
North Yorkshire Council’s Executive has approved entering into a construction contract with NY Highways, as well as funding agreements with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
NY Highways was established in 2021 by the former North Yorkshire County Council to deliver highways services for public and private clients.
In August, a High Court judge dismissed a legal challenge brought by a campaign group regarding Traffic Regulation Orders for the scheme. The Court of Appeal has since granted permission for the decision to be reviewed.
The Harrogate project forms part of a wider £38 million programme supporting schemes in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton.
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