An external development partner could soon be brought in to create a regeneration masterplan for underused and vacant council owned sites across Scarborough town centre.
Underused and vacant sites across Scarborough town centre, owned by North Yorkshire Council, could soon be transformed under a new regeneration masterplan.
An external development partner is being sought to breathe new life into prominent locations, attract investment, and draw up deliverable proposals for several much-loved buildings.
Deteriorating council-owned buildings in the town currently face significant challenges, costing up to £1 million a year to run following the merger of local authorities in 2023.
Scarborough Town Hall is among the sites requiring major investment, with around 80 per cent of its available floor space currently sitting unused due to its poor condition.
Plans to find a partner to coordinate the future of these sites will be considered by executive councillors on Tuesday next week.
North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader, Councillor Mark Crane, said:
"We have a number of prominent sites that are currently underused or vacant.
By undertaking market engagement to identify a potential development partner, we can take a coordinated approach to understanding how those sites can contribute to the town centre and bring forward practical regeneration proposals.
This will help us assess future options for these sites, identify opportunities for investment, and ensure any proposals are deliverable."
Scarborough has been identified as one of the highest development priority locations in the county, and is recognised as a key place for growth and investment by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
If the appointment of a development partner goes ahead, the new masterplan will sit alongside other major projects already underway in the town, including the Station Gateway public realm scheme and plans to revitalise the West Pier.
The council says that together, these projects aim to support a coordinated approach to investment and development across the coastal town.
Council staff currently work at both the Town Hall and Castle House. However, a transition is underway following the acquisition of Resolution House in March, which will provide modern office space for employees who do not need to be based in the heart of the town.
Despite the move, a town centre presence will be retained for customer services and workers who need a central base.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for finance and property, Councillor Peter Wilkinson, said:
"It’s important that we carefully consider how these sites can contribute to Scarborough’s future, identify regeneration opportunities and reduce the costs associated with buildings that are underused and require significant investment.
This work will help us assess what options are available and consider proposals that are practical and financially viable."
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