Scarborough opens £20m funding consultation 

Businesses, residents, and visitors in the sea-side town are being asked for their input into how the Pride in Place money should be spent, to drive regeneration and boost economic growth.

Formerly known as ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’, the funding will be potentially be spent on a shortlist of 11 projects identified by the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board.

They are: the Old Town Regeneration project; the redevelopment of Square One (SQ1); Sprucing Up Scarborough; We Are Scarborough Volunteering Hub; The Scarborough Fair; Turning Tides; Dads Behaving Madly Wellbeing Hub; Scarborough Youth Spaces Network; Stephen Joseph Theatre improvements; Scarborough Watersports and Sea Centre; and the Scarborough Community Grant Fund.

The redevelopment of the Brunswick centre into SQ1 is being handled by Scarborough Group International, with the centre closing for refurbishment last September.

It will reopen as a 20-unit venue across three floors with cinema chain Odeon anchoring the development  with units ranging from 250 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft alongside kiosks for independent F&B operators, with lettings handled by Barker Proudlove and Savills.

SGI acquired SQ1 from M&G Real Estate in August 2021 and plans for the redevelopment were approved in 2023.

Meanwhile, the board has also produced a 10-year regeneration plan for the town, as well as a four-year investment plan, which sets out its over-arching priorities.

This has been submitted to the Government with approval of the plan expected within the next few weeks.

The priorities include improving the town’s appearance by tidying up public spaces, looking at ways to brighten up shopfronts and streets and supporting the delivery of more leisure and commercial opportunities to stimulate town centre footfall.

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Executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include regeneration, said: “It’s vital that the projects chosen are the right ones that can make a positive and lasting difference for the communities of Scarborough.

“We want this money to be just the beginning – it must act as a catalyst to inspire further investment in Scarborough that can continue to help revitalise the town centre for decades to come and improve residents’ health and wellbeing.

“The 11 projects have been identified by the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board to reflect the community’s priorities and have been developed in partnership with a range of organisations, businesses, young people and residents.

“I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and have their say on which projects should receive the funding. All submitted views will be considered before a formal decision is made, with the feedback helping to shape the future of Scarborough.”

MP for Scarborough and Whitby, Alison Hume, said: “This is an important moment for Scarborough as residents get their first chance to feedback on the first tranche of shortlisted projects for the government’s flagship Pride in Place programme.

“Pride in Place is investing £20m over 10 years on projects which the community decide are the priorities for them.

“There are some much needed initiatives such as Sprucing Up Scarborough which I am really excited about, as I know how much residents are desperate for a revitalised town centre they can enjoy, feel safe in, and be proud of.

“The government is committed to devolving power to build stronger communities, thriving places and empowering local people to take back control. Scarborough residents know the town better than anyone else and that is why this government has decided to do things differently.”

The consultation is running until 5pm on Friday, 13 February.