The new town square in Northallerton is set to partially open in time for the peak Christmas shopping period.
The area directly in front of the Town Hall will be complete with new paving laid in time for the switch on of the Christmas tree lights on Friday, December 3.
This section of the square includes a new tree pit so the town’s Christmas tree can be located there for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
Through the rest of December, work will continue down the High Street towards the Market Cross, with the new enlarged Town Square complete before Christmas.
The current working area will not be increased in the run up to Christmas, when the High Street will be at its busiest with festive shoppers.
The next phase of work, which will extend south down the High Street, will commence well into the new year.
Once complete the Hambleton District Council (HDC) led scheme will see the town square in front of the town hall extended, new paving replacing the old block paving up to the newly improved Zetland Street, the setting of the Market Cross improved, trees and flowers planted, and seating and lighting replaced and enhanced.
The work also includes the installation of a further tree pit with additional trees in planters creating a greener environment.
HDC has worked with North Yorkshire County Council on the delivery of the scheme.
Hambleton District Council’s deputy chief executive Mick Jewitt said: “It’s great news that the first part of the square is opening so everyone can enjoy the extra space and the Christmas tree in the lead up to Christmas.
“This work has taken longer than planned due to unforeseen ground conditions and design issues and although disappointing, it’s important to say the delays experienced are not uncommon with this kind of development.
“The key thing is the quality of the finished product. I am confident the result will be worth the wait with a significantly improved high street, offering a fantastic public space at the heart of our county town, for both residents and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.”
Councillor Caroline Dickinson, County Councillor for the Northallerton division and District Councillor for Northallerton South, said: “I’m pleased to hear that part of the square will be open in time for the busy festive season and the much-loved Christmas tree lights switch-on.
“The completion of this project is integral in ensuring the future sustainability of the town centre by creating an area where we can host outdoor events.
“We are working hard to minimise and overcome the delays.
“The long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term disruption so we ask for patience during the final stages of the work.”
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