Plans to identify an external partner to help bring forward regeneration proposals for a number of council-owned sites in Scarborough town centre are to be considered by councillors.
We want a development partner to prepare a masterplan to help identify future uses for underutilised and vacant sites, assess regeneration opportunities, attract investment into some of the town centre’s much-loved buildings and bring forward deliverable proposals for key locations across the town centre.
We want to appoint a development partner to prepare a masterplan that will identify future uses for underutilised and vacant sites, assess regeneration opportunities, attract investment into some of its much-loved buildings and bring forward deliverable proposals for key locations.
Scarborough has been identified as one of our highest development priority locations and is also recognised as a key place for growth and investment by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The proposed approach would help us take a coordinated view on a number of sites, identify funding opportunities and attract investment into regeneration projects.
The proposals will be considered by members of the council’s executive when they meet on Tuesday next week (15 September).
Deputy leader, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include regeneration and economic development, said: “We have a number of prominent sites that are currently underused or vacant.
“By undertaking market engagement to identify a potential development partner, we can take a coordinated approach to understanding how those sites can contribute to the town centre and bring forward practical regeneration proposals.
“This will help us assess future options for these sites, identify opportunities for investment, and ensure any proposals are deliverable.”
Following local government reorganisation in 2023, which saw the former county council and seven previous district and borough authorities merge, we inherited a large estate of buildings and land.
This included a number of sites in Scarborough facing significant challenges, alongside annual running costs of up to £1 million.
The proposed masterplan would consider the future of a number of council-owned buildings and sites that require significant investment, including Scarborough Town Hall, where about 80 per cent of the available floor space is currently unused due to its deteriorating condition.
In March this year, councillors approved proposals to acquire Resolution House to provide modern and fit-for-purpose office accommodation for staff who do not need to be based in the heart of the town.
As some staff begin to transition into Resolution House, we will retain a town centre presence in Scarborough, including customer services and a base for those who need to work in and around the town centre.
Council staff currently work at both the Town Hall and Castle House.
If the market engagement exercise is successful and the appointment of a development partner is approved, the masterplan would sit alongside a number of regeneration projects already underway in Scarborough, including the Station Gateway public realm scheme and plans to revitalise West Pier.
Together, they would support a coordinated approach to investment and development across the town.
Executive member for finance and property, Cllr Peter Wilkinson, said: “It’s important that we carefully consider how these sites can contribute to Scarborough’s future, identify regeneration opportunities and reduce the costs associated with buildings that are underused and require significant investment.
“This work will help us assess what options are available and consider proposals that are practical and financially viable.”
The report to the executive can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here.