Council sets out timetable for Skipton’s £7.8m Station Gateway scheme

Friday, 19 May 2023 13:37

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter

North Yorkshire Council has set out its timetable for completing Skipton’s £7.8 million Gateway scheme with construction likely to begin by the end of the year.

The project aims to create a more attractive entrance to the town with improved pedestrian and public transport links.

Plans include transforming the entrance of the train station with a new public plaza, as well as widened footpaths on Carleton Street and improved pedestrian crossings on several streets.

Carleton Street will also be converted to one-way extending the existing one-way system on Cross Street.

The proposals had included a cycle lane on Broughton Road between Skipton train station and the town centre, but this was scrapped after concerns were raised over the safety of cyclists and loss of a taxi rank.

Instead, widened footpaths and a 20mph speed limit are now planned for a stretch of the road.

Other changes include resurfacing footpaths by the canal and improving Gallows Bridge. You can read about all the proposals at yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/skipton

What happens next?

The process to draw up detailed designs for the scheme is almost finished and the first planning application will be submitted next month for Gallows Bridge.

The council will then consult the public on proposed Traffic Regulation Orders in August before the changes are considered by local councillors.

That month, a full business case for the project will also be submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which won the initial funding from the government.

If this is approved, the council will appoint a building firm to carry out the works with construction is set to begin in the winter.

The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.

Has the cost increased?

The project has been in the works for several years after government funding was won through the Transforming Cities Fund.

But since then, the price of building materials has risen considerably and inflation has topped 10%, which has put pressure on projects across the country.

However, North Yorkshire Council’ Conservative executive member for highways, Cllr Keane Duncan, said council is still working towards its £7.8 million budget.

Cllr Duncan added: “The Skipton Gateway project promises to be transformational for the town. It hopes to create a more attractive area around the railway station and improve accessibility into the town centre for all by enhancing walking, cycling and bus infrastructure. In turn, this will help to reduce congestion and support economic growth in the area.

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