If the West Yorkshire Combined Authority approves the full business cases at its meeting on Thursday, multi-million pound schemes to transform the centres of Harrogate, Selby and Skipton can go ahead.
Approval would start the process of appointing a contractor for the year-long project, which is expected to be in the summer, with work on the ground starting in September.
The Transforming Cities Fund projects, which are due to cost a total of £44.6 million to enhance access to transport hubs in all three towns, have already been approved by the Department for Transport and North Yorkshire Council.
Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “We welcome the Combined Authority’s proposal to support the transformative, revised schemes in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton.
“The plans have been revised to ensure we focus on the elements which gathered the most public support.
“After cross-party discussions, there has been significant change to the schemes, particularly in Harrogate, with the most controversial elements no longer moving forward.
“We will soon begin preparatory work ahead of construction starting. This is a very exciting time for the regeneration of all three town centres.”
The £12.1 million Harrogate scheme reflects the revised focus agreed by the council’s executive in November.
It will see pedestrian improvements along Station Parade, including raised crossings and signal junction improvements, a bus lane from Bower Road into the bus station and a south-bound segregated cycle lane. Station Parade will remain two lanes and there will be no changes to James Street.
The scheme will also see public realm improvements to One Arch and Station Square, and new cycle parking at the railway station.
Subject to Combined Authority approval, construction is due to start in September and will take one year.
The revised £25 million Selby scheme is focussed on improving pedestrian and cycling access along Station Road and Ousegate, the new station access and car park to the east, along with improvements to the station building and the new plaza entrance into Selby Park.
Other elements, including the connection to Portholme Road, junction alterations at The Crescent and wider landscaping plans for Selby Park, would be brought forward as subsequent phases.
Construction is due to start at the end of September, with completion due for late autumn 2026.
The revised £7.2 million Skipton project will deliver the canal path connection from the railway station to the Cattle Mart and college, and improve the walking route to the bus station, along Black Walk, including the replacement of Gallows Bridge.
Improvements to the railway station car park would be brought forward at a later date.
We hope to appoint a contractor in July, with construction starting in September, lasting until June next year.
