Shops in Scarborough are set to benefit from an artistic makeover as part of plans to make the town centre a more attractive place to visit and spend time after the coronavirus lockdown eases.
The work of 12 local visual artists will form part of a trail of art, displayed in shop windows, to enhance the appearance of the town centre with a particular emphasis on transforming empty shops.
The project is the first in a series of joint initiatives to be announced by Scarborough Borough Council, Scarborough Town Centre Team and Scarborough Town Deal Board, paid for by government Town Deal Fast Track funding, which was awarded to the council in December last year.
Other investment – including a green planting scheme, new technology to help people navigate around Scarborough more easily, town centre public WiFi and a nature project will follow in the coming weeks and months.
Richard Grunwell, chairman of Scarborough Town Centre Team says the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the need for town centres to adapt and give people new reasons to leave their homes and visit once they are allowed to do so.
Richard says around ten locations will be used to start with but hopes the number will grow.
Cllr Liz Colling, Scarborough Borough Council cabinet member with responsibility for inclusive growth, said:
“It is very rewarding to see the first of the fast track projects to improve the appearance of Scarborough town centre and help our local businesses bounce back strongly become a reality.
“Not only has the project created wonderful visuals for new audiences to enjoy, it has given us the opportunity to support the creative talents of local artists who contribute so much to the cultural identity of our borough.
“We hope this will be the first of many collaborations with local businesses to make the town centre a brighter place for people to visit, feel proud of and invest in.”
Richard Grunwell, added:
“The artistic makeover of shop windows is just the beginning. Our team is very excited about the changes in store for Scarborough town centre and the boost we hope they will give local businesses raring to get back to contributing to the local economy.”
Some locations have already been identified for the artwork but plenty more are required. Businesses with a window to spare or landlords of empty units should contact rachael.drew@scarborough.gov.uk to register their interest.
Locations will be selected on a first come first served basis and artwork will be provided free of charge on photo board or as a vinyl wrap, and mounted.
Scarborough is not the only borough town to benefit from the Town Deal scheme. Investment plans for Whitby and Filey are being developed separately.
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