Yorkshire Forward
Bedale Renaissance Masterplan and Vision
31st March 2004 Project Number 2279
Final Report Spawforth Associates
Bedale - Masterplan Contents
Masterplan Contents
1. Introduction 2. Methodology 3. Emerging Themes & Conclusions 4. Renaissance Project 5. Vision Statement 6. The Masterplan & Artist Impression 7. A Way Forward
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Bedale - Masterplan Section 1 : Introduction
Section 1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Location & Context 1.3 Spatial Context
5 Bedale - Masterplan Section 1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
What is Renaissance?
The Renaissance Market Towns (RMT) Programme was launched by Yorkshire Forward at the beginning of 2003. The programme reflects Central Government's stated commitment to the rural
Renaissance contained in the Rural White Paper (2000). The RMT is an ambitious 10-year plan to support sustainable small towns in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The RMT Programme aims to ensure that the regions 'rural capitals' are places where people want and are able to live, work, invest and visit.
Renaissance Market Towns is part of a long-term economic strategy to provide strategic community led visions for Market Towns in Yorkshire. The primary aim of Bedale’s Renaissance is to boost the economic performance of the town in line with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional
Economic Strategy (RES), and thereby ensure that Bedale, together with its hinterland, is the kind of place where people will want to live, work, invest and visit.
Bedale's Renaissance was launched in July with both Yorkshire Forward and Hambleton District
Council acting as sponsors for the process. The lead consultants for this initiative are Spawforth
Associates, a Town Planning and Urban Design Practice who are members of Yorkshire Forward's
Renaissance Market Towns Consultancy Panel.
6 Bedale - Masterplan Section 1: Introduction
1.2 Location & Context
Location
Bedale is a historic market town with a population estimated at around 2,880. The town stands in community.
North Yorkshire where the Vale of York begins to give way to the approaches to Wensleydale. It is located 2 km Southwest of the A1, 12 km Southwest of Northallerton and 17 km North of Ripon. In recent years, Bedale has increasingly become recognised as a day-visitor destination, but has
few weekend or longer stay guests. The local economy is dominated by small businesses and the
The market town acts as the traditional service, commercial and social centre for the surrounding town has suffered a decline as a retail centre over the last 50 years with no major national retailers rural hinterland. The surrounding district is characterised by a dispersed settlement pattern of located in the town. Tourism however is seen as a growth area for both the region and the town villages, hamlets and market towns including Northallerton, Thirsk, Easingwold and Stokesly. and Bedale has many unique, local outdoor attractions. It is located on the Wensleydale Railway
route and is regarded by many as being thye eastern gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.
The main routes into the town are from the North and East on the A684. Bedale Hall and the adjacent park are located to the North of the town and mark the transition between open The town has relatively good transport links with the A1, but suffers from poor traffic circulation countryside and the built-up area. To the Southeast lie Bedale Beck and the Harbourside. This and congestion in the centre of the town as a result of a lack of car parking and visitors using the area of the town is significantly underutilised and fails to make the most of a valuable feature. East town to access the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding area. A relief road to the North of the town of the Beck, beyond the allotments, is the Wensleydale Railway, recognised as a potential focal is expected to redirect a significant amount of this traffic around the town. point for economic activity and key gateway to the town. Housing is mainly located in twentieth century residential estates on either side of the A684 which cuts through the town. Study Area
The town centre has retained its character as one of the best preserved small market towns in
North Yorkshire. Although much of the architecture remains the same and the 14th Century This study concentrates on Bedale itself, although it is recognised that any significant changes to
Market Cross still stands in the centre of the Market Place, the town's trade and industry has the market town will have a far wider impact, physically, economically and socially on its altered significantly and today's shops and businesses reflect many of the needs of the current surrounding hinterland.
7 Bedale - Masterplan Section 1: Introduction
Historical Context
Bedale is recorded in the Doomsday Book (1086) at which time its church had alreadyt been space with mature trees and a 19th century pumphouse. In the area west of the Market Place, a established. By the 15th Century a park for hunting had been established and in 1251 the Market certain amount of infill development has taken place, largely within existing plot land boundaries,
Charter was granted. thus retaining the established historic grain. A number of terraces of cottages also survive in this
area, some of which are in need of repair and re-use. Brick and cobbled buildings with pantiled
The centre of Bedale has a high environmental quality and the character of the architecture and roofs are a characteristic feature of the townscape of these plots and garths. public realm that contribute to its identity have led to its designation as a Conservation Area. The conservation area extends from South End via the Market Place to North End and encloses an The pattern of plot boundaries has survived less well on the eastern side of the market place, but area of 19.4 hectares covering most of the town centre. The area is characterised by the long survives well in South End. This is the southern most part of the conservation area, characterised curving, partially cobbled main street. At the centre of the primary retail area stands the Medieval by cottages and terraces houses forming a continuously built up frontage overlooking the Bedale
Market Cross which acts as a pivotal landmark at the junction of the Market Place, Emgate and Beck. the Wynd.
Bedale has 58 listed buildings and structures, 56 of which are found in the conservation area. This
Bedale was improved in the late 18th century when the Market Place Tollbooth was demolished very high concentration of listed buildings falls mainly in the commercial part of the town. and when the western side of North End was largely rebuilt with superior three storey houses which give the street its Georgian identity. The buildings on the eastern side of North End are Bedale largely escaped the effects of the 19th and 20th Century industrialisation and this lack of more varied and are of two and three storeys. Beyond North End lies Bedale Park, the northern development pressure has helped retain the character of Bedale. The 13th and 14th century most extent of Bedale’s conservation area, which provides an attractive setting for the Grade I frontages are generally unspoiled by large retail development and the high quality townscape has
Listed Bedale Hall and St Gregory's Church. survived.
West of the Market Place south of The Wynd lies Wycar Green, a much smaller irregular green
8 Bedale - Masterplan Section 1: Introduction
1.3 Spatial Context
Travel Times The Hinterlands
Beadle is surrounded by a number of small villages all easily reached within a twenty-five minute drive time. Bedale is surround by a number of small villages all woven together by a network of minor roads weaving Because of effective road systems Darlington sits within this drive time zone even though it is a greater their way through the surrounding countryside. A proliferation of routes run north, south, east and west distance from the centre than that of the surrounding villages. Interestingly both Kendal to the west and through the hinterlands making cross-country travel relatively easy. Surrounding Bedale are a number of Scarborough to the east can be reached within a two-hour drive time while the cities of Leeds and large towns including Northallerton, Thirsk, Ripon, Leyburn and Catterick which can be reached via "A' Gateshead can be reached within one hour. class roads.
9 Bedale - Masterplan Section 1: Introduction
Residential
Civic and Managed Green Cultural Space Centre
Residential Community
Bedale
Bedale consists of a number of broadly definable districts. At the heart of the town lies the retail and commercial centre, grouped primarily around the Market Place. To the north end of the Market Place sits Saint Gregory's church and Bedale Hall, which together form a gateway into the town. Surrounding the centre lie the residential districts of Bedale and Aiskew, with a leisure district to the south the town consisting of Bedale Leisure centre, the sports pitches and schools.
10 Bedale Masterplan Section 2: Methodology
Section 2 Methodology
2.1 Introduction 2.2 Methodology
11 Bedale - Masterplan Section 2: Methodoloy
2.1 Introduction
Bedale Renaissance Market Town Aims and Objectives
The Renaissance process aims to help communities identify and develop the skills and plans needed to promote and develop the town in a direction it may not otherwise follow without intervention. The process aims to identify Bedale's current and future role, test any market opportunities that could be exploited and use the town and investment in its economic potential to drive the regeneration of the rural hinterland.
These aims have been used to form a set of core objectives, which the Bedale Renaissance
Market Towns Programme intends to realise. These are to:
- Produce a long term Vision and Masterplan for the town, articulated through a
Renaissance Charter and Vision Statement .
- Produce a portfolio of prioritised projects with a defined delivery mechanism and
appropriately equipped organisation to drive and facilitate their realisation.
12 Bedale - Masterplan Section 2: Methodology
2.2 Methodology
The Renaissance Process and Methodology Stage 1
The Renaissance approach is an iterative process, reliant on regular stakeholder involvement to Stage 1 focused on a contextual analysis of Bedale and a review of existing programmes to fully ensure that all elements of the masterplan and vision are community led, adequately explored and understand the area and how it functions. re-evaluated on an ongoing basis by those who will be most affected. This process can facilitate major long term urban change through marrying together the social, economic and environmental The Objectives of the Stage 1 process were as follows: agenda's of the various stakeholders.
· To obtain a detailed understanding of the town’s fabric, roles, reasons for being, the
Bedale's Renaissance Process was divided into four key stages: communities, local governance and the environment.
Stage 1: Preliminary work and baseline analysis and assessment to inform stages two and · To identify the specialist skills required to provide a more informed and detailed picture of
three of the Renaissance Process the town.
Stage 2: Public Consultation · To identify the areas where the towns have particular strengths or positive uniqueness, to
identify potential and opportunity within the towns, and clarify areas of concern and external
Stage 3: Development of a Town Team, Town Charter, a 25-year Vision and Masterplan and threats.
a delivery plan.
Stage 4: Launch of the Vision and Masterplan, preliminary implementation of the delivery plan The Methods by which those Stage 1 Objectives were achieved are as follows:
and Town Team monitoring and support.
· Meetings with representatives of the local authority including planning, transport
community and economic development officers.
13 Bedale - Masterplan Section 2: Methodology
· Meetings with the existing Bedale and Villages Community Plan Forum who have identified the town's main constraints and areas for redevelopment and/or enhancement.
previously undertaken a significant review of regeneration issues and are responsible for
overseeing and moving forward the development of the area's Action Plan. · A summary of the emerging Renaissance themes and an indication of the nature of the
Topic Workshops to be run during Stage 2.
· Meetings with voluntary groups and a cross section of local businesses and local schools.
· A formal agreement between the sponsoring organisations outlining what their ambitions
· A detailed planning policy and urban design analysis that considered the physical and for the Renaissance Programme are and stating their commitment to support the process.
spatial character of the towns and considers existing planning policy and the local
development plan.
· Yorkshire Forward appointed specialist consultants as a result of the initial SWOT analysis
carried out by members of the community. Steer Davies Gleave were appointed to provide
a transport analysis, identifying constraints and opportunities in the study area. Amion
Consulting were appointed to undertake an Economic Need Analysis and KNA Ltd were
appointed to assess tourism constraints and opportunities in Bedale.
The Outputs of the Stage 1 process were as follows:
· A detailed planning, transport, economic, tourism and urban design analysis clearly
14 Bedale - Masterplan Section 2: Methodology
Stage 2: Public Consultation
· The Renaissance Programme has included a lengthy consultation process, including 35 stakeholder organisations
public meetings and focus workshops and involving members of the public, local schools,
major landowners, relevant local government officers, public bodies, local politicians and · To establish a means of communication that ensures that key public sector organisations
community groups that may have a long term role to play in the delivery of the emerging vision, were
engaged in the Renaissance process and were informed of the emerging issues and
The Objectives of the Stage 2 process were as follows: projects.
· To ensure that stakeholderswere fully engaged in the process and involved in determining
the final outputs of the Renaissance programme. The Methods by which these Stage 2 Objectives were achieved are as follows:
· To identify an appropriate mix of local stakeholders with the necessary enthusiasm, · A Public Launch and Consultation Event to engage with the wider community and stimulate
ambition, optimism, commitment and determination to create a long-term vision. debate on the long-term aspirations and direction for the town.
· To inform the stakeholder participants of the Renaissance Process, the options for · Creation of a Town Team to guide, inform and promote the Renaissance Process and the
participation and the possible roles of a Town Team. establishment of an appropriate timetable of regular meetings and feedback sessions.
· To establish an appropriate means of communication for engaging with the local · Monthly town team and public meetings.
communities and informing them of progress on the vision's development
· Creation of leaflets and associated publicity material, links to RMT Portal and
· To initiate engagement with a significant cross section of the local communities and their www.bedale.com.
15 Bedale - Masterplan Section 2: Methodology
· Topic Workshops covering the following themes: transport, tourism, retail, community
issues, recreation and leisure and skills, education and employment. These were open
public events and covered a specific theme. Four workshops on each topic were held
over a three month period. Spawforth Associates and the specialist consultants chaired
these meetings and advised on project development relevant to their own area of
expertise.
The Outputs of the Stage 2 process were as follows:
· A team of residents, businesses and stakeholders who understood the Renaissance
process and have a clear idea of their goals and limitations
· A detailed assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
associated with the town.
· The Public Meetings allowed both reporting back to the wider community, and community
engagement in specific areas of interest or in key emerging themes.
· The Topic Workshops identified specific themes and projects, which were carried forward
as part of the Vision and Masterplan.
16 Bedale - Masterplan Section 2: Methodology
Stage 3 Develop a Town Team, Town Charter, a 25-year Vision and Masterplan and a Delivery Plan.
Stage three was the key stage in the Renaissance Process and enabled the Consultants and indicative sketch layouts and proposals.
Town Team to form clear objectives and areas of opportunity based on workshop meetings and the individual baseline assessments. · A Vision Statement/Charter that summarises the essence of the town's vision and
ambitions, and clearly identifies long term goals
The Objectives of Stage 3 process were as follows:
· A Delivery Plan identifying project timescales, champions, delivery organisations and
· To develop a Renaissance charter and a comprehensive vision for the town that funding requirements.
encompasses physical, social, economic and environmental issues.
· A developed town team with a formal constitution, clearly defined goals and objectives,
· To create a physical masterplan which identifies key districts, nodes, landmarks, paths representation from a broad cross-section of the local community and stakeholder
buildings and spaces for enhancement and or redevelopment over the short, medium and organisations.
long term.
· To create a delivery plan that identifies the way forward for the town team to promote the
short, medium and long-term implementation of the vision and identify delivery
mechanisms for the Renaissance projects.
The Methods by which these Stage 3 Objectives were achieved were as follows:
· The preparation of an illustrative masterplan that encapsulates emerging projects and
17 Bedale - Masterplan Section 2: Methodology
The Outputs of the Stage 3 process were as follows:
· A comprehensive illustrative and spatial masterplan for Bedale which identifies key
development opportunities, possible uses and development potential.
· A Vision Statement/Charter and a Delivery Plan identifying project timescales, champions,
delivery organisations
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Stage 4 Launch the Vision and Masterplan, preliminary implementation of the delivery plan and Town Team monitoring and support.
The end of the Renaissance Process on April 26th 2004 and the public launch and presentation · Ongoing telephone support for the Town Team and occasional project meetings. may appear to be abrupt and final. Therefore Stage 4 allows for a managed wind-down of the consultant input. The Outputs of the Stage 4 process will be as follows:
The Objectives of the Stage 4 process were as follows: · Members of the public to sign up to the Bedale Town Charter.
· To launch the vision to the wider community · To provide limited access to the consultant team once the delivery stage has started to
assist in delivery problems and emerging issues
· To aid in the communication between the Town Team and Sponsor organisations during
the early stages of the delivery.
· To engage delivery organisations in moving shorter term projects to the next stage whilst
the consultant team are still available to lend support.
· To provide gradually decreasing levels of support to the Town Team as they learn to
become more self-reliant.
The Methods by which these Stage 4 Objectives will be achieved are as follows:
· The Public Launch Event in April 26th 2004
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Bedale - Masterplan Section 3: Emerging Themes
Section 3 Emerging Themes
3.1 Emerging Themes
21 Bedale - Masterplan Section 3: Emerging Themes
3.1 Emerging Themes
Emerging Themes and Conclusions
This section summaries the themes that have emerged from the public meetings and workshops, Housing as well as the urban design, planning policy, transport, economic needs and tourism assessments undertaken by the team of specialist consultants. The low proportion of young people may be linked in part to the availability of affordable housing
in the town and a perceived lack of opportunity. Hambleton District Council has recognised the
These individual baseline assessments, which accompany this masterplan as separate demand for affordable housing in Bedale and make provision for affordable housing in the local documents, form an integral component of the Renaissance process and should be referred to for plan. Until further small windfall sites for housing become available however, the problems are further detail and clarity. likely to remain.
The following issues emerged from the baseline assessments: Housing in Bedale is characterised by a high proportion of detached and semi-detached homes,
a high proportion of married couples with either no children, dependent children or non-dependent
Demographics children, and relatively high property prices.
The population of the study area has risen by 13% in the last 10 years, however there is a low Employment Structure proportion of young people (16-29) and there has been a significant percentage decline in this age group. Although Bedale performs very well against national G.C.S.E performance indicators, the Agriculture and retail represent a significant proportion of local businesses, and there is relatively
School does not have a Sixth Form and therefore most students travel outside of Bedale to study weak performance in growth areas such as Business Services. A significant proportion of
A-Levels. This raises concerns over the availability of a young workforce to service local business Bedale's manufacturing employment is located at the Leeming Bar Industrial Estate; an area needs and enable business growth. which has been specifically allocated for employment uses in the Hambleton District Wide Local
Plan. However there is a noticeable lack of allocated employment land in Bedale and limited
available space for employment expansion.
22 Bedale Masterplan Section 3: Emerging Themes
The availability of appropriately skilled staff at Leeming Bar Industrial Estate is becoming a Analysis that would assist in developing a high quality town centre, for retailing and food/drink, significant issue for businesses on the site and is resulting in the recruitment of staff from outside linked to greater development and linkage with the tourism sector. the local area. This is an important issue for Bedale. Whilst Leeming Bar is an important employment location for the town, there is concern that the jobs here are predominantly low value, At present the retail offer does not represent a key strength on which to base growth in the Bedale and are occupied by people who live outside the immediate area. Hambleton District Council has economy. Bedale's retail offer needs steady and sustained improvement. The core shopping area stated that it wishes to identify and promote initiatives to address this issue. is dominated by local retail and service provision, with a very limited range of high quality, niche
retailers and premises for food/drink that could attract trade from outside of the town. At present
Proposals at Bedale Station to create craft/retail and workspace units could assist in this process, policies in the local plan do not encourage provision for further hospitality and A3 (food and drink) with better links to new, high quality town centre uses in the food/drink/accommodation sector. In uses in the core shopping area. Consideration should be given to addressing this and a the long term, the relief road and upgrading of the A1 identified in the local plan could also mechanism could be the opportunities generated through greater linkage and interaction between encourage Bedale Station as a location for business. The opportunity to 'capture' additional the Market Place retailers and the current tourist attractions in the town which have considerable benefits from A1 users needs full consideration. A 'gateway' facility, acting as a 'signpost' for growth potential. Investment in the new Bedale Station will be particularly important for the core
Bedale could provide increased benefits to the town. shopping area provided that passengers arriving from elsewhere are encouraged and easily able
to walk or cycle into the town. In addition, every effort needs to be made to ensure that any
Bedale has a mixed retail offer and lacks the critical mass to offer itself as a serious convenience proposals for Bedale Station compliment the existing retail and business uses in the town centre. or comparison goods centre to rival Northallerton. It is also let down by the relatively poor quality of some of its shops and premises. The town centre does not present a real first-rate retail offer and can appear tired in places. Yet the Market Place and retail core is vital to the long term role and prosperity of the town. Large scale spatial growth in residential, service or retailing is not considered appropriate but key interventions were identified as part of the Economic Needs
23 Bedale - Masterplan Section 3: Emerging Themes
Tourism There are a number of visitor attractions within or close to the town, in addition to the railway, and
these include Big Sheep and Little Cow, St Gregory's Church, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, and Aerial
"Tourism is the temporary short-term movement of people to destinations outside the places where they Extreme at Camphill. Whilst each destination attracts modest but steadily increasing numbers of
normally live and work, and activities during their stay at these destinations; it includes movement for all visitors, there does not appear to be any clear linkage between the attractions. There is an
purposes, as well as day visits or excursions." opportunity to improve collaboration and coordinate marketing and event management between
all the facilities. Major event days at a particular attraction should be coordinated with those at a
Tourism Society complementary town attraction, maximising the opportunity to capture visitors.
Bedale's reputation as a gateway will be noticeably enhanced by the opening of Wensleydale Further development and marketing of these attractions along with Bedale Beck, the Heritage Trail
Railway at Bedale Station later this year. The introduction of steam trains onto the line, and and the Leech House, will enhance the town's appeal to all ages and groups as a day destination. planned extensions to the east to Northallerton and beyond Leyburn to the West will increase the Bedale can then begin to develop an identity as a Yorkshire Dales town that is family orientated visitor potential for both the railway and Bedale, capturing visitors who use Wensleydale Railway. and in this way start to differentiate itself from other, similar sized towns in the region.
An additional issue for Bedale is the perception that the town is a 'passing place' on the way to the Dales. The town needs to develop its own brand and identity and should no longer be referred Social and Community Issues to as a 'Gateway to the Dales'. The town receives significant traffic flows with the associated problems, but it does not necessarily benefit as much as it could. More effective traffic There is a community aspiration to provide enhanced facilities for young people in the town, management measures and parking regimes should be considered. Parking provision could be particularly in terms of social meeting places. Bedale is well provided for in terms of sports and increased with new long stay parking at gateway sites in the town. An area to the North of St leisure but the concept of a youth facility in the town centre has been identified as a need.
Gregory's Church at the proposed intersection of the A684 and the new Bedale relief road, has been identified in the vision for this purpose. There is a local issue of 'affordable' housing. This has already been highlighted and evidence
24 Bedale - Masterplan Section 3: Emerging Themes
suggests that young people in Bedale migrate to larger towns such as Darlington in order to enter - Increase the quality of pedestrian linkages in the town centre between the Market Place, the housing market. Bedale Station and local parking facilities.
Summary - Further development and enhancement of Bedale's visitor attractions, including improving
collaboration and linkages between attractions.
These conclusions and emerging themes have been drawn from the baseline work and provide a clear framework for the remainder of this masterplan ascertaining a schedule of key themes and - Stimulate and sustain long term economic growth, encouraging employment growth opportunities for further enhancement and development. These are as follows: around Bedale Station
- The need to promote a new image, identity and brand for the town and develop a coherent - Create a strong sustainable community
message that identifies Bedale's "unique selling point (USP)".
- Empower emerging local leaders to champion and deliver Bedale's long term aims and
- Establish a long stay gateway coach and car park and enhance the physical "Bedale objectives
Welcome" (gateway signs and landscaping).
The Town Vision and Masterplan developed by both the Community and Town Focus Groups
- Reinforce the quality of the Market Place and improve and develop the town centre retail provide the framework in which to deliver these themes. The spatial, environmental, and physical
and food and drink offer. masterplan brings together a schedule of planned projects within the town and hinterland, drawing
on all the recommendations that emerge from the baseline assessments and planning events, and
- Rationalise traffic movement and reduce the dominance of the motor vehicle in Bedale maximising the long term economic potential and opportunity that exists within the town.
creating a pedestrian friendly environment.
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Bedale - Masterplan Section 4: Renaissance Project
Section 4 Renaissance Projects
4.1 Project Summary
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Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
Section 5 Vision Statement
5.1 Introduction 5.2 Bedale Vision Statement
31 Bedale Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
5.1 Introduction
This vision statement represents the collective thoughts of the residents, businesses, stakeholders and Renaissance Consultant team and does not represent the views of Yorkshire Forward,
Hambleton District Council, North Yorkshire County Council or any other statutory body or landowner. The purpose of this statement is to articulate to all the stakeholders and residents of
Bedale and its hinterland the tremendous potential and opportunity that lies within the town. It is meant to be thought provoking, challenging and the basis for ongoing discussion.
32 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
5.2 Bedale Vision Statement
Think ahead to the year 2030. Bedale is no longer the gateway to the dales, or anywhere else for the gateway to Bedale. On offer, the sign explains, are places to eat, places to shop and that matter, but is now a destination in its own right. Clear signposting on the A1 clearly indicates attractions to visit including such delights as Big Sheep Little Cow, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Aerial
Bedale as a place worth visiting, and the new A1/A684 interchange north of Leeming Bar has been Extreme at Camphill, St Gregory’s Church and the Wensleydale Railway. Just beyond the sign a completed for many years now. heavily landscaped car and coach park is laid out in such a way that small pockets of parking are
separated by grass sitting areas, picnic spots with wooden benches and tables, hedgerows and
Motorists leaving the A1 at this point are greeted by brown tourist signs that direct drivers along copses of trees. the new access road to the Eastern Dales that now runs north of Aiskew. A simple junction configuration at the A1 interchange allows residents of Aiskew to enter the village from the East, Drivers tempted to break their journey, even just for a few minutes, finds access to the new car whilst encouraging the majority of heavy goods vehicles to bypass Bedale Town Centre altogether. park from the roundabout both obvious and direct. A simple but effective one-way system
connecting the small parking areas ensures all first time visitors are made aware of the toilets and
Cars emerging off the A1 that are heading west, are almost immediately greeted by open tourist information graphics that are available near the entrance. Once parked, signage within the countryside. The relief road, heavily screened by maturing landscape creates a green access car park directs the vehicle occupants to a Beckside seating area. For energetic youngsters, an corridor that leads to the northern end of Bedale, terminating at a large, landscaped roundabout adventure playground strategically located between the car park and water’s edge and securely with a seasonally changing floral welcome message. Drivers, forced to reduce speed as they fenced to protect younger children, serves the dual function of providing space for excess energy approach the roundabout, are given the opportunity to view the picturesque town of Bedale that to be dispersed, as well as drawing parents way from their cars and in the direction of the new lies immediately to their left. Beckside walkway.
A few hundred metres before arriving at the new roundabout, drivers passing along the relief road The Beckside path is a new and important link between the gateway car park, Bedale Railway cross the northern end of Bedale Beck, clearly identified by an elegant sign in Bedale's relatively Station and Bedale Renaissance Park; a maturing public park built on the site of the Aiskew new Town Livery. Beyond the Beck, to the drivers left, another brown tourist sign, sitting in front allotments following their relocation to a new, much larger site with enhanced facilities to the South of a backdrop of mature deciduous trees, informs the casual observer that they are about to reach of Bedale. The Beckside path, surfaced in high quality natural materials, is a well-lit route, with
33 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
frequent areas where the paving widens out to accommodate seating and pockets of public art. security and well-being for those who use the route alone.
Initially the path passes through Bedale's new Pocket Nature Reserve; a woodland area with a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Sensitively designed timber fencing constrains the walkers The Riverside Club, located as it is on one of the town's most important sites between the Market and their dogs to a carefully defined route, until the path finally reaches the water's edge. Once Place and Bedale Station, has been redeveloped and the new building has opened its doors to at the Beckside, the path then remains next to the water diverting only for the occasional mature the east, south and west, with a sun terrace that welcomes residents and visitors alike throughout tree or important ecological or landscape feature. the day. The three storey building, conceived as a way of bringing increased revenue to the club
as well as a capital injection of funds from the waterside apartments on its second floor, is hard to
Since the route forms part of the now well established Bedale Heritage Trail, information boards, distinguish from the traditional architecture of the town and many members of the coach parties public art in the form of both free standing items of sculpture as well as items incorporated into that now use its café, restaurant or bar facilities during the day remark that they had assumed it seating, the paving, signage and even litter bins, adds a richness to the waterside experience. had been there for a hundred years or more. It is only the brightness of the striped awnings that
Indeed the busy Heritage Trail, which incorporates all of Bedale's structures of historic and hang over its large ground floor windows and freshness of the paint on its traditional timber shop architectural significance, now provides the essential linkage and connections that for so long the fronts that give any clue as to its recent pedigree. casual observer may have failed to realise. Bedale Hall, St Gregory's, the Leech House, Bedale
Harbour, Bedale Station and the Market Place are now drawn together to make an enjoyable, As the waterside walker reaches the Riverside Club, the full extent of the changes that have stimulating and logical circular walk for residents and visitors alike. occurred in this area over the last 25 years start to become apparent. Emgate, a picturesque and
intimate street of two and three storey cottages, curves gently uphill towards Bedale Market Cross,
Returning to the Beckside path and approaching Bridge Street from the direction of the gateway and is now virtually devoid of cars and heavy goods vehicles. Facilitated by the reduction in parking area, the walker starts to notice that by the time they reach the electricity substation through traffic arising as a consequence of the northern relief road, the pedestrian orientated adjacent to the Riverside Club, movement along the path has intensified, as residents from Bedale environment has been created by the replacement of the old Tarmacadam carriageway and and Aiskew, who also regularly use the path, increase in number. A cycle track running parallel footpaths with natural materials, appropriate street furniture and lighting that is more in keeping with the path also brings activity with it, ensuring natural surveillance and an enhanced sense of with the environment's conservation area status. Over the years, inappropriate claddings, window
34 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
styles and materials have gradually been replaced as a result of the design guidance created by space for voluntary services and refreshment, internet and meeting space for young people. local residents, businesses and local authority. The hardness of the walling and paving materials Light, bright and airy, with a modern café/bar atmosphere, the welcoming character of the centre has been softened by the introduction of trees and hanging baskets, and any vehicle now entering extends out onto the terraced seating area to the front with its outdoor seating, canopies and the Emgate zone is intentionally isolated and alientated by the dominance of the pedestrian. brightly coloured umbrellas. Once within the centre, a lift provides access to the main activities of
Consequently they move extremely slowly and limit their activities to essential access only. the centre which are located on the large open-plan first floor. Apartments on the second floor
Parking in this area is limited to residents only in dedicated areas, identified by changes in the provide much welcomed affordable, town centre living and natural surveillance of the new public paving material. space as well as views out across to the Beck and Renaissance Park beyond. Glazed links now
connect the existing alleyways to the market place, and the old toilets are now incorporated into
Emgate now provides one of three, much needed links between the Market Place, Bedale Beck, the new building. and most importantly, Bedale Station. The second of these links occurs where Emgate meets
Bridge Street. The site formerly occupied by Kitching's Furniture and Dawkins' Honda dealership Returning to the Beckside path, the walker and cyclist now reaches the junction with Bridge Street has now been cleared to create a new public square and car park. Kitching's and Dawkins' have and is faced with a number of choices. To the left, in the direction of Aiskew, lies Bedale in turn relocated to the ground floor of a new three storey building built on the car park that was Renaissance Park; a public open space stretching from Bedale Station down to the waters edge originally to the rear of the Black Swan public house. The new building with the car-park and multi- and south to Big Sheep Little Cow. The former allotment site has now been softly re-contoured to use space in front, has now created a reception area for residents and visitors who may approach create areas for sitting, picnicking and general recreation. There are no formally laid out sporting from the direction of Aiskew and Bedale Station. areas as these are generously provided for elsewhere in the town, and the emphasis here is on
gentle, passive relaxation. A circular footpath route has been provided around the park that takes
As well as being occupied by Kitching's and Dawkins', the ground floor of this new "gateway in the water's edge and the perimeter of the site as far as the Mill Race. The Mill Race itself has building" also includes the reception area and "shop front" for Bedale's One Stop Shop. As well been reopened and during the summer months, rowing boats now make the journey from Bedale as providing access to the full range of local authority services, the "Gateway Centre" as it is now Bridge to Big Sheep Little Cow adding activity, colour and life to the area. Safety concerns relating referred to by local residents, provides library, information services, training facilities, accessible to boating too close to Bedale Harbour have been addressed and boats are prevented from
35 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
travelling too far down stream. Bedale Station, the third of the three key buildings within the park, has now developed a high
quality public space around its entrance and associated public facilities. With a South West
Within the park, a number of buildings add historic, recreational and visual interest. The Leech orientation, this area also offers a bright and welcoming space for new arrivals and waiting
House has been illuminated at night and its landscape setting enhanced through careful planting. passengers alike. Public art, quality paving materials, directional signage, a clear tourist
Interpretation boards close by explain the history of the Leech House and its past role, and seating information map and pockets of seating orientated towards the town with views across the Park, introduced in the vicinity allows the weary walker to rest for a moment and experience the building provide Bedale with the public transport Gateway it has long needed. With an improved combined in its waterside setting, enhanced by a backdrop of mature landscaping. access onto Bridge Street came the opportunity to develop more comprehensive car parking
facilities within the site, and these now serve the station, Big Sheep and the Renaissance Park.
Moving away from the Leech House and back up Bridge Street towards Aiskew, the second A coach drop-off point, waiting area and turning facilities have also been provided. At peak times building that commands attention is the former office building for Kerfoot's and the coal yard to the of the year, shuttle services connect Bedale's hinterland attractions such as Thorp Perrow, Aerial rear. Both businesses, having flourished and developed over the last few years have realised the Extreme and the newly opened "Henges" at Nosterfield with the frequent all year round train potential of their sites and relocated to other parts of the town. The now vacant sites, with their services that connect Bedale with Northallerton, Leyburn and Aysgarth Falls. Joint ticketing south west aspect towards the beck and views over the Renaissance Park have been developed arrangements with online booking between all the Bedale attractions and the Wensleydale as a family orientated Café Bar and Restaurant, filling a hole in Bedale's hospitality offer. A west Railway have proved to be highly successful and an affordable, manageable and effective way for facing terrace attached to the facility offers open air drinking and dining opportunities during late visitors from outside the region to plan their day to the area. spring and summer, whilst a new conservatory offers all year round views of the Park and Bedale.
For local residents, Bedale Station now makes commuting to Northallerton, Darlington and York a
The existing access to Big Sheep Little Cow and the Leech House that ran to the west of the coal viable alternative to car travel. The frequent early morning and early evening trains have been depot has now been closed to traffic and repaved in natural materials. Bollards in Bedale's Town scheduled to connect with the main line services, whilst competitive pricing has made shopping
Livery at the junction with Bridge Street still allow pedestrians and cyclists to access the park but excursions to Northallerton a popular and sustainable option. Indeed, inward commuting by direct traffic to an enlarged and enhanced, combined junction with Bedale Station. Northallerton residents has been stimulated by the quality and frequency of the rail services and
36 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
the decision to develop a range of service and craft manufacturing based employment their activities also provides a limited range of drink and snacks, offered in a comfortable seating opportunities on the land to the east of the station has proved attractive to businesses wanting an area that overlooks the Leech House, the water, the park and the Station building beyond. alternative, more relaxed environment in which to carry out their day to day activities. The buildings that now provide the necessary space have been sensitively designed to accord with Behind the auction site, the length of Bridge Street that connects the Beck with the Market Place
Bedale's strong architectural heritage, and the emphasis on their layout has been on the creation has also enjoyed its own mini-Renaissance. Having suffered for years with the problems of heavy of a new "high street" of business users and a small public space where employees and managers traffic and narrow pavements, the environment had been an unappealing setting for attracting and have the opportunity to network on a casual and informal basis. growing businesses. As a result of the relief road development to the north of the town however,
fresh thinking has led to the demolition and development of many of the buildings that originally
New arrivals at Bedale Station now pass through a welcoming and brightly lit ticket and reception lined the road edge. New three storey, brick and stone terraces of shops, offices and flats have area with essential tourist information provided through a collection of high quality graphics and been erected two metres back from their original locations, creating breathing space for informative leaflets produced by the coordinated efforts of the Bedale business community. pedestrians, cyclists, prams and wheelchair users. The interest and activity associated with the
Exiting the Station building, new arrivals, having been greeted by the quality landscaping of the shop frontages of the premises of Market Place, now extends into Bridge Street creating an almost
Renaissance Park, are directed towards the town by a footpath that heads directly from the Station continuous extension of vibrant ground floor functions from the Beck to the Town Centre. As a entrance, across the park to a new bridge in the vicinity of the Leech House. This bridge, regarded direct consequence, the much needed links between Aiskew, the Station and Bedale Town Centre by many as being not just a functional crossing across the Beck but as a piece of high quality art have been restored and reinforced. in its own right, was constructed following an open competition that invited innovative suggestions from residents, businesses, local artists and designers. Providing a much needed additional Pedestrians walking into Town from the Beck and beyond therefore now have three choices; a pedestrian crossing, the bridge delivers both walkers and cyclists to the western bank of the Beck revitalised Bridge Street, a pedestrian-orientated Emgate, or the enhanced alleyways and and the recently redeveloped area around the auction building. Having realised the opportunities gateway building that nor backs onto the Black Swan and faces up towards Aiskew. presented by the increased interest in the Beck and Bedale Renaissance Park, the auction building proprietors have now opened its eastern elevation. A newly created glazed extension to Cyclists too are well catered for on two of these three routes, with Emgate being virtually car free,
37 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
and Bridge Street, as a result of the redevelopment of the buildings along part of its length, now absolute minimum, slowing traffic down to far safer speeds and enabling valuable space to be having a dedicated cycle route down to the new bridge over the Beck. reclaimed in front of the shops and other businesses. Retailers are now permitted and
encouraged to extend their sales areas onto carefully defined areas of the widened footpaths, with
The cyclists' experience of Bedale has not been limited to this area however. As Wensleydale the increased pavement activity promoting greater visual interest for shoppers and enhanced
Railway has developed and prospered, so the cycle route along part of its length and created on sales for the proprietors. a section of the existing track bed, has resulted in a low gradient link between Bedale and
Northallerton. Passing through semi-urban areas as well as open countryside, the attractive and The old planning restrictions limiting the number of café and food uses around the Market Place varied route has created another sustainable gateway into the Town giving resident cyclists and have been relaxed, and in line with many market towns throughout the region, pavement eating visitors from the communities along its length a realistic alternative to the private car. and drinking areas have become commonplace all year round, with heaters providing warmth and
outdoor activity on all but the coldest and wettest days of the year. As the pedestrians and
Cycle hire and repair facilities at Bedale Station have been provided for those who live outside the businesses have reclaimed more of the Market Place as their own, the motorist has been area, and clear signage and cycle maps are provided at key points along the track's length to compensated by a coordinated car parking strategy that has retained short stay parking in the enable informed decisions to be made about onward connections to the Eastern Dales. town centre, with longer stay provision in the new gateway parking area that has been constructed
Wensleydale Railway's policy to promote the carriage of cycles to allow people to enjoy a return to the North of town. Strict enforcement of the waiting and parking times has ensured that the right trip by train has proved popular, and one-way cycle trips to Thorp Perrow, Aerial Extreme and the car park is being used by residents, employees and visitors alike.
Henges with a cycle collection service, has encouraged more people to make the journey.
The mix of retailers in the Market Place has also evolved over the last 25 years. Northallerton has
Bedale Market Place has also seen changes in its character with the overwhelming impact of the remained people's first choice for the big weekly food shop, but Bedale has built on the success relief road being felt in the significant reduction of heavy goods vehicles and the removal of those of its more specialist retailers and encouraged complementary businesses to locate in the town. cars that were simply passing through and never had any intention to stop. This reduction in traffic A range of shops offering arts and artists materials, books, jewellery, antiques and other specialist volume in turn enabled the carriageway width through the market place to be reduced down to an and leisure orientated goods, are interwoven with a range of high quality, added value food and
38 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
convenience goods providers. Demand for retail space has steadily increased in the town over activities to a Sunday to capitalise on the national changes in people’s shopping habits. The stalls the years, and additional space has now been provided for in the newly pedestrian orientated are now more specialist in nature and work well alongside the diverse quality of many of the town’s
Emgate and redeveloped stretch of Bridge Street. shops. Themed markets are held regularly throughout the year and these attract visitors from
further afield than the traditional markets of neighbouring towns. Joint co-ordination and
Remaining within the Market Place, other changes that have occurred are more subtle but promotion with Bedale's dedicated marketing group, ensures that all attractions and businesses nonetheless highly significant. The Market Cross has now been linked with the pedestrian areas receive maximum economic benefit from the regular influx of potential new customers. due to the reduction in the levels of traffic now passing along Emgate and has become a key meeting area for families and visitors alike. Hanging baskets continue to flourish and the range The renewed energy in the Market Place and Beckside has also led to new enthusiasm for the and number has been significantly increased over the years. Every building in the centre now has annual Bedale Festival and this has led directly to the creation of the "Bedale Harbourmaster". A at least one basket, and this is complemented by the co-ordinated lighting scheme that has been strictly honourary post created as a fun promotional vehicle for the town and drawing its inspiration introduced on all the buildings. Soft "accent" lights introduced at eaves level, combined with from Bedale's unique harbour, the harbourmaster's annual appointment culminates in the gentle uplighting, the absence of any back lit or neon signage, and more appropriate highway traditional tug of war in Bedale Renaissance Park, where, much to the delight of residents, press lights giving a crisp white light have made the centre of Bedale "twinkle" and entice. The and visitors alike, on a warm summer evening in June, the harbourmaster ends up with his annual introduction of CCTV cameras around the town centre and on the quieter parking areas and bath in the Beck. footpath links has increased the sense of personal well-being and security, and contributed to the general reduction in the already low crime levels that Bedale experiences. The resulting effect, Whilst much of Bedale's Renaissance has occurred in its public areas and to the north and east associated with the extended opening hours of many of the businesses, has resulted in a vibrant of the town centre, other quieter initiatives have been implemented in the residential areas to the early evening economy for the town, with young families and the elderly from the community using south and west. To facilitate the creation of Bedale Renaissance Park and meet the high demands the revitalised eating and drinking facilities to levels unimaginable 30 years ago. for allotments in Aiskew and Bedale, a much larger allotment site has been created to the south
of the town. Screened by a now mature landscape belt, the 50 allotments are popular and
Bedale's market has also reawakened after a long period of slumber, having finally moved its constantly in demand; partly due to the well drained soil, as well as the excellent on site parking
39 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
and toilet facilities. residents, reducing the need to travel to Northallerton for many treatments that would traditionally
have involved a trip to hospital.
The old allotment site off Masham Road has now been redeveloped to provide a mix of affordable housing and larger properties for young growing families keen to stay in the town. Built in the local Bedale's numerous specialist clubs and societies have retained their diversity, and new groups vernacular style, the houses reflect the Georgian and Victorian architecture of the town and follow have been formed in response to the constant changes of information technology. Membership a traditional terraced form either side of a quiet pedestrian orientated street dominated by safe of the organisations has continued to grow as Bedale's centralised, internet based information play areas for young children and good connections for cyclists to adjoining routes through the service keeps the towns residents and stakeholders informed of meetings, venues and special town. Limited new housing has also been introduced at the Masham Road gateway to the town events. with the community's insistence that the buildings reflect the traditional character of the town's older architecture helping to create a changed perception of those arriving at Bedale from the Scout and Guide membership, assisted by the new facilities completed in 2006, have continued south west. The terraced form, with walled front gardens and natural materials and landscaping, to flourish and another extension is currently being contemplated to cope with increasing demand. screen the more generic and anonymous housing developments built in the 1970's and 1980's. The youth cafe, an integral part of the gateway centre referred to earlier, has proved a popular
An impressive stone gateway sign, set in a sea of colourful planting and created in the Town's alternative evening destination for many teenage members of the community, and its variety of livery, welcomes residents and visitors to Bedale and makes a stunning first impression. both planned activities and relaxed, informal seating areas have proved popular.
Bedale High School continues to excel, and the now well established Sixth Form has gone from The Bedale of 2030 is very much the same as the Bedale of 2004. The strong community values strength to strength. Links with the adjacent college continue to draw students from a wide still permeate every aspect of the town and the distinctive architectural identity still shines through. catchment area, assisted and promoted by the scheduled train services of Wensleydale Railway. But something has been added. The town has confirmed its role as a place in its own right. It is
not a suburb of Northallerton or somewhere you pass through to get to The Dales. The
The primary care centre which opened its doors nearly 20 years ago, still looks as good as the uniqueness of Bedale has been recognised and its economy has been strengthened by making day it was opened in 2009 and offers a high quality and comprehensive range of services to local the town attractive for both residents and people from outside the immediate area to visit and
40 Bedale - Masterplan Section 5: Vision Statement
spend their money. The paint is now fresher, the town is now greener and the people stop longer. where did that community drive initially come from? It all stemmed from a single moment in time,
in 2004, when the residents, stakeholders and businesses of Bedale finally agreed,
"We are definitely no longer a gateway!"
And how did this Bedale of 2030 come into being? It started with a vision of what was possible.
The Bedale and Villages Community Forum, Bedale Chamber of Trade and Tourism and Bedale
Forward took the initiative and recruited enthusiastic supporters from the community to drive the delivery. Working Groups of individuals interested in specific aspects of the vision drove their own projects to completion before disbanding to form new Groups with new projects and renewed energy.
Yorkshire Forward, North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton District Council, and Bedale Town
Council, informed by the vision, lent their support where necessary and adjusted their long term spending plans to accommodate those projects that could be delivered and justified within their own areas of responsibility. The private sector and local businesses, understanding the strategic aims of the town, invested time and money in promotion, marketing, networking and new development in the knowledge that everyone was moving in the same direction. There were problems along the way and not everyone agreed with everyone else at every stage of the process. There were tensions created between the community’s expectations and the ability of other people to deliver in short and often unrealistic time frames. But the ambition, enthusiasm, commitment, and determination of the community overcame the obstacles along the way. And
41
Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Section 6 Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
6.1 Introduction 6.2 Masterplan 6.3 Indicative Proposals
43 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
6.1 Introduction
Illustrative Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
The Masterplan and Vision Statement follows the themes identified in the baseline assessment sketches and layouts, which provide a portfolio of prioritised projects with defined delivery and identify potential solutions to facilitate a high quality, imaginative Bedale Renaissance. The mechanisms. projects for a significant part of the study area are identified on the illustrative, spatial masterplan.
This provides an indicative overview of how Bedale could develop over the next 25 years and Each project forms part of the comprehensive Masterplan and Vision Statement for Bedale, demonstrates appropriate forms of development, content and a mix of uses that is consistent with providing further detail on each project and how these will be delivered. It is important to the vision. recognise this is a 25-year vision for Bedale, therefore key development sites and land uses may
not necessarily come forward in the short term and may be part of the longer term strategic vision.
The masterplan is the result of a process involving the general public, local stakeholders and discussions with a number of local land and property owners. It aims to demonstrate the value of The following Renaissance projects have all been identified by the community and could be a 'joined up' approach to the delivery of the long term aspiration, and emphasises the need for delivered over the course of the next 25 years in accordance with both the Bedale Vision development proposals to be developed holistically as part of a comprehensive plan to enhance Statement and the Masterplan.
Bedale.
This masterplan should guide developers and existing and future landowners as to how a range of community stakeholders wish to see Bedale developed. It can, should the community so wish, help guide and inform them during the statutory planning process and assist in the delivery of a balance of uses in the longer term which sit comfortably in Bedale and reflect and reinforce the quality and character of the market town.
The illustrative spatial masterplan is supported by a delivery plan and a series of indicative
44 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Renaissance Projects
Community Creation of a Bedale Brand: school competition and slogan competition
Creation of a high profile figurehead for the town (the harbourmaster)
Community Information and Resource Centre 'Gateway Centre'.
Upgrade Public Toilets Tourism
Dales Care Minibus
Town directory to enable better communication Signage to Bedale from the A1
Promotion of bedale.com website to residents, businesses and tourists Joint Dales Marketing Initiative
CCTV Camera's New and enhanced linkages with Bedale Station
Make representations as part of the Local Development Framework planning process Improved linkages between tourist attractions
Town Marketing and Promotional Plan
Leisure and Recreation Define and Communicate Bedale's Unique Selling Points to potential day visitors
Promotion and expansion of visitor numbers to Big Sheep Little Cow, Wensleydale and Thorp
Community Cinema (Reels on Wheels) Perrow
Indoor Bowling facilities Creation of Town Trail
Relocation of allotments to a larger site with purpose built support facilities Expand Bedale Chamber of Trade to include tourism and brand ownership and promotion
Town trail to link key attractions Creation of high quality environment adjacent to Bedale Beck
Enhancement of Bedale Harbour and creation of park adjacent to Beckside Improve access to and enhance promotion of The Leech House
Provision for new Scout and Guide Headquarter's
Economic
45 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Transport Amend opening times of retail and hospitality businesses to meet commuter needs
Introduce high quality town centre lighting scheme
Creation of a new gateway, medium to long stay visitor car and coach park to North of St Gregory's Produce an enhancement scheme for the alleyways at Bedale
Church with toilets and interpretation facilities Produce a street style for Bedale that builds on the Shop front Design Guide for Hambleton District
Identify coach drop off points and coach parking facilities adjacent to St Gregory's Church and Council. Promote and circulate to all businesses in the town school layby off Masham Road Investigate moving market day to Sundays or creation of specialist Sunday market during the
Influence location of relief road and junction details with Bedale summer and create special events in the town on a Sunday to encourage visitors to the town
Create high quality and unique entrance signs to the town Extend car boot sale to include Sunday during summer to stimulate Sunday opening in the town
Create home zone, pedestrian priority area on Emgate Establish manufacturing crafts businesses at Bedale Station
Create integrated cycle network with links to Northallerton and the Dales
Create and promote late night bus service to Northallerton Education, Employment and Skills
Create a pedestrian orientated environment in the Market Place
Create new and enhance links between Bedale Station and Town Centre Promote establishment of sixth form at Bedale High School
Traffic Management Strategy to reduce impact and dominance of car in Bedale Create B1/B2 office and workshop space for business expansion and start-up, NE of Bedale
Station and Bedale Hall.
Retail and Hospitality Offer
Reassess planning policy to allow greater numbers of A3 and possibly A2 uses in the town.
Establish family dining in existing or new licensed premises
Create wider footpaths to allow pavement retailing and dining
46 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
The Spatial Masterplan
47 Bedale - Masterplan
Bedale Masterplan 2030.....
WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY
Footpath/Cyclepath Link to Relief Road
Cafe/Family Dining New Beck Bridge
Beckside Footpath Nature Reserve
LEECH HOUSE
Riverside Club
New Footpath to Bedale Beck HIRD’S COTTAGE Public Car Park/Square
New Relief Road EMGATE Gateway Centre/Retailing
Emgate Traffic Calming ST GREGORY’S CHURCH
Brown Tourist Signage Long Stay Gateway Parking Picnic Area Pavement Widening Enhanced Links to To Town Centre
Toilets and Tourist Maps
MARKET PLACE
BEDALE HALL
Planting to North End Market Place Pavement Widening
New/Enhanced Path to Town Bedale Floral Welcome
48 Bedale - Masterplan
Cycle Route to Northallerton Existing Building
AISKEW WATERMILL
Landmark Building BIG SHEEP LITTLE COW Craft Workshops
BEDALE STATION
Landscaped Area
BEDALE HARBOUR
Renaissance Park
Car Park
Boating on the Beck
Pedestrian Bridge Street Redevelopment Orientated Route
Proposed Building
Road
Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Northern Gateway Car Park 2030
This illustration shows...
New relief road Picnic area New roundabout junction with A684 and Relief Road including Bedale floral welcome New gateway toilet facilities and signage and tourist information graphics Brown tourist information sign Landscaped gateway parking
51 Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals Bedale - Masterplan
Market Place 2004
52 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Market Place 2030
This illustration shows the following projects.... Market Cross integrated into pedestrian area Emage access restricted to access only Increase in A3 (cafe and restaurant uses) in the Market Place Pavement widening and carriageway narrowing Appropriate streetlighting Hanging baskets and window boxes to shop fronts Reconfigured parking, retaining short stay in Market Place and relocating long stay to new gateway site Shop front enhancements CCTV Cameras Pavement retail displays and dedicate doutdoor seating and eating areas
53 Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals Bedale - Masterplan
Bridge Street 2004
54 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Bridge Street 2030?
This illustration shows the following projects....
Redevelopment of existing buildings along Bridge street to form ground floor retail, first floor office and Carriageway realignment employment space and second floor apartments Appropriate street lighting Creation of new public space with retained parking and public art feature as focal point New active frontages linking Beckside with town centre Pavement widening
55 Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals Bedale - Masterplan
Bedale Bridge 2004
56 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Bedale Bridge 2030
This illustration shows the following projects.... Relocation of Kitchings and Dawkins to new gateway building, including one-stop shop for local services, youth cafe, tourist interpretation and second floor apartments Reduction in height of bridge wall and addition of new railings Enhanced pedestrian links with town centre Appropriate street lighting and directional signage New public space/peak time car park Traffic calming to Emgate entrance Enhanced Beckside footpath Footpath widening and carriageway narrowing Enhanced landscape along Bedale Beck and visual links between Beck and Bridge Street
57 Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals Bedale - Masterplan
Emgate 2004
58 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Emgate 2030?
This illustration shows the following projects....
Traffic calming to Emgate Expansion of retail activities at junction of Emgate and Bridge Street Wall reduction and introduction of railings Redevelopment of Riverside Club to form extended cafe and club uses and first and second floor Enhanced landscaping and partial clearance of existing low quality planting along Beck apartments. New Beckside footpath to new gateway parking Creationof west facing meeting space at junction of Emgate and Bridge Street
59 Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals Bedale - Masterplan
Beckside and Railway Station 2004
60 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
Beckside and Railway Station 2030?
This illustration shows the following projects.... Selective landscape clearance to create views of station from Bridge Street Redevelopment of allotments toformBeckside park Appropriate street lighting New combined access to Big Sheep Little Cow and Bedale Station Directional signage Selective relandscaping around Leech House and evening illumination Access to Beckside adjacent to Riverside Club New combined parking for Big Sheep Little Cow and Bedale Station Redevelopment of existing offices to form family cafe/restaurant New footpath and cycle link from Bridge Street to Bedale Station and Big Sheep Little Cow
61 Bedale - Masterplan Section 6: Masterplan & Indicative Proposals
62 Bedale - Masterplan Section 7: Way Forward
Section 7 Way Forward
7.1 Way Forward
63 Bedale - Masterplan Section 7: Way Forward
Way Forward
It is important that a practical delivery framework is put in place, in order to take forward the Vision The Bedale and Villages Community Plan Forum (the CPF) will be used as the primary vehicle to
Statement and Masterplan. A separate Delivery Plan document identifies each Renaissance take forward and champion many of the projects identified in the Bedale Renaissance Vision and project under six core themes: Masterplan. The CPF is creating creating a number of task groups to develop specific projects
taken from the vision and masterplan, and these will then feed into the formal CPF Management
- Community Group. The suggested titles for the task groups are:
- Leisure and recreation
- Tourism - Transport
- Transport - Community
- Retail and hospitality - Business and Tourism (including retail and hospitality)
- Education, employment and skills - Environment
- Education Skills and Training
Each Renaissance project identifies a project champion, as well as the possible timescale, These task groups are similar to the Renaissance 'Town Topic Groups', formed as part of the Town suggested funding sources and delivery organisations. Team. Further details are included in the delivery plan.
To help translate some or all of the Bedale 2030 Vision into a reality, you can join Bedale and Villages Community Plan Forum, one of its task groups or if you are a local business, you could become a member of Bedale Chamber of Trade and Tourism. Both organisations are committed to driving Bedale and Villages’ community ambitions to the next stage and need energetic and enthusastic member to assist in delivery. For further details please contact one of the following:
Bedale and Villages Community Plan Forum Mike Barningham (Chair) [email protected] or Lisa Bennington, Hambleton District Council, Community Link Officer, 01609 767212
Bedale Chamber of Trade and Tourism John Laity (Chair) (01677) 422766
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Spawforth Associates