James, who has agreed to join the club when his Fylde contract expires at the end of the month, has become Darrell Clarke's third signing of the summer, joining Stuart Sinclair and James Clarke in linking up with the Banks's Stadium club.
Hardy, a former Manchester City prospect and England C international scored sixteen goals in forty-four league appearances for Fylde and helped them reach the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final last season.
Speaking via the club's official website, James said; "I’m buzzing to be here. It’s a really big club with great fans. It is a great stadium and I am really looking forward to getting started.
"I can’t wait. I met the manager on Friday and everything he said sounded really positive. Once I had spoken to him, I wanted to get it sorted as quickly as possible and start pre-season training.
"I wanted to get everything done over the weekend so that I could get cracking from the first day and meet the lads that are already here. I am a creative player who likes to get on the ball and get on the half turn.
"I like to get in the pocket of space to receive the ball and hopefully I can chip in with a few goals and assists. I want to excite the fans."