Fears are growing for Scarborough's town centre as 42 Poundland jobs face uncertainty and the main Post Office prepares to close, amidst a £18.5 million regeneration push for the Brunswick Centre.
Fears over the future of Scarborough’s town centre have intensified as 42 Poundland jobs hang in the balance and the town prepares to lose its main Post Office when the TG Jones store closes in January.
The uncertainty comes as political leaders seek to sell a vision of a revitalised high street centred on the £18.5 million redevelopment of the Brunswick Centre.
The closure of the TG Jones store in Westborough will also result in the loss of Scarborough’s main Post Office branch, prompting calls from Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume for assurances that elderly and vulnerable residents will continue to have access to services.
At the same time, the future of the Poundland store in Scarborough remains uncertain, with dozens of local jobs at risk.
Ms Hume said:
“My thoughts are with the 42 Poundland workers in Scarborough and Whitby who are facing an anxious time.
“I’ve been in touch with USDAW, the shopworkers’ union, and will continue to stand up for staff and their families.
“The Government is right to press for a credible plan to protect jobs and stores.
“My priority is safeguarding local jobs, standing up for affected workers and ensuring the voices of my constituents are heard loud and clear throughout this process.”
The Labour MP has also written to the Post Office seeking answers over the closure of the Westborough branch, describing the situation as “extremely concerning”.
She said Scarborough had a significant elderly population, many residents with mobility challenges and a town centre that serves a wide rural area.
While the Post Office has identified its Falsgrave Road branch as an alternative, Ms Hume warned many constituents rely on the town centre branch for banking, bill payments and identity verification services.
The concerns come as local leaders seek to convince residents that long-promised regeneration plans will finally deliver change.
Last week, York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith approved further funding for the redevelopment of the long-vacant Brunswick Centre as part of an £18.5m public funding package.
The scheme, being brought forward by Scarborough Group International, would include a six-screen cinema, food and drink outlets, leisure facilities and major retail units.
An initial £1m grant has been approved to fund design work, demolition and a planning application, while a further £6m has been earmarked for construction subject to a future business case.
Mr Skaith described the project as a “major landmark in shaping the future of Scarborough”.
He said:
“The Brunswick has become an iconic eyesore, and I understand how important anchors are to attract people to the high street.
“I’m totally committed to making this a success not just for Scarborough, but for the whole county.”
Asked about the retail closures, Ms Hume said she sympathised with affected workers but argued regeneration remained the town’s bigger challenge.
She said:
“I’ve got an enormous sympathy for the staff at the Post Office and at Poundland, and I’m working with the government and the unions about those particular issues.
“But the bigger challenge is to get regeneration into Scarborough.
“It’s not a lack of talent in Scarborough; it’s a lack of opportunity. And this investment will really give hope to the town.”
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