A scheme to improve transport and footway links around Northallerton has been given the green light thanks to a £3.2 million grant.
The money paves the way for improvements to yards and footpaths in the town as well as changes to the road network to link the new Treadmills development to the town centre.
It is hoped they will encourage people to spend more time in the market town, parking up and walking rather than driving around the town.
The scheme, being promoted by Hambleton District Council, has received the boost from the Government’s Local Growth Fund.
It was secured through the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership following the submission of a successful bid by the local authority.
The remainder of the work on the £4.5 million project will be funded by the developers for Treadmills – the Central Northallerton Development Company Ltd (CNDCL), and Northallerton BID.
The initiative will see improvements to Zetland Street and key alleyways which will be used by pedestrians to cross from the town centre to Treadmills – the former prison site received planning permission last month.
It also includes upgrades to the road network including linking the control of traffic lights along East Road to improve traffic flows and reduce congestion.
“This scheme will improve accessibility between the High Street and Treadmills,” said council leader, Councillor Mark Robson.
“The prison has been in the town for two centuries but it has never generated much traffic or footfall – all that will change once it’s redeveloped.
“We want there to be strong connections between the town centre and this development and for road and pedestrian movements to be vastly improved. This scheme will do just that and will encourage people to come to visit and explore our market town.”
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry, added: “This government is committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse and building a country that works for everyone.
“This £3.2m investment from the Local Growth Fund will enable the creation of new pedestrian routes and works to improve traffic flow in Northallerton. The project will enhance the experience of residents and workers, encourage more visitors to the area, and support the extra footfall generated by future redevelopment projects in the area.”
Chairman of CNDCL, Hambleton District Councillor Peter Wilkinson, said: “Work on Treadmills is due to start in 2019, so to get the go ahead for this scheme will mean we can make changes to improve links between the development and the town centre immediately.
“There are some very exciting changes coming to Northallerton which we hope will improve footfall for all the town’s businesses both on and off the high street.”
David Dickson, chair of the York, North Yorkshire, East Riding Enterprise Partnership’s Infrastructure and Joint Assets Board, added: “The LEP is delighted to support this further development in Northallerton.
“The town centre project complements the two significant existing Local Growth Fund schemes we have already made in the town; the link road that is opening up a major housing site in North Northallerton and the town centre Digital Hub development.
“By investing a total of over £11m in the town’s infrastructure, to support the growth and prosperity of Northallerton, we are really demonstrating York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership’s commitment to retaining the vibrancy and character of our unique Yorkshire market towns.”
The scheme is part of the council’s vibrant market towns initiative.
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