Scarborough is set to benefit from a £19.5 million investment over the next decade, as part of the Government’s newly rebranded Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative. The funding aims to support regeneration, create job opportunities, and improve health and wellbeing across the town.
The programme, which replaces the Long-Term Plan for Towns, will focus on boosting work, productivity, skills, and education, while continuing efforts to revive town centres, enhance heritage and culture, and improve safety and transport.
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The chance to use such a significant amount of funding in Scarborough will bring wide-ranging benefits not just for communities in the town, but also far wider across the region. Scarborough is one of our biggest towns here in North Yorkshire, and there is real potential to bring a new era for what is among the country’s most popular seaside destinations. The fact that the scope of the Plan for Neighbourhoods has been broadened to the previous incarnation of the scheme gives us an even greater chance to transform Scarborough for residents, businesses and visitors.”
The council has until winter 2024 to develop and submit a detailed plan, with project delivery expected to begin in spring 2026.
Cllr Liz Colling, chair of the council’s Scarborough and Whitby area committee, said: “Scarborough is such a wonderful place to live, work and visit, but like so many coastal areas, it does need investment. The funding that has been allocated to the town will bring very real benefits for so many people, and it is a welcome announcement from the Government that the money remains in place. I look forward to seeing the range of projects that come forward for this investment.”
Previous community consultations, which engaged over 1,600 people, highlighted key priorities such as a cleaner, more attractive town centre, improved bus services, and better public spaces. Further engagement will take place to refine priorities and ensure the investment meets the needs of both residents and visitors.
