Institutions
Forgotten Origins: Our lost raison d'etre
Once, Harrogate flourished as a sanctuary of health and renewal. Its mineral springs—renowned across continents—drew visitors in search of restoration, both physical and spiritual. Amid sweeping parklands, elegant promenades, and refined architecture, a spa culture blossomed: one that honoured the healing gifts of nature.
But the rhythms of modern life have dimmed this legacy. The springs still flow beneath our feet, yet their stories—and their power—lie largely forgotten. What was once the town’s lifeblood now sits dormant, waiting.
Today, Harrogate stands at a threshold. Economic pressures weigh heavy. The resilience of our bioregion—our living system of land, water, climate, and community—grows weaker. The fast-paced demands of modern life often feel at odds with Harrogate’s original purpose. And yet, amid these tensions, a new awareness is emerging.
There is growing recognition of the need to reconnect with nature, to revalue wellbeing, and to restore balance. Reports like The Dasgupta Review have underscored the importance of natural capital and the urgency of placing it at the centre of how we live and thrive. Harrogate—once a citadel celebrated for its springs—is uniquely positioned to lead this renewal.
In May 2025, the creation of a new Harrogate Town Council marks a historic turning point—an opportunity to reimagine our identity and renew our purpose. And just three years later, in 2028, we will mark 250 years since the Great Award Act of 1778, which safeguarded The Stray for the people. This milestone is more than a commemoration. It is a call to action.
Will Harrogate seize this moment to reawaken its springs, its stories, and its spirit? Will we honour our past not as something to preserve in amber—but as a living foundation upon which to grow a vibrant, inclusive, and nature-connected future?
Community
Community
Environmental
Institutions
02
Mission
Community
Community
Environmental
THE AMBITIONS OF HARROGATE 250
To reclaim Harrogate’s identity as a living spa town, we propose a bioregional approach—one rooted in place, heritage, and collective wellbeing. This approach isn’t just about conservation. It’s about regeneration—of ecosystems, of community, and of purpose.
At its heart is a renewed vision of the Harrogate Cure. Drawn from the town’s historical essence and adapted for today’s needs, this modern Cure offers a framework for healing our landscapes, our people, and our future.
Three guiding foundations shape our mission:
-
Living Nature – Reviving the land, waters, and ecological flows that sustain Harrogate’s character and climate resilience.
-
Living Culture – Reawakening heritage through inclusive, imaginative interpretation and place-based storytelling.
-
Living Wellbeing – Positioning Harrogate as a place where people can flourish—physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.
From these foundations flow six interwoven modalities. Together, they form the Harrogate Cure 2.0—a new wellbeing commons designed for the 21st century.
Community
Community
Environmental
Flow
Revitalising Harrogate’s superlative mineral springs and water network, bringing water back to the fore of town life.
Nurture
Affecting abundant and native natural habitat restoration in and around Harrogate, supporting biodiversity and climate resilience.
PRESERVE
Enhancing and unifying Harrogate’s remarkable tangible and intangible heritage, as a foundation of its future.
Rejuvenate
Developing transformative systems and spaces for integrative health, mental and physical wellbeing, and recuperation.
STIMULATE
Nurturing cultural expression, fostering platforms for engagement, and sparking a dynamic community life.
Nourish
Developing a localised food network, based on agro-ecological and permaculture principles.
Institutions
03
Plan
Community
Community
Environmental
01
Motivation
Community
Community
Environmental
01
Develop ambitions
Ambition is the seed of change. 2028 is a pivotal moment to bring together bold, nature-centric ambitions that are both tangible and inspiring. It’s time to set a new baseline for what Harrogate can achieve—one that restores its essence and redefines its future as a town of healing.
02
Spark connections
Great ambitions need momentum. Ideas flourish when energy, voices, and engagement come together. Through media, events, and collaborations, we create the conditions for change—bringing together communities, innovators, and leaders to exchange knowledge, challenge perspectives, and unlock new possibilities.
03
Foster new ecosystem
Change doesn’t happen in isolation—it thrives in networks. Harrogate Cure 2.0 is about cultivating a living, evolving ecosystem where projects reinforce one another, ideas take root, and collective action builds a renewed sense of purpose. The more we rally around these foundations, the stronger and more unified our vision becomes—restoring Harrogate’s essence and redefining its future as a town of healing.
Institutions
04
Principles
Community
Community
Environmental
We are pragmatic idealists, focused on driving positive change over pointing out problems.
01
By listening to nature—and recognising ourselves as part of it—we restore harmony and deepen our connection.
02
We embrace storytelling, translating ideas into playful narratives that inspire and connect people.
03
As we grow Harrogate’s future, we are guided by three principles rooted in purpose and place.
