The Mayor of Scarborough has received an apology from North Yorkshire Council leaders after local officials discovered potential plans to vacate the historic Town Hall via social media.
Councillor Thomas Murray held an urgent meeting with the leader of North Yorkshire Council, Councillor Carl Les, and Chief Executive Richard Flinton to discuss the future of the historic building.
It comes as the council's executive committee prepares to meet on Tuesday to decide whether to purchase Resolution House, a modern office building situated on the A64 in Eastfield, for four and a half million pounds.
The proposed move could see the authority relocate hundreds of staff from the Grade Two listed Scarborough Town Hall, a decision which has sparked fears among local representatives about the economic impact on the town centre.
Following the meeting, Councillor Murray confirmed he had received an apology for the lack of communication and was given assurances regarding the future of the town's civic heart.
He said:
Today I met with Cllr Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire Council, and Chief Executive Richard Flinton to discuss the recent announcement regarding Resolution House and the future of Scarborough Town Hall.
This became a matter of concern last week for both myself and the Town Council, particularly as the proposal around the possible purchase of Resolution House and the implications for the Town Hall was something we first became aware of on Facebook. We therefore requested an urgent meeting on the matter, which took place today.
During the meeting I received an apology for the lack of communication and was given assurances that, whatever the outcome tomorrow, the Town Hall will remain the home of Scarborough Town Council and the symbolic civic heart of our town. The Town Council will also be consulted on the future of the building, along with others, and I made it clear that it should remain for the benefit of the community.
The mayor added that the original Victorian section of the building is safe from being sold off and that customer services will be retained in the town centre.
He added:
I was also informed there are no current plans to dispose of the original Victorian part of the Town Hall, a magnificent historic building which is much loved and part of Scarborough’s identity. I strongly welcome the commitment that it should remain in public hands and be preserved for the town. The customer service point will remain for the time being and, when it does move, it will relocate to another town centre location.
Today’s meeting will be followed up on. I hope it marks the beginning of a more constructive working relationship and better communication going forward with North Yorkshire Council.
The potential relocation of staff to Resolution House has drawn sharp criticism from other local representatives, including Eastfield Councillor Tom Seston and Filey Councillor Sam Cross. Both claimed they were entirely blindsided by the announcement.
Councillor Seston has highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Scarborough Town Hall, describing it as the historic heart of the community. He expressed dismay at the prospect of leaving the building without a clear plan for its future.
The economic vitality of Scarborough town centre has also been a major point of contention. Councillor Cross warned that removing hundreds of council staff, who represent the town centre's largest employer, would be a devastating blow to local businesses.
Councillor Seston echoed these fears, specifically mentioning the independent businesses on Saint Nicholas Street that rely on the footfall generated by the Town Hall.
In contrast to these concerns, a report by North Yorkshire Council paints a picture of urgent financial necessity. It states that the overall condition of the Town Hall is poor, and refurbishing the entire site would require an investment of between fifteen million and nineteen million pounds.
Currently, desk utilisation at the Town Hall is as low as fourteen per cent on some days, meaning the building is largely underused. By moving to Resolution House, the council estimates it could reduce annual running costs by at least four hundred thousand pounds and avoid over twenty million pounds in maintenance liabilities across its property assets.
The council report also suggests that vacating the Town Hall could unlock it for a quality commercial leisure development, which could reposition the town centre.
The executive committee will be asked on Tuesday to approve the purchase of Resolution House and grant in-principle approval for seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds to establish a new customer service point in the town centre.
Related Stories
16 Mar 2026 - North Yorkshire Council reports that modernising the historic Town Hall could cost up to £19 million. Councillor Gareth Dadd, the authority's ...
15 Mar 2026 - ... could see the authority vacate its historic building at Scarborough Town Hall. Some local councillors aren't impressed.
15 Mar 2026 - The Heritage Weight of Scarborough Town Hall. Perhaps the most iconic building in the review is Scarborough Town Hall, a Grade II listed ...- 11 Mar 2026 - Scarborough Town Hall would be “very attractive for a quality commercial leisure development”, according to North Yorkshire Council, which is ...
- 11 Mar 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 - North Yorkshire Council is considering relocating from Scarborough Town Hall to Resolution House on the A64 to reduce maintenance ...
- 10 Mar 2026 - North Yorkshire Council is considering relocating from Scarborough Town Hall to Resolution House on the A64 to reduce maintenance costs, ...
- 8 Mar 2026 - The authority currently operates Scarborough Town Hall and Castle House in the town, which provide office space for employees as well as ...
Police Launch Manslaughter Investigation Following Man's Death In Whitby
Landmark Decision Day as Council Decides Future of Whitby Cliff Lift and Scarborough Town Hall
Temporary Toilets To Be Installed In Filey and Scarborough Ahead of Busy Easter Period
Theo Chapman Departs Scarborough Athletic FC
Council Approves Driffield Padel Courts
Humberside Police: ‘Still More To Be Done’ On Racial Abuse
Whitby Town: Joint Manager Demands Improvement Ahead of Tuesday Home Clash
Brid Town Back On The Road And Headed North
Pickering Town Aim For Back To Back Home Wins
Overnight Closures for A64 Across the Yorkshire Coast
