Tens of millions of pounds earmarked for vital schemes
A series of major developments and projects in our coastal towns aims to regenerate key sites, unlocking more private sector and creating hundreds of new jobs.
Tens of millions of pounds are due to be invested to reinvigorate our seaside communities with the aim of bringing significant economic benefits.
Our deputy leader and executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include regeneration and economic development, said:
“We have identified our coastal areas as some of the most important locations for investment.
“A series of major projects will help to stimulate match funding and private sector investment, providing new career opportunities.
“Working in partnership offers everyone the best chance of kick-starting investment and development that provides lasting economic benefits across the local community and the wider county.”
Among the plans is a multi-million pound investment in the former Brunswick Centre in Scarborough.
The proposed redevelopment would create a new town centre attraction featuring a six-screen multiplex cinema and family-focused leisure facilities alongside food and drink outlets and new retail units - which residents and businesses have told us matters to them.
Members of our executive have approved an ‘in principle’ multi-million pound loan to the developer, Scarborough Group International, which is overseeing the proposed scheme. This would only be forthcoming if the other funding bodies agree their contributions and the detailed business case is robust.
The proposed redevelopment is expected to directly lead to more than 400 jobs with about another 160 jobs created through the supply chain. It’s also forecast to generate up to £45 million of annual spending and attract an estimated 850,000 visits a year.
Millions of pounds in grant funding is proposed from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority along with the government’s Pride in Place initiative, which is overseen by the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board.
Looking at wider opportunities, we are also recruiting an external partner to help to bring forward regeneration proposals for council-owned sites in Scarborough town centre.
This work will identify future uses for underutilised and vacant sites, assess regeneration opportunities, attract investment into some of the town centre’s much-loved buildings such as Scarborough Town Hall and bring forward deliverable proposals for key locations.
A new 10-year strategy to revitalise North Yorkshire’s harbours has also been drawn up.
Scarborough and Whitby harbours and Filey Coble Landing are facing significant challenges including ageing infrastructure, increasing pressures on the fishing industry, the impact of climate change and gaps in funding.
However, opportunities have been identified in the offshore wind industry, the tourism sector and improvements to facilities to help to ensure the harbours remain viable for the future.
Meanwhile, fresh proposals to transform Scarborough’s historic West Pier and ensure it remains a working harbour and a popular visitor destination have been drawn up.
We are progressing a multi-million pound regeneration scheme to revitalise the pier, which is a historic asset in the town’s South Bay.
A planning application is set to include proposals for restoring and repairing existing heritage facilities to bring them back into active use as well as creating new, modern, flood-resilient buildings for commercial use and improved public facilities such as toilets and parking.
Plans also include new business opportunities to support the local economy, new kiosks, enhanced pedestrian routes and a new paved plaza which could accommodate outdoor events and cultural activities.
The latest plans have been shaped following input from harbour users and local stakeholders.
A £6.68 million pound project to transform the area around Scarborough railway station is planned to create a more welcoming arrival point for residents and visitors while being a catalyst for further investment in the town.
Construction work on the scheme is due to start early next year after planning approval was granted in October.
We are also finalising contracts with a buyer for the Alpamare waterpark in Scarborough in a deal that secures much needed private investment for a key attraction.
Meanwhile, one of Whitby’s most recognisable landmarks, the Old Town Hall, has been safeguarded for future generations following the completion of a £1.3 million restoration project.
The regeneration scheme included extensive repairs to the building's clock tower and roof, alongside the restoration of stonework and mortar on its façade and columns.
The first floor, which has been unoccupied since 2017, has also been renovated and modernised, creating a flexible new venue for cultural activities, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Elsewhere in the historic port, The Whitby Maritime Training Hub aims to breathe new life into the town’s maritime industry, helping to diversify the economy and provide opportunities in the maritime and marine industries for local people.
The £10 million project is situated on Endeavour Wharf, a site of maritime activity since the 1800s, from fishing to boat building. It remains an operational wharf as well as providing car parking facilities.
This project is aimed at developing a better supply of technical abilities to meet the demand in developing new skills.
