Green light for crucial £7m funding to redevelop ‘eyesore’ Brunswick Centre in Scarborough

The Brunswick Centre redevelopment moved a step closer after Mayor David Skaith approved a further cash investment as part of an £18.5m public funding package.

Scarborough Group International’s (SGI) proposed development includes a six-screen cinema, family-focused indoor leisure attraction, food-and-drink outlets, and two major retail units.

Speaking in Scarborough on Friday (Nov 6), the elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire welcomed the “major landmark in shaping the future of Scarborough”.

“Scarborough is a really special place full of culture and history and so much potential.

"So many coastal communities face disadvantages in education, employment, and wages.

“This will tackle systemic issues that have prevented the town centre from reaching its full potential.

“The Brunswick has become an iconic eyesore, and I understand how important anchors are to attract people to the high street.

"I’m totally committed to making this a success not just for Scarborough, but for the whole county,” Mr Skaith added.

Under the Combined Authority’s approved proposals, an initial £1m grant will be released to support pre-construction work, including detailed design, demolition, and a new planning application.

A further £6m will be ringfenced for construction, subject to approval of a full business case at a later date.

The redevelopment is being promoted as the first major project within Scarborough’s Mayoral Development Zone, which was created to attract investment and accelerate regeneration in the town.

Last week, North Yorkshire Council leaders backed plans for £10.5m of grant funding and an £8m council loan to support the development.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: “This shows that many of us are working together to improve Scarborough’s economy, which is so important, and this is very much a start.”

A report states that the scheme could support 414 direct jobs, create a further 164 supply-chain jobs, generate around £10m of additional annual economic output and attract approximately 850,000 visits per year.

It also estimates annual spending associated with the development could reach £45m.

Independent councillor Rich Maw highlighted the “substantial commitment from the public purse” and asked what measures were in place “to protect the £8m council loan if the developer finds itself in difficulties”.

“I want this project to be a success, but Scarborough has seen previous ambitious projects backed by public money, and ambition isn’t always enough.

"Residents deserve to know every pound of public money is spent responsibly.”

Mr Skaith acknowledged that “there is a degree of risk, but without initial funding this project wouldn’t proceed”.

According to a report, after the initial £1m investment, further funding would only be released after a series of planning, legal, commercial and financial conditions have been satisfied.

Cllr Maw added: “The proposed development doesn’t replace public toilet provision that was lost when the Brunswick Centre closed.

"Why isn’t this major development guaranteeing such a vital public amenity?”

Mr Skaith said that the provision of public toilets would be a matter for NYC and added: “I know how important public toilets are to the vitality of our high street and, given the significant investment, it’s important to maximise the public benefit.”

Cllr Mark Crane, deputy leader of NYC, said: “I very strongly welcome this project.

“I walked down the high street this morning and noticed again what an eyesore the building is.

"It’s sitting in a sad state, so I really welcome this and the Mayoral Development Zone.”

The redevelopment forms part of the mayor’s broader Station to Shore regeneration programme, which aims to strengthen links between Scarborough railway station, the town centre and the seafront while attracting new investment into the resort.