MOVES to encourage European-style al fresco dining are among a raft of proposals designed to bolster the economy of a Victorian spa town.

In light of the challenges facing town centres, Harrogate Borough Council appointed planning consultancy Peter Brett Associates to prepare a strategy and masterplan for Harrogate town centre.

The main objective of the strategy and masterplan is to provide an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the town centre and to develop a vision and design for the future which will ensure Harrogate’s economic prosperity.

Councillor Michael Harrison, the council's cabinet member for planning, said towns were facing a number of challenges such as the growth of online shopping, pressure from out of centre retailing and supermarkets, and reduced town centre footfall

He said: “Harrogate town centre plays a pivotal role in driving the local economy. It is the district’s largest retail, leisure, business and tourist destination, a major conference and exhibition venue, and an important source of local employment.

"It is crucial that we do all we can to ensure the future of Harrogate town centre – and part of this must be the design of the town itself and how we can improve upon the visitor experience and encourage more people to visit."

Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to share their views on the future development of the town centre at an exhibition, from Tuesday (January 13) to Saturday, (January 17) at St Peter’s Church, Cambridge Road, Harrogate.