Transformation of city centre hailed as lifeline for economy

Harrogate Borough Council has launched a new public consultation on proposals to close Kirkgate to traffic between 11am and 11pm, allowing cafes and restaurants on the historic gateway to Ripon Cathedral to spill out on to the road.

Council chiefs have said they hope the plan could be in place as early as next spring, helping to allay growing concerns that the city is becoming increasingly alienated from Harrogate.

Julian Smith, the Tory MP for Skipton and Ripon, has welcomed the announcement and said he hopes it will spark a new period of economic growth.

“I welcome the fact that Harrogate Borough Council is giving Ripon more attention,” he added.

“The city has suffered in the past and I have been at a number of meetings with the chief executive where I have called for the council to remember it represents more than just Harrogate.

“I hope we can now look at a number of initiatives to kick-start the economy in Ripon and ensure that it punches above its weight.

“It is one of the most beautiful cathedral cities in the country with a huge footfall across its major tourist sites.

“But we have to do more to ensure that the economy as a whole grows better than it has in recent years.”

Influential Ripon business leaders warned in the Yorkshire Post earlier this year that the city risked becoming an “economic orphan” due to a lack of economic drivers.

The Greater Ripon Improvement Partnership, which covers 46,000 households and 2,500 businesses, said a recent review had identified key issues that needed to be addressed to help economic growth.

A survey of traders revealed that 88 per cent of customers had complained about parking, and concerns were also voiced over a lack of clear signage.

Many visitors have also been left without clear directions to some of Ripon’s main tourist spots, such as the city’s cathedral and the nearby world heritage site of Fountains Abbey.

The proposals for Kirkgate are part of the Harrogate district’s My Neighbourhood project, which encompasses a number of key organisations working jointly for the benefit of four different wards across the area.

The project co-ordinators have said they want to gauge the extent of public support for the proposals, before a formal approach is made to North Yorkshire County Council’ highways team and Harrogate Borough Council’s licensing department.

The closure times would allow for morning deliveries, while vehicles could also park in an allocated area at the city end of Kirkgate throughout the day and wheel their goods along the street after 11am.

Coun Don Mackenzie, chair of the Harrogate District Strategic Partnership Forum, which steers the My Neighbourhood projects, said: “People sitting outside enjoying fine food and drink and taking in what must be one of the best views in the country, will have the added benefit of attracting other people to stroll along the street to browse, shop and enjoy everything else Kirkgate and Duck Hill have to offer.

“This is a very common practice in other towns and cities in the country and of course in many of our European counterparts.”

Residents and business can comments on the proposals by completing a questionnaire available by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01423 556068. The closing date for comments is October 30.

Research has also shown the importance of the city and the surrounding area on the district’s economy. A survey of employers with a turnover of more than £1m in Ripon, Melmerby and Masham revealed 70 per cent traded nationally or internationally.