First Wave Of Pride In Place Projects Unveiled For Scarborough

The Scarborough Neighbourhood Board has announced seven priority projects for the town following extensive public consultation, including regeneration of the Brunswick Shopping Centre and improvements to the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

The Scarborough Neighbourhood Board has confirmed the first wave of projects proposed for investment through the Pride in Place programme.

The initiative marks a major step forward in delivering long-term improvements across Scarborough over the next ten years. According to the Board, the projects are designed to support regeneration, improve wellbeing, strengthen community activity, and create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming town for both residents and visitors.

Seven priority projects have been identified following extensive public consultation. This community engagement involved more than 1,294 responses from local residents, businesses, and organisations. Wider engagement activity, including the Let’s Talk Scarborough initiative, involved an additional 1,600 participants.

The proposed first phase of the programme includes regeneration and leisure investment within the former Brunswick Shopping Centre, alongside improvements to accessibility and facilities at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

Town centre enhancements will be delivered through the Sprucing Up Scarborough initiative, while a year-round programme of cultural and community events will take place under the Scarborough Fair banner.

Other priorities outlined by the Board include dedicated men’s wellbeing and support initiatives, youth engagement and opportunity programmes designed to inspire young people, and community grant funding to support local voluntary and grassroots organisations.

The Scarborough Neighbourhood Board has led the development and prioritisation of the programme locally. Following the public consultation process, the Board changed its project assessment and voting approach. This ensured that public feedback carried the majority weighting when determining the final priorities.

The Chair of the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board, Heath Samples, said:

"Pride in Place is a locally led programme designed to deliver practical, visible and lasting improvements for Scarborough over the next decade.

From the outset, it was important that local people had a genuine voice in helping shape the priorities for the town. That is why the Board changed the voting and assessment process so that public feedback carried the greatest weighting in determining which projects moved forward.

These projects reflect what residents told us matters most — improving the town centre, supporting community wellbeing, creating opportunities for young people and helping restore pride and confidence across Scarborough.

This is only the beginning. As projects move forward, the Board will continue engaging directly with residents, businesses and community organisations so people can clearly see the progress being made and the opportunities available to get involved."

The proposed projects will now be considered by the North Yorkshire Council Executive Committee on Tuesday, 26 May. This step is part of the process required to unlock early delivery funding ahead of the formal release of government funds.

North Yorkshire Council acts as the accountable body and facilitator for the programme, handling governance, compliance, and funding administration functions.

The Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby, Alison Hume, said:

"Pride in Place is the Government’s flagship communities programme because it puts local people front and centre.

Scarborough belongs to the people who live here, and Scarborians know better than anyone what will make it thrive.

That’s why this Labour Government was clear that building even more pride in Scarborough should start with them.

Through the Pride in Place public consultation, local residents were given a proper voice in where the money should be directed, helping to shape a long-term vision for the town, drive regeneration, and make Scarborough an even better place to live, work and grow up.

These projects have been identified by the people of Scarborough as being what the town needs. People can be reassured that this is Government money, coming directly to Scarborough, being spent on the things the people who live here want.

The Neighbourhood Board which oversees Pride in Place, is completely separate from the Town Board.

These exciting, transformational projects will lift our spirits and no matter who runs North Yorkshire Council, these priorities will not change because NYC are not making the decisions.

This is about the Government showing its trust in local people, backing their ambition, and giving Scarborough the power to shape its own future."