The Post Office is planning to relocate and create a new branch in Harrogate, to secure its services for customers for the long term.
The proposal is to move Harrogate Post Office from its existing premises in 11 Cambridge Road, Harrogate, HG1 1AA, to the WHSmith store at WHSmith, Victoria Shopping Centre, Cambridge Street, Harrogate, HG1 1TU. The branch would be run by WHSmith, with extended opening hours, including Sundays.
Post Office’s Network and Sales Director Roger Gale said:
The vast majority of our 11,500 Post Offices, large and small, are successfully operated on a franchise basis with retail partners. We believe this is the best approach to keeping Post Offices in main shopping locations and at the heart of communities where they play an important role in local economies.
Under the proposals, the services at the new branch would remain the same, with the exception of a cash machine. Services will include everyday banking for the UK’s high street banks, online shopping returns and collections and foreign exchange. The Post Office would be in a dedicated area with six serving positions. Additionally, there will be three self-service kiosks for mails transactions including home shopping returns, E Top-Ups, and a range of bill payments.
Mr Gale added:
We believe our proposal is the most effective way to secure the long term viability of Post Office services for years to come.
A public consultation on the proposals has now started and will run until 19 December 2018. It is proposed to open the new branch in April 2019.
Views and comments can be provided:
On the website: postofficeviews.co.uk
By email: comments@postoffice.co.uk
Below is more detail about the proposal:
| Harrogate Post Office information sheet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current location | Proposed new location | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Address | 11 Cambridge Road
Harrogate HG1 1AA |
WHSmith
Victoria Shopping Centre Cambridge Street Harrogate HG1 1TU |
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| Post Office Opening
Hours |
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| Products & Services | A wide range of products and services would still be available, with the exception of a cash machine. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Serving positions | There would be six serving positions in total; two screened and four open plan. The total number of serving positions has been based on current and future predicted business levels. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional Facilities | Three self-service kiosks for mails transactions including home shopping returns, E Top-Ups, and a range of bill payments. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Access and facilities
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The entrance into WHSmith from Cambridge Street is level with automatic doors, and from within the shopping centre on the first floor access is level, with the entrances being kept open during store opening times. Low level serving counters, a low level writing desk and hearing loops would be available.
Parking There are several car parks in the vicinity of the proposed premises: · Station Parade car park, pay and display with 25 spaces and designated disabled bays approximately 20 metres away. · Victoria shopping centre multi-storey car park, pay on exit with 776 spaces and 26 designated disabled bays approximately 350 metres away. Buses Public transport available to and from the surrounding areas. Harrogate bus station is approximately 20 metres away from the shopping centre. |
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| Distance | Approximately 254 metres away from the current branch, along varied terrain. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail | Cards and stationery. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Local Public
Consultation starts
|
7 November 2018 |
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| Local Public
Consultation ends
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19 December 2018 |
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| Proposed month of
Change
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April 2019 |
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