Work to start on former Scarborough Argos building because of its poor state

The building’s owner, Buccleuch Property Ltd, has announced that part of the exterior will have to come down, though the work is not part of the Scarborough Council-backed development which requires planning permission.

The development will see the council borrow the money to demolish the former Argos building in Newborough and replace it with a scheme drawn up in collaboration with Coventry University Scarborough and the York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

It will create 200 student flats, with the university taking 150 of them. Scarborough Council has agreed to move forward with the scheme but the deal will only be finalised once planning permission has been granted.

In a statement, Buccleuch said the work which will start next week is being carried out due to the condition of the building.

A spokesman said: “The recent purchasers of Scarborough’s former Argos building, Buccleuch Property Scarborough Ltd, together with their contractor GMI, will be carrying out essential works to the building on the corner of Queen Street and Newborough.

“The building dates from the 1960s and has suffered from lack of maintenance for many years, leading to a deterioration of parts of its exterior surface, which need to be removed.

“The works will mean that in consultation with North Yorkshire County Council, footpaths in Newborough, Queen Street and Market Street will be closed one at a time while the building is scaffolded and the works are completed.

“It is anticipated that the works will take three weeks from Monday August 3.