A TEAM of architects have unveiled grand plans which they think will revitalise Northallerton town centre and safeguard its future as a vibrant market town.

Hansom Architects, headed by Roger Hansom, have been working on the plans for almost two years and are confident that despite the estimated price tag of around £20m and take between 10 and 15 years to complete, it could provide a solution to many of the town’s problems.

The grand plans include re-routing the freight railway line to join the main line and to use the freight line as a ring road for road traffic, taking away all the congestion from the High Street; partially making the High Street pedestrianised to allow for more space for the market and outdoor dining; and to know down the prison walls to open up a new area of town.

Architectural assistant Helen Exelby has done much of the research into the in-depth study carried out by the firm, which is based at the Evolution Centre, Northallerton.

Mr Hansom said as a resident of the town, he knew of lots people who felt many aspects of the centre were getting worse, including Low Gates railway crossing and parking.

“People can agree there are lots of things wrong with the town but they don’t know what the solution is,” he said.

“We are putting forward plans to aspire to as a final solution – lots of different groups have outlined their plans but there’s nothing which addresses the town as a whole.

Ms Exelby said with plans for more than 1,100 homes at North Northallerton, the town’s population is expected to rise by 14.2 per cent.

“We did a lot of research, talking to a wide mix of people from the town. We found that most people thought that Northallerton used to be an affluent town but not they are not so sure – and their priorities were improved parking, the railway, housing and business.”

Ms Exelby said Low Gates crossing is classed as a high risk crossing by National Rail, but there were no other measures that could be put in place.

She said: “Diverting the railway line to join the main line we could create a new road around the town, reducing congestion and bringing visitors into a transport hub, possibly in the current prison site.”

Mr Hansom said although it would be a costly scheme, similar projects have worked in towns like Morpeth and Harrogate to an extent.

He said making the top end of the High Street a pedestrian area would allow the market to grow, and for the cafe culture to grow.

“We should demolish the prison and take the new road round the back of it – the idea is to have a social hub in that area and people would make their way into town along Zetland Street.

“There needs to be a grand vision rather than cherry-picking ideas from here and there. There is lots of work to do and this is just a starting point but we hope to get people talking about what could be achieved.”