Plan for Neighbourhoods survey

What the community said

• 85% of respondents expressed unhappiness with the town’s appearance and environment
• concerns included seagull mess, neglected public areas, and a need for better maintenance
• calls to bring historic buildings back into use and refresh empty, tired-looking shop fronts

Example comments

“Too many empty, shabby shop fronts - give the street a facelift.”

“Let’s bring historic buildings back into use, not let them rot.”

Example projects

• brighten and clean: regular deep-washes, and anti-graffiti coating to make pavements welcoming
• fix the frontage: small grants for owners to repaint, repair and light their shop fronts, wiping out 'grot spots'
• bring buildings back: early design work to turn empty landmarks into homes, offices or leisure spaces
• celebrate our story: heritage trails, murals or pop-up events that encourage people into the town centre

What the community said

• people want more homes locals can afford, especially near jobs, places of study, and the seafront
• support for converting empty upper floors and balancing holiday lets with year-round homes
• desire for low-carbon builds to reduce running costs and anti-social behaviour

Example comments

“Young families cannot find an affordable flat in town.”

“Convert the empty upper floors into energy-efficient homes.”

“Balance holiday lets with places for locals to live year-round.”

Example projects

• feasibility and design work: identifying disused or under used buildings that could become energy-efficient apartments or student rooms
• modernising upper floors: new access, fire safety and insulation so shops can keep trading while residents live above
• starter home incentives: small grants or gap funding that help partners unlock genuinely affordable rent-to-buy schemes
• greener retro-fits: solar panels, heat pumps and insulation packages for older terraces to cut bills and carbon
• public realm upgrades: improving lighting, seating and walking routes so new homes feel part of a welcoming neighbourhood

What the community said

• Scarborough needs modern places to learn and work so people don’t have to leave for good careers
• strong interest in hospitality, green-tech, and digital training
• desire for flexible workspaces and hands-on programmes linked to local industries

Example comments

“We need modern workspaces, so start-ups stay in Scarborough.”

“More hospitality and green-tech training would boost wages.”

“Give us digital skills classes without having to travel miles.”

Example projects

• shared work hubs: refurbishing an empty floor into flexible desks, studios and podcast rooms
• sector academies: demo kitchens, bars or simulators for on-the-job training
• FabLab-style maker space: 3D printers, laser cutters and coding clubs
• pop-up career labs: mobile job support and training in estates
• business micro grants: seek funding for creative local ideas

What the community said

• outer estates want reliable buses that run evenings and weekends
• walking and cycling routes feel unsafe in places like Barrowcliff
• visitors struggle with poor parking signage and traffic flow

Example comments

“The last bus home is before 6 pm. I can’t take evening shifts.”

“Barrowcliff to town on foot or bike feels risky.”

“Visitors drive around in circles; parking signs are hopeless.”

Example projects

• buses run for longer hours with live updates at stops
• safer walking and cycling routes between Eastfield and the town
• smarter parking signage and traffic flow fixes
• better park and rail links at Seamer Station
• green travel pilots, such as electric shuttles

What the community said

• families want more green, safe, and affordable places to relax and play
• requests for pocket parks, splash zones, and better lighting for evening use

Example comments

“Kids have nowhere to splash or play that is free.”

“Give us outdoor spaces that feel safe after dark.”

Example projects

• pocket park makeovers with benches, lighting and planting
• splash zones and small play kits
• water sports hub with storage, changing facilities, and a café
• lighting and seating on promenades to make evenings feel safer

What the community said

• concerns about drink and drug related anti-social behaviour, especially after dark
• calls for better lighting, alleyway gating and visible wardens

Example comments

“Parks would be used more if there were wardens and better lighting.”

“Some cut-through alleys need gating or cameras.”

Example projects

• park rangers and wardens for green spaces and seafronts
• gating problem alleyways with signage and design
• lighting upgrades focused on anti-social behaviour hotspots
• night shelter feasibility study
• resident led safety grants for clean-ups, kits or youth outreach

What the community said

• people want more opportunities to connect, from teen friendly hangouts to pop-up events and shared spaces

Example comments

“Teens need a safe place to hang out that isn’t the seafront steps.”

“Pop-up events and tidy up days really lift neighbour spirit.”

Example projects

• supervised youth chill-out hubs
• clean up kits and planter schemes
• community events and 'ideas shops' in empty units
• shared pods for clubs and local groups

What the community said

• people want local access to learning, especially digital skills and hands-on training in hospitality and green tech

Example comments

“Vacant shops could host pop-up evening classes.”

“Hands-on courses would keep young people here.”

Example projects

• digital skills hub with 3D printers and coding clubs
• evening courses in vacant town centre spaces
• apprenticeships with local employers
• a mobile 'skills bus' for estates and villages
• micro bursaries to cover childcare or equipment