Whitby and Scarborough Towns Deal cash released by Government

10 business cases has been approved

Author: Karen LiuPublished 10th May 2022

The Government has approved business cases for 10 transformational investment and regeneration projects in Whitby and Scarborough.

It has also released funding totalling £37.3 million to allow the schemes to go ahead.

The investment will see Scarborough receive £20.2 million and £17.1 million will go to Whitby.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) confirmed its decision in an email to the council received yesterday afternoon (Monday 9th May).

The authority says the announcement is a significant milestone in plans to build a better borough for local communities and help deliver long-term economic growth in both towns.

The ten projects (full list below) cover key themes such as skills and enterprise, cultural activities, the environment, connectivity, well-being and sustainability.

They are designed to deliver better outcomes for residents and businesses by making town centres more vibrant and alive while building on the cultural heritage for which the borough is famous.

Making best use of emerging green technologies are at the heart of the projects.

There is also a strong focus on access to new skills and training that will help communities to thrive.

Now that the businesses cases have been approved, and the funding confirmed, work will begin in earnest to bring the schemes to fruition. This will involve consultation and planning applications.

The government invited bids as part of its Towns Fund programme in 2020 and confirmed in March last year that Whitby and Scarborough had been successful.

While Filey was not part of the Towns Fund process, the council continues to work with Filey Town Council and stakeholders to develop an investment plan for the town.

Councillor Steve Siddons, leader of the council, said:

“Confirmation that the businesses cases have been approved and the funds released is a hugely welcome development.

“We will be able to create a lasting legacy of improved prosperity for residents of the borough.

“Our blueprint master plans for Whitby and Scarborough will see the two towns transformed as we create new opportunities for local people and businesses.

"It has been made possible by close working with our partner organisations, the Town Deal boards for Whitby and Scarborough, local businesses and the wider community.”

Councillor Liz Colling, cabinet member for inclusive growth, said:

“A lot of effort as gone into preparing the ten businesses cases. Their approval is testament to the quality of the submissions to make a clear case for our planned investment in the borough.

“We can now move ahead with our exciting proposals for Whitby and Scarborough town centres, our green agenda and cultural, economic and leisure regeneration.

“The projects mean long-term improvements which will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.”

The ten projects are:

Scarborough

  • Fablab Plus
  • Scarborough Fair
  • Scarborough Harbour West Pier regeneration
  • Scarborough local cycling and walking infrastructure (Cinder Track improvements)
  • Scarborough nature tourism (Wild Eye)
  • Scarborough Station Gateway

Whitby

  • Broomfields Farm net zero living
  • Whitby old town hall and marketplace
  • Pedestrianisation of Whitby swing bridge and harbour side public realm improvements
  • Whitby Maritime Training Hub

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