Work begins on piazza at The Sands

The project follows the completion of design work during the last 18 months by North Yorkshire County Council and Yorkshire Water, dutring which time the area has just been left as a tarmacked space.

The aim of the scheme is to improve the area aesthetically, allow it to be used as an event space and cater for all essential users such as bus operators, residents and businesses of The Sands and chalet owners and tenants.

Yorkshire Water is funding the project as part of the legacy of the multi-million pound water quality improvement scheme, which it carried out in the town between 2012 and 2014.

Key features of the redevelopment include:

• Textured finish surfaces in muted colour tones to differentiate between the piazza area and the access route to the promenade

• New loading bays

• New bus stops

• Proposed new traffic restrictions to promote pedestrianisation and ensure the area does not become an unofficial car park (promenade access for service vehicles and chalet users will be accommodated)

Contractors, North Midland Construction, will undertake the redevelopment, which is due for completion by the end of April. The timescale has been drawn up to ensure that work is finished before the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race comes through Scarborough on Sunday 1 May and before the start of the summer season.

Jim Dillon, Scarborough Borough Council’s chief executive said: “Commanding a prominent position in the North Bay area, we have felt for some time that the space wasn’t being used to its full potential. Following the development of The Sands and the catering businesses overlooking the beach, it also became apparent that the turning circle for buses and other traffic wasn’t the best partnership for customers trying to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and soak up the sea views.

“We believe the re-developed space will enhance the experience of those visiting the North Bay and give organisers greater flexibility and choice when planning events in that part of Scarborough.”