The 11 Projects Vying for a Share of Scarborough's £20m Pride in Place Funding

Scarborough is standing at the threshold of a significant transformation as it decides how to spend £20 million from the government’s Pride in Place programme. But which projects should get the money?

The Scarborough Neighbourhood Board are now calling on the community to weigh in on 11 ambitious project ideas designed to revitalise the coastal town.

The proposals follow extensive discussions held in 2024 and 2025 with residents, businesses, and young people. The board is now seeking a final round of feedback through a public consultation, which remains open until 13 February 2026, to ensure the funding "reflects what matters most to local people".

Revitalising the Town Centre and Heritage

Several projects focus on the physical heart of the town. The Old Town regeneration project seeks to establish a formal partnership between residents and businesses, ensuring local voices are "central to creating a community-led plan". To support this, the council intends to provide training and guidance to volunteers to build the confidence needed to influence local decisions.

In the commercial centre, the former Brunswick Centre is slated for a dramatic change. The Square One (SQ1) redevelopment aims to transform the site into a leisure-led destination featuring a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, and social spaces. This move is a direct response to feedback from people who "wanted more things to do year-round and a lively evening economy".

Complementing these major builds is the "Sprucing Up Scarborough" programme. This initiative targets the "day-to-day issues" that residents say affect the town’s feel, such as deteriorating shopfronts and run-down buildings. The programme focuses on urban maintenance and public space enhancements to make key streets more welcoming.

Nurturing Community and Wellbeing

Human connection sits at the core of several proposals. "We Are Scarborough" plans to launch a dedicated volunteering hub, combining an online platform with a physical base to help residents find roles that match their skills. The council suggests this will "improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and help build stronger community networks".

Specific support is also earmarked for often-overlooked groups. "Turning Tides" is a proposed programme for young people aged 15 to 21, offering one-to-one coaching to help them navigate life changes such as leaving school or family breakdowns. Meanwhile, "Dads Behaving Madly" would establish the town's first dedicated Men’s Wellbeing Hub. This space is intended for fathers and male carers to "meet, learn new skills, and support each other," ultimately reducing pressure on local services.

For the younger generation, the Scarborough Youth Network plans to create a series of safe, youth-designed spaces within existing community and faith buildings, rather than building a single, large centre.

Culture, Sport, and Local Empowerment

The town’s cultural identity is celebrated through The Scarborough Fair, a year-round programme of festivals including "Scarborough Lights" and "Scarborough Fringe," designed to "bring life to the town centre". It's initial three year funding package has now ended and money from the pride in Place fund could be used to extend the project.

The Stephen Joseph Theatre has put forward a project to replace its "outdated and failing" air handling units and roof. These sustainability and access improvements, including new seating in the McCarthy auditorium and a lift, are intended to help the theatre become carbon neutral by 2030.

On the coast, a new Scarborough Watersports and Sea Centre is proposed for the South Bay. This coastal hub would provide a home for local groups with storage and changing facilities, while also potentially housing a food court and research spaces.

Finally, the Scarborough Community Grant Fund offers a more grassroots approach. This resident-led programme would provide "simple, flexible grants" over four years to help people turn small local ideas into action, focusing on "supporting people rather than large buildings".

Next Steps

Once the consultation concludes, North Yorkshire Council will assess the feasibility and costs of each proposal. The Scarborough Neighbourhood Board will then determine which projects will progress to delivery during this investment period.

The online consultation can be found at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations/pride-place-scarborough