Scarborough's £19.5 Million Pride In Place Programme Moves From Planning To Delivery

Scarborough’s £19.5 million Pride in Place programme is officially moving into its delivery phase, advancing major regeneration, cultural, and community projects across the town.

Scarborough’s Pride in Place programme is moving from planning into delivery, with the town’s Neighbourhood Board progressing a range of projects designed to support local communities, improve public spaces and create new opportunities for residents.

The programme will bring £19.5 million of investment to Scarborough over ten years, with decisions shaped by local priorities and led by the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board.

Some projects are already delivering activities, while others are progressing through the planning, funding and preparation needed before work can begin.

Among the projects being supported is The Scarborough Fair, which is receiving £485,000 over three years towards its wider programme of arts, culture, entertainment and sport. Scarborough Extreme has already brought local clubs, community groups, musicians and activity providers together, with further events planned through the winter.

Turning Tides has also received Pride in Place funding to continue and strengthen its work with young people. The programme provides one-to-one coaching and practical support to help young people build confidence, resilience and wellbeing, and connect with local opportunities.

At the Stephen Joseph Theatre, £400,000 of Pride in Place investment will contribute towards a wider £3.6 million programme of improvements to the building. The refurbishment will significantly improve accessibility, expand opportunities for community participation and support the theatre’s commitment to making performances more affordable. This includes a commitment to increase the number of £1 tickets offered each year from 1,000 to 2,000.

The Board is also supporting Sprucing Up Scarborough, an initiative focused on improving the appearance and condition of parts of the town, alongside plans for a permanent base for Dads Behaving Madly, an established community supporting dads and male carers.

Another important development is the Scarborough Community Fund, which the Neighbourhood Board agreed to progress at its meeting on 23 October. The fund is intended to help local organisations develop projects that directly benefit Scarborough residents. Further information about applications will be announced once arrangements are finalised.

The Scarborough Neighbourhood Board has also agreed to support the redevelopment of the former Brunswick shopping centre, known as Square One (SQ1), with £3.5 million of Pride in Place funding.

This commitment helped unlock a wider investment package involving North Yorkshire Council and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, bringing the long-awaited regeneration of this important town-centre site a significant step closer.

The proposals envisage the redevelopment of the former Brunswick shopping centre into a modern retail and leisure destination, potentially anchored by a major high-street retailer and complemented by other retail and leisure uses, including a multi-screen cinema. The redevelopment remains subject to the necessary funding agreements, planning and other approvals.

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

“The Brunswick Centre has been a major challenge for Scarborough for many years, and I’m delighted that the Board has been able to play such an important role in moving its redevelopment forward.

“Our £3.5 million commitment demonstrates our determination to turn local priorities into real investment. Alongside the other projects we’re supporting, this is about delivering visible improvements and lasting benefits for the people of Scarborough.

“What’s particularly encouraging is the breadth of projects now progressing. From supporting young people and families to improving our cultural facilities, public spaces and town centre, we’re beginning to see the ambitions of Pride in Place translated into action.

“This programme is about much more than individual buildings or projects. It’s about making Scarborough a better place to live, work and visit, and ensuring local people see and feel the benefits of this investment over the coming years.”

The Board’s work continues across these projects, with further updates expected as funding arrangements, delivery plans and milestones are confirmed.

The programme is led locally through the Scarborough Neighbourhood Board and brings together community representatives, businesses, local organisations, elected representatives and North Yorkshire Council to help shape improvements across the town.

Over the next 10 years, up to £19.5 million of Pride in Place funding will support projects that improve public spaces, encourage investment, strengthen community activity and help build pride and confidence across Scarborough.