Council considers £350,000 funding boost for Scarborough boxing club expansion
Expansion aims to double footfall and enhance community engagement
Westway Boxing Club in Scarborough's Eastfield neighbourhood may soon see a major expansion, thanks to a £350,000 funding proposal under consideration by North Yorkshire Council.
Facing "time-critical" cost pressures, the club aims to secure funding for a project to expand its facilities, alongside the initial £350,000 provided by a private developer.
The proposed enhancement is intended to boost community footfall, increasing attendance from 300 to 500 people, while providing a safe and positive environment for building confidence, discipline, and life skills through sport.
The total cost required for construction stands at £700,000, with the current quote valid only until the end of this month.
Planning permission dictates that work must commence before 30th January 2027.
Members of North Yorkshire Council's executive will deliberate on the funding shortfall during their meeting on 16th June.
Cllr Heather Phillips, executive member for corporate services, commented,
"Westway Boxing Club has always been described as a valuable and long-standing community asset with a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes."
The club's proposed improvements include a main training hall with a full-sized boxing ring, extra gym space, changing rooms, toilets, a café area, new classrooms, and storage spaces.
These plans have received 44 supportive comments from the consultation process.
Cllr Tom Seston, elected member for the Eastfield division, expressed strong support for the club, noting,
"The planned extension would double the club’s size and give more young people and vulnerable adults a safe place to learn, train, and grow."
This funding request diverges from North Yorkshire Council's commitment last December, which granted Eastfield community groups 15 months to outline a plan for utilising regeneration funds totalling £3.2 million.
The council's decision on the funding proposal will reveal its commitment to promoting health and community engagement through grassroots sports.
To review the executive report, visit North Yorkshire Council’s PDF document .