News / Trees to line the King's Road once more
Trees to line the King's Road once more
Thursday 5th November 2009
King’s Road in Harrogate is once again to become a tree-lined boulevard reminiscent of the town’s spa heydays when promenading was part of the ‘cure’.
Harrogate Borough Council is set to approve plans for a £438,000 pedestrian improvement package for Kings Road as part of its £13m scheme for Harrogate International Centre. The full scheme will provide the latest industry standard exhibition halls, a new and extended entrance at Springfield House lobby area as well as a range of improvements along King's Road.
Councillor Andrew Jones, cabinet member for resources, and HIC board member, welcomed the improvement saying: “The HIC redevelopment scheme is a key element in sustaining the town’s conference and exhibitions business and its associated economic impact on the whole district. We were delighted that Yorkshire Forward agreed and approved the grant in September this year, and we will soon see the huge benefits of the investment.”
Councillor Don Mackenzie, cabinet member for planning and transport, says the improvements to King's Road are a fundamental part of the International Centre’s redevelopment. He said: “When we took the plans to Yorkshire Forward seeking a £6.5m grant to match fund the council’s own contribution, the proposals for improvements along Kings Road were a key consideration. The aim is to give a better sense of arrival for delegates and to offer them a place outdoors to meet between conference sessions. At the same time, the scheme will greatly improve the amenity for residents and the enjoyment of visitors to our spa town.
The pedestrian scheme will see the footway widened by approximately two metres with no reduction in the width of the three-lane highway. Thirteen trees will be planted at 10m intervals; there will be new street furniture and seating arrangements. The plans also include the introduction of high-quality LED lanterns to illuminate the footway which, although slightly more expensive, will reduce energy use.
It is also intended to provide decorative tree lights to complement and extend the existing autumn and winter decorative lighting around Montpellier Hill and Crescent Gardens.
The works will be carried out in three phases, with the initial phase from Cheltenham Crescent to the HIC access road starting in January 2010.
