Opposition to plans to demolish derelict Scarborough warehouse

Plans to demolish a derelict warehouse in Scarborough are being opposed as the building was designed by the same architect behind the town’s lost Futurist theatre.

Lloyd Kelly has applied to Scarborough Council to knock down the former Scarborough Carpets building and warehouse in Albemarle Crescent.

Despite its appearance, the building has a storied history as it was designed by renowned architect Frank Tugwell in 1926 for a Mr H A Whittaker.

Tugwell was also responsible for the interior of the Savoy Theatre in London and the Theatre Royal in York.

Locally, he is famous as the man who designed the Futurist theatre on Scarborough’s seafront, which was controversially demolished by Scarborough Council in 2018.

Members of the public have now come forward to oppose Mr Kelly’s plan to demolish the building, which he says will then be followed next year by an application to use the land for residential and commercial premises.

Mr Kelly’s application states that the building is in such a state of disrepair that “local residents are amazed the local authority has not started enforcement action to have the building removed”.

Mr Kelly has owned the building, which sits within the town’s Conservation Area, for the last five months.

In a letter to the council, Scarborough resident Tony Freeman urges the council not to allow the demolition.

He writes: “Tugwell is a local and eminent architect who designed many building across Scarborough, as well as a number of country houses, cinemas and theatres across the country.

“It is important for the heritage of the town that the facade of this former garage building is retained.

“We have already lost the Futurist Theatre also designed by Tugwell, and it is important that we do not lose another one of his buildings.”

Another resident, Stella Ward, adds: “The architectural merit of the pillars and upper areas of this building is of historic value to the town of Scarborough, having been designed by a local architect.

“Full demolition would cause these beautiful stones to be lost to the residents. At the very least the developers/demolishers should be required to save these elements for use in the facade of a future building on this or another appropriate site within the town of Scarborough.”

Scarborough Council had previously granted planning permission for the building to be demolished and replaced with 24 flats in 2010 but the scheme did not end up progressing.

The plans are now out to public consultation.