We hear from the local company behind plans to redevelop Scarborough's empty Brunswick Centre after an £18.5 million public funding package was approved.
A multi-screen cinema and major retail complex will breathe new life into Scarborough's high street after a multi-million-pound funding package was approved.
More than 400 jobs will be created when the former Brunswick Centre reopens as 'SQ1', with an additional 160 roles supported during the construction phase.
Total public funding of £18.5 million has now been secured to transform the empty site, which will anchor a wider regeneration of the town centre.
Development director at Scarborough Group International, David Wells, said:
"It's really good news that the public sector is going to support the redevelopment of the Brunswick Centre into SQ1. We've been working on the plans for a few years now, and it's quite challenging to to make it move forward, so we're really pleased that the public sector is going to help us with that.
With the support that we're now getting, and we should be in a position to start on site with the strip out of the internal fittings, probably in the new year."
Mr Wells said the plans have evolved to include a mix of uses:
"We've had to rethink what we're doing the all sorts of circumstances over the last few years. Serious bill cost inflation mainly.
So what we're now looking at doing is creating a combination of a retail and leisure scheme. We've got major retailer who we are close to agreeing terms with it'll take a big unit of Westborough. And we are also in negotiation with a cinema to take 5 or 6 screen operation 5 to 600 seats within the building as well.
The main beneficiaries is obviously going to be the people of Scarborough and the millions of visitors that come here. It will bring back into use a big frontage onto Westborough which is has been empty for too long, and will really reinforce the town as a visitor destination, the additional spend, the additional footfall will be created by the cinema, it'll really be a big boon for the town."
He added that securing the main operators is the immediate priority:
"We're still working on who else is going to be in there. We need to get the the first two anchor tenants nailed down and then we'll be able to review what we're going to do next and start to talk to more operators about coming in.
For us as a business, you know, locally based, it's it's a real big boom for us to be involved with this and it will make a huge difference to the town as a whole once it's open."
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has approved a £7 million investment, which joins an £8 million loan from North Yorkshire Council and £3.5 million of Pride in Place funding.
To protect public finances, an initial £1 million will be released to support pre-development work and a new planning application. The remaining £6 million is ringfenced for the construction phase, pending a full business case.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said:
"I'm backing Scarborough's ambition through our new Mayoral Development Zone. The town has so much to offer, with millions of visitors every year, good transport links and top employers, with streamlined public and private investment we know we can go so much further for residents and businesses alike.
We are restoring pride in the heart of this iconic town. Bringing the Brunswick Centre back into use is the first landmark step for our collective plan for Scarborough Town Centre. This landmark site will rid the high street of another empty eyesore and create new jobs and opportunities for Scarborough's residents."
A further £1 million grant will fund public realm and active travel improvements along Westborough and Vernon Road to better connect Scarborough Railway Station with the town centre.
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Councillor Carl Les, said:
"We have identified our coastal areas as some of the most important locations for investment. Today’s decision to establish the Mayoral Development Zone will bring benefits for the whole of Scarborough and it is also a big step towards redeveloping the Brunswick Centre.
The aim is to create a new town centre attraction and allow Scarborough to become a year-round destination, which is what our residents and businesses have told us is important to them.
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."
Chair of the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board, Heath Samples, said:
"This is fantastic news for Scarborough and a major step towards bringing the Brunswick Centre back to life.
Our Board’s decision to commit £3.5 million of Pride in Place funding was the catalyst for unlocking this wider investment, and I’m delighted that the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire Council has backed our ambition.
This demonstrates what can be achieved when local communities, public authorities and private investors work together.
It’s about more than regenerating a building. It’s about creating jobs, attracting investment and delivering a town centre that Scarborough residents can once again be proud of. There’s still work ahead, but this is a hugely positive step for our town."
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