Plans approved to transform Harrogate eyesore

Gregory Projects has received planning and conservation approvals to transform a dilapidated site in the centre of Harrogate to become an exciting new mixed use development. After a year long process and a number of adaptions to proposals, Harrogate Borough Council has agreed plans to transform the former bowling alley at Tower Street, subject to a number of conditions, into an hotel and exercise centre.

Gregory Projects has secured a deal with Travelodge to operate a 70 bedroom hotel and restaurant and is finalising a legal agreement with a leading gym operator to take the remaining leisure space on the ground floor and basement.

Richard Tovey of Gregory Projects, said:

We are very pleased to secure planning approval after an unusually long process. Since the bowling alley closed down in 2009 the buildings have deteriorated to become an eyesore and in desperate need of redevelopment.

We have bought the site with a view to providing facilities that the town needs and at last we can move ahead.

We are now working with the planning team to resolve a number of pre-development concerns and look forward to starting on site.

 

 

Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director for Travelodge Hotels, said

This is great news.

Our existing Harrogate hotel on Parliament Street performs strongly all year round and we have long been on the look out for a suitable second site.

The former bowling alley acquired by Gregory Projects is the perfect location for us and we are delighted to be playing a leading role in revitalising Tower Street

Gregory Projects hopes to be able to start on construction in early summer with a view for completion in time for the Tour de France in 2014.

The Leeds office of Colliers International managed the consultation and planning application on behalf of Gregory Projects.