Plan to bring empty buildings back into use in Scarborough
The Council is looking for a partner for its regeneration project
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.
North Yorkshire Council says it wants 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.
Scarborough has been identified as one of the council’s highest development priority locations and is also recognised as a key place for growth and investment by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The proposals will be considered by members of the council’s executive when they meet today (September 15).
North Yorkshire Council’s 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.”
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 council staff begin to transition into Resolution House, the council 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.