15 NOVEMBER 2007.  CONTRACTORS working on the re-development West of the Market Place in Ripon will open 60 properly laid out car parking spaces from Thursday, 15 November.  These will be four-hour free disc parking spaces.

 

As part of the planning permission granted to Maple Grove Developments for the

re-development, Harrogate Borough Council had required retention of 50 car parking spaces on the site throughout the building works.

 

Since work began on the site, 50 spaces have been provided on the open land which, although valuable for shoppers and businesses, was never ideal, said Councillor Don Mackenzie, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport.  "I am pleased that the contractors have now opened up this part of what will become the permanent car park.  I am also grateful that they have managed to increase the number of spaces available from 50 to 60.  At the moment, that is all that can be opened because the rest of the land proposed for the car park is needed for the site works.  It had always been our intention that these car park improvements be made in time for the Christmas shopping period and I am pleased to see that materialise."

 

Access for vehicles is via Westbourne Grove with pedestrian access from both Westbourne Grove and the Market Place. 

 

As well as these short stay spaces West of the Market Place that allow up to four hours free disc parking, the council has also recently restored the four hour waiting limit on Victoria Grove which should also help the situation during this major re-development.  ENDS

 

FURTHER INFORMATION: Councillor Don Mackenzie is available for comment on 01423 872211.  Further technical information is available from

John Burton, Head of Highways and Transportation on 01423 556606.

 

NOTE TO EDITORS:  The re-development plans include:

 

 

A revised access off Blossomgate for servicing the supermarket and adjoining shops as well as existing properties adjoining the south side of the development.