Wider vision unveiled for £20m plan to regenerate Scarborough

North Yorkshire Council says a multi-million pound investment in Scarborough over the next decade should drive forward coastal regeneration, boost job opportunities and help improve people’s health and wellbeing.

The government has confirmed funding of almost £20m for Scarborough, as part of a national programme to revitalise towns across the country.

The programme has now been rebranded as the Plan for Neighbourhoods, with an expanded remit to improve health and wellbeing along with work, productivity and skills.

Original ambitions of the national programme – previously known as the Long-Term Plan for Towns – also remain and include reviving town centres, promoting heritage and culture and improving transport and connectivity.

Council leader, Councillor 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.”

A total of £19.5m in funding has been allocated for Scarborough to be spent over the next 10 years.

The new Plan for Neighbourhoods for Scarborough needs to be developed and submitted by the winter of this year, with the delivery of the projects due to start from spring 2026.

Chair of the council’s Scarborough and Whitby area committee, Cllr Liz Colling, who represents the Falsgrave and Stepney division, 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.”

The council previously worked with the Scarborough Town Board to develop a 10-year vision document and a three-year plan for investment. In addition, there was extensive public consultation.

Key priorities for people who took part in the consultations included a cleaner, more attractive town centre in Scarborough and more frequent bus services.