Councillors have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a thriving Scarborough as part of plans to purchase a modern office building on the outskirts of the town.
Members of our executive today (Tuesday, 17 March) approved proposals to buy Resolution House to provide fit-for-purpose office space for staff who do not need to be based in the heart of the town.
Located on the A64 just a few miles from the seaside town, the base will provide modern, flexible office space for staff and provide future options for wider staff co-location as well as options for partners and commercial ventures. It could also open the door to regeneration opportunities in a prime location in Scarborough town centre.
We have committed to keeping a central office base for staff who need to work in and around Scarborough town centre, as well as for a customer service centre.
Council deputy leader, Cllr Gareth Dadd, whose responsibilities include property, said: “We remain absolutely committed to supporting Scarborough town centre, and the potential purchase Resolution House does not change that.
“Unfortunately, we inherited a large number of buildings in a poor condition suffering from under-investment and some major health and safety issues from the former borough council. Running costs as a result are up to £1 million a year.
“Scarborough Town Hall in particular provides significant challenges with 80 per cent of the available floor space unused due to its deteriorating condition. It is estimated that it would cost up to £19 million to modernise and bring the Town Hall up to standard.
“Purchasing Resolution House is too good an opportunity to miss and would help us to make savings of up to £400,000 each year, while ensuring that our estate is modern, affordable and fit for the future.
“But this does not mean that we are vacating Scarborough, far from it. A small number of staff can continue to safely operate from the Town Hall and the 100 staff currently working in Castle House will remain.
“Earlier this week, the council leader and chief executive also met with the mayor of Scarborough to offer reassurance that the Town Hall can continue to be used by the town council”.
Councillors hope the move will help to drive economic growth by releasing under-utilised buildings or land for potential regeneration.
Cllr Dadd added: “We cannot stand still. We have to be dynamic and flexible to help our town centres and high streets thrive in the years to come.
“Continuing to run expensive, deteriorating buildings that are no longer fit-for-purpose can only stifle investment and blight our high streets in the long term.
“That’s why it’s crucial that we carefully look at the future of these sites, working closely with our staff, stakeholders and partners, to see what is possible and accelerate redevelopment where it is possible to do so.”
At today’s meeting, councillors agreed to invest up to £750,000 to help progress redevelopment proposals on any vacant sites and support the possible creation of new customer service points in Scarborough and Malton town centres.
Today’s executive meeting was broadcast live and can be watched in full.