A vibrant Scarborough town centre: Major revamp is planned ... but your views are crucial

A number of ideas to aid a post-coronavirus future of the town centre are being developed by the Scarborough Town Strategy Team.
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The team, which comprises a number of independent representatives from Scarborough business, community and cultural organisations, has been working with the public and stakeholders to create the prospect of a new vibrant Scarborough town centre.

The suggestions so far include a cleaner environment, a range of family attractions – and creative ways of bringing empty retail units back to life in the wake of the coronavirus impact.

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Other ideas being discussed include improved transport and digital connectivity, a greener Scarborough with traffic-free zones, creative and cultural events and tree-lined town centre areas.

The area around the railway station and Northway is set to be reviewedThe area around the railway station and Northway is set to be reviewed
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This would include a review of the area around the railway station and Northway.

The team was set up to help produce a bid for The Future High Street Fund for up to £10m, a government scheme to rejuvenate town centres.

The project is planning town centre improvements in tandem with another major scheme, the Town Deal - which covers a wider strategy and geography and could bring in up to £25m in government funding.

The building that housed the former Argos, and surrounding area, is set to make way for student accommodation and a town squareThe building that housed the former Argos, and surrounding area, is set to make way for student accommodation and a town square
The building that housed the former Argos, and surrounding area, is set to make way for student accommodation and a town square
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Sue Anderson-Brown, who chairs the Town Centre Strategy Team, said: “We are doing our best to create a positive, exciting set of practical ideas for the public to consider and for everyone to give their views and feedback.

“Scarborough has an opportunity to resolve a number of issues of public concern and to create a brighter more dynamic town centre."

But she added: "We must not over-promise on the possibilities of these ideas and they are subject to further debate and funding.

"We are though looking towards a better quality, more attractive town centre and we would like to hear public views on what we are discussing.

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“Our efforts are all about creating a welcoming street scene and an active and attractive place to spend time in every way we can."

Sue, who is also manager of the Brunswick Shopping Centre, said there were plans for a Business Liaison Officer to liaise with town centre businesses and ensure face-to-face communication. “We will provide more details on that role in due course.

"In the wake of the current changes in the retail sector and the coronavirus situation, Scarborough can look ahead with hope – there is so much going on to help realise a proud, new vision for the town and we urge residents of all ages and backgrounds to contribute to these ideas."

The group is an independent body, working in partnership with the borough council.

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Sue added: “We would really like to hear the voice of young Scarborians to ensure the plans include schemes that take on board the needs and desires of the town’s youth.”

She outlined other ideas being discussed to help secure funding and investment in town including:

Working together with our partners to deal with anti-social behaviours and to increase help for vulnerable people

A planned schedule of regular events and performances

Green and carbon-reduction initiatives

An inviting environment for families, particularly during the evening, and incorporating leisure, entertainment and potential town centre cinema

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Greener spaces for leisure areas and ‘pop-up’ informal events

More people working and living in our town centre properties.

“We hope this compelling message of hope and revival can, with public support, lead to long-term, significant improvements. But please let us know what you think - your engagement with the ideas and your views are crucial to the prospects of success,” Sue said.

She referred to plans for new living spaces in the town centre with student accommodation and a town square at the old Argos site, new green public spaces and better linkage of the harbour, beach, leisure, cultural and heritage parts of the town.

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The town centre strategy includes ideas from the Town Deal consultations which include exciting gateways into the town and at seafront areas, encouragement of business start-ups and the creative sector populating the high street.

What do you think ? Email [email protected] with your views.

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