Council reveals plan for reopening of Scarborough attractions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to announce his roadmap out of lockdown today, including a 7pm press conference, which will start with children returning to school on March 8.

The borough council has now also put plans in place for when Scarborough Spa and activities at Peasholm park could also once again be available.

In a report that will go before Friday’s full council meeting of the authority, cabinet member for Quality of Life, Cllr Phil Kershaw has set out the early thinking of its officers which centres around Easter, which this year falls on April 4.

He wrote: “We are making preparations for [Peasholm] Park to reopen at Easter.

“This will include the pedalos, mini golf, Buttercup Kiosk and it is hoped to reopen Peasholm Café this Easter also.”

The council this year also took the running of the Scarborough Spa and Whitby Pavilion back in-house.

Cllr Kershaw said the hope is to reopen the venues as soon as they are able.

He added: “Following a slight delay the management and operation of these venues transferred back to the council on February 1.

“Subject to guidelines and restrictions that may be in place as we come out of lockdown it is still intended to re-open Farrer’s in Scarborough in time for the Easter Holidays and then for weekends until May half term from when the venue will open daily.

“Whilst the initial reopening at Easter will not feature a full food menu it is intended that light snacks and drinks will be available.

“With regards to Whitby Pavilion, the Northern Lights Suite is being used as a vaccination centre. We are working on a plan to reopen the cinema offering socially distanced film showings once we are able.

“In addition we are keeping a watchful eye on announcements around the holding of events, weddings and functions and are speaking to promoters and agents at the present time to ascertain their intentions for shows already booked in.”

The situation regarding concerts at the council-owned Open Air Theatre in the town is also being monitored, with Crowded House set to kick off the summer season on June 8.

Cllr Kershaw added that the council is also reviewing what events could take place later in the year with Scarborough’s Seafest celebration currently scheduled for late July.

This could be followed by the annual Goldwing parade in September along with Filey Kite Festival, the Surf festival in October and the festive Sparkle events at the Open Air Theatre in November.

Cllr Kershaw concluded in his report: “In addition we are working with the Spa team to look to put some events on including a wedding fayre and a Christmas market.

“Clearly all of what we do will be dependent on a number of factors around any current government restrictions and requirements and all of the above will be regularly under review.

“That said it is hoped to return to some events this year that will provide a much needed lift for the borough and the economy.”