Eastfield Community Groups Given 15-Month Deadline to Secure £3.2 Million Investment

North Yorkshire Council has issued a 15-month deadline for Eastfield community groups to agree upon a cohesive plan detailing how £3.2 million in historical regeneration funding will be spent, warning that the money could be reallocated if no unified proposal is submitted.

The substantial sum represents unallocated capital receipts stemming from a 2015 agreement when the former Scarborough Borough Council (SBC) sold 48 acres of land at Middle Deepdale to Keepmoat Homes for £6.22 million. The original agreement stipulated that the funding was intended for regeneration in the Eastfield area of Scarborough. The residual £3.2 million must be used exclusively for capital expenditure, meaning it can only fund physical assets such as buildings, parks, and equipment, not staffing or maintenance costs.

A One-Off Opportunity

The clock is now ticking for local partners—including Eastfield Town Council and numerous voluntary groups—to develop a coordinated, community-led investment plan by March 2027.

Councillor Malcolm Taylor stressed the necessity of capitalising on this chance for improvement, calling it a potential "one-off opportunity".

He stated:

“There's some great people on that estate. There's some great communities involved with boxing, scouting, sports groups, and if ever an area deserves investment, it is Eastfield.

I think there's a bit of a tale of woe, if you like want to call it that, of missed opportunity with this project over the years. And I think what's really important is that we put it right. And I think we've got people now round the table with the right intentions to get this money invested. And it has to be spent wisely.

We have to invest it in the best possible way, get the maximum bang. for this sum of money which is probably a one-off opportunity.

There's some wonderful people in Eastfield and they deserve some investment and some improvements for their communities.”

The community-led plan, which NYC officers will support through the Town Investment Plan (TIP) process, must include robust business cases that demonstrate a clear need, deliverability, long-term financial sustainability, and maintenance implications for each proposed project.

The March 2027 Deadline

If the community fails to submit a compliant plan and supporting business cases within the 15-month window, NYC has reserved the right to reallocate the funds at its own discretion to meet strategic priorities.

Councillor Heather Philips emphasised that inaction is no longer viable, urging collaboration to ensure delivery.

Councillor Philips said:

“We have 15 months to get this worked up and if nothing materializes by March 2027 that the funds reallocated.

Inertia isn't an option now. We need to actually see something be delivered. So I would encourage everyone to work together on this.

We've got a very proactive boxing club that could be a real driver for getting the project done, getting something that people can see. But we also need to address the inequalities across the ages for pleasure and well-being in Eastfield.

I praise all the parties that have been at the tables. I would say please can we just make something happen? That's all we want to see.”

Councillor Philips also raised concerns over the longevity of any future assets, particularly in relation to ongoing maintenance:

“This is a capital project and this is why we need to ensure we've got broad based support as possible because how do we make sure that's still there for the young people in 10, 15, 20 years when it needs to get repaired.

This is my concern. So I think we need to explore that quite urgently.”

Seeking Expertise and Support

The remaining capital receipts funding is intended to support an area of deprivation and those with protected characteristics who reside and work there. Several potential focuses for the remaining money have already been highlighted through consultation, including the proposed Phoenix Park development (costed at £2.4 million), local play area upgrades, enhancements to The Dell green space, and addressing a capital funding gap for the expansion of Westway Boxing Club.

Eastfield Councillor Tom Seston acknowledged the unique opportunity but highlighted the need for professional support to manage the scheme effectively.

Councillor Seston commented:

“This is a unique opportunity for Eastfield. We have seen various regeneration schemes come and go. I would like to ask if the council would look at potential match funding or grants that may be available to expand the opportunity here.

And also whilst we have a good number of passionate people in Eastfield, we're quite short on engineers, architects and and the like. So we need a clear person in charge of this, a clear project manager who is is normally in charge of this game. Would with the council and look at a point someone”

North Yorkshire Council's Localities Team will provide capacity and capability building support to assist in developing the plan alongside the Regeneration Team, though no mandated governance structure is being imposed by the council. The recommendation to proceed with a community-led plan aligns with the spirit of the original agreement set out by the former SBC and Keepmoat Homes, and NYC’s commitment to local empowerment.

There are several priorities and/or projects that have been highlighted as potential areas of focus for the remaining capital receipts funding through various forms of consultation and engagement with the local community and key stakeholders over recent years. A number of the following are at scoping stage: 

• Phoenix Park development: also known as Eastfield Community Park and proposed for the former Overdale School site. Proposed features include a skate park, pump track, community building, walking trails, natural play areas, community gardens, seating and landscaping designed to support biodiversity and outdoor recreation. The park aims to become a central hub for community events, health and wellbeing activities, and environmental education. This project is now fully costed at £2.4 million with associated Stage Three plans, completed by Align Property Services.
• Gateway Project (signage and public realm improvements): aiming to create a more welcoming entrance to Eastfield through improved signage, wayfinding and aesthetic upgrades to key public spaces.
• Local play area upgrades: refurbishment of ageing play equipment, installation of inclusive and accessible features, and safety improvements to encourage active play for children of all ages. A partnership approach to this project between Eastfield Town Council and NYC Parks and Grounds is currently underway, however there is a funding gap of £106,000 for the full schedule of proposed works.
• Provision of new or improved community facilities: potential developments include a multi-use community hub, meeting space, and venue for social and youth activities, and health services outreach.
• Enhancements to The Dell green space: The Dell is a large and historic green corridor that runs through the heart of Eastfield, offering a unique opportunity to connect neighbourhoods, promote biodiversity and support active travel. Plans may involve ecological restoration, improved access paths, and seating to revitalise this area as a multifunctional space for recreation, nature engagement and community pride.
• Westway Boxing Club: with the support of a benefactor, Westway Boxing Club is undertaking an expansion project. The proposed expansion will double the club’s capacity, enabling it to accommodate more young people and vulnerable adults from Eastfield. It will create space for alternative education provision and support specialist programs like the Parkinson’s Project. Overall, the expansion aims to transform the club into a modern, inclusive hub that fosters opportunity, resilience, and community cohesion. There is currently a capital funding gap on the project which the Club have been actively seeking external funding for

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