Town Deal team approves £25 million package of projects to transform Scarborough

"We have a very strong package of ideas that's a winner and transformational for the area and for the region," said chairman David Kerfoot.

They include a more attractive and environmentally welcome open area around the railway station towards Westborough, new public spaces around the harbour and a year-round programme of town centre events.

Also among the projects after 10 months of intensive planning and engagement, is a digitally skills centre FabLab in the town centre, more cycling and walking routes - and a new creative enterprise hub called Woodend Plus.

What is now the Town Investment Plan will go to the Government on Friday October 30 for financial approval.

Scarborough was one of 101 towns chosen nationally in 2019 to secure up to £25 million of investment through the Town Deals programme.

Detailed discussions have included liaison with the Ministry of Housing and Communities.

The nine projects agreed by the 20-members Scarborough Town Deal board cover the themes of skills, connectivity, culture and leisure, well-being, sustainability and a more thriving town centre. They are:

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure: for connections to and from the town to Eastfield and the business park, coastal routes from Cayton and around the bays. £5.75m

Scarborough Harbour: regeneration of the harbour and West Pier to create a public space, space for catering and creative industries and a thriving fishing industry. £5m

Town centre FabLab+: skills and training centre open and accessible to all and for robotics, 3D modelling and printing and audio lab and sound engineering. £1.2m

Scarborough Fayre: a year-round programme of events and cultural regeneration, culminating in an annual spectacular. £1m

Woodend Plus: a vibrant town centre media space and including museum attractions - with wayfinding to Woodend on the Crescent. £2m

Scarborough Cricket Ground: Improvements to the ground to help secure the future of 1st class cricket at the venue. £250,000

Station Gateway: Improvements to Scarborough Railway Station and surrounding area to create the concept of a strong arrival, around a new station square. £6.68m

Green Construction Skills: To enable the Scarborough Construction Skills Village to provide skills and training in green construction techniques. £535,300

The 'Wild Eye' project: A major nature observation and sculptural trail, beginning with an observation platform at the castle headland. £1.69m

Mr Kerfoot added: "This is a beacon for Scarborough's future, and, particularly in the current Covid circumstances, represents a plan of hope and optimism for growth.

"It's so important for the region. With a lot of hard work from a lot of people, we have plans for an exciting and pioneering new era - economically, culturally and environmentally.

"I especially want to thank the many people and organisations who contributed their views in various ways throughout our consultation and engagement process. The public input has been robust and very pleasing."

At Scarborough council's cabinet last week, the projects were welcomed and endorsed.

Council leader Cllr Steve Siddons said: "The Town Deal board has created a fantastic piece of work.

"We are all delighted with the outcomes,

"There are also distinctive differences between the Town Deals for Whitby and Scarborough which are game-changers for both towns and we look forward to progressing them.

Also speaking at the cabinet meeting, Cllr Tony Randerson added: "The two town projects are a tremendous boost for both Scarborough and Whitby if the funding can be achieved ... it's a win-win for everyone in the borough."

The board comprises representatives from business, community groups, housing associations and key organisations.

Senior council officers including commercial director Richard Bradley and regeneration officer Alex Richards were thanked for their work on the Town Deal.

A government response to the submission is anticipated before the end of December, which will then lead to full detail on the plans.

Some parts of the schemes - such as greening the high street with trees and planters, vinyl-wrapping of underused buildings and plans for free wifi - have already been fast-tracked as taster projects for implementation by the end of next March.

With other sources of funding, the projects would amount to £31,860 million in total.

Whitby is also in line for £25 million of government funding for its own projects.