Councillors have appointed a contractor for the multi-million pound scheme to improve Harrogate town centre, marking a major step towards construction starting.
The £14.3 million Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) scheme is aimed at improving Harrogate town centre’s public realm, providing better access to public transport, and ensuring people are connected to economic and educational opportunities.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive have today (Tuesday, 18 November 2025) approved entering into a construction contract with NY Highways and funding agreements with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA).
The scheme is predominantly funded through the Government’s TCF, which is a major programme of transport infrastructure investment covering the Leeds City Region.
NY Highways was launched in 2021 by the former North Yorkshire County Council as a commercial business to provide highways services to both public and private sectors across the region.
North Yorkshire Council’s 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 future investment.
The scheme in Harrogate includes the redevelopment of One Arch and Station Square, improved traffic signals, a bus lane, a southbound cycle lane on Station Parade, new paving for pedestrians and cycle parking at Harrogate Railway Station.
There will also be improvements to traffic signals on the A61 at the junctions of King’s Road and Ripon Road, and King’s Road and Cheltenham Parade.
Work is set to begin in the New Year to avoid disruption over the festive period. The scheme is due be completed in autumn 2027.
In August, a High Court judge ruled in favour of North Yorkshire Council following legal action by a campaign group relating to the making of Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO). The challenge was dismissed on all five grounds and the judge refused permission to appeal his decision. The Court of Appeal has granted approval to review the judge’s decision.
The aims of the programme are to provide more accessible, affordable and attractive greener transport options, connect people to employment and educational opportunities, and create happier and healthier communities.
North Yorkshire Council was awarded £38m to deliver schemes in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton. Work started in Skipton this summer, with Selby starting last month.
