Brunswick Centre cinema plans must return to planning process
Plans to transform the former Brunswick Centre into a cinema-led leisure destination will need a completely new planning application despite previously securing approval.
Planning permission granted for major redevelopment in Scarborough town centre in March 2023 has now lapsed, meaning the scheme must return through the planning process before work can begin, officers have said,
The revelation comes as councillors prepare to consider an £18.5million public funding package to support the project, including an £8million loan from the council and £10.5million in grant funding from public sector partners.
According to a council report, the proposals have been significantly revised since the original consent was granted.
Council officers said: “Since then, the proposals have been refined to strengthen viability and the scheme’s commercial offer. These changes have meant that the previous planning consent has now lapsed and a new planning application will be required.”
The Brunswick Centre was purchased by Scarborough Group International in 2021 through its special purpose vehicle, Scarborough Brunswick Limited.
The revised redevelopment proposals would see the former shopping centre transformed into a mixed-use leisure, retail and hospitality destination centred around a six-screen multiplex cinema.
Plans currently include:
• A six-screen cinema with capacity for around 600 people.
• A 35,000 sq ft family-focused leisure attraction.
• Up to three restaurant and food and drink units.
• Two retail units, including a major value retailer.
The report states that a new planning application will allow the revised scheme to be assessed against current planning policies and site circumstances.
It adds that further consultation will also be required.
Officers note: “Since then, the scheme has evolved and further consultation will be required as part of any new planning application.”
The funding package being considered next week would initially support preparatory work, including design development, planning work, viability testing and internal strip-out works.
Council papers suggest the wider scheme could eventually generate around 850,000 visits a year, create 578 jobs, and generate more than £45million in annual spending if delivered.
The Brunswick Centre closed in September 2025 and has remained vacant behind hoardings while options for its future have been explored.
Councillors will consider the funding proposals at a meeting of the executive on October 27.