Revised plans for redevelopment of former Scarborough Argos building

The planning application for the redevelopment of the former Argos building in Scarborough has been revised following a consultation.

Author: Karen LiuPublished 22nd Dec 2020

The planning application that Buccleuch Property (Scarborough) Limited have submitted for the redevelopment of the former Argos unit at the junction of Newborough and Queen Street in Scarborough has been revised to accommodate comments received during the consultation period.

The submission follows extensive pre-application engagement with Scarborough Borough Council, Historic England and the local community throughout 2019 and 2020 and now further work has been carried out enhance the building elevations.

The mixed-use scheme will provide new retail units on the ground floor and accommodation for 52 in-training NHS doctors and nurses from Scarborough Hospital and 150 university students on the upper levels.

Architects Corstorphine and Wright are also architects for the Councils proposed Market Square regeneration scheme which will redevelop the space between the new accommodation and the Market Hall to provide a new multi-use public square.

The developers say the enhancements to the scheme have ensured that the two applications which are planned to be heard at committee in January will harmonise and maximise the benefit of this important regeneration project.

They hope that the proposed development will bring student and key workers to the town centre, provide modern retail units, increase footfall, support and diversify the local economy, and replace the current eyesore with a sustainable, attractive building that will improve the public realm.

The developers, Buccleuch Property (Scarborough) Limited, said:

“We understand the importance of the site and have taken great care to make sure our proposal fits within the character and setting of the surrounding area.

“We engaged with Historic England and Scarborough Borough Council over several months and they have provided invaluable feedback that we have taken on board and integrated into the forthcoming designs.

“The proposal has taken cues from the historic buildings in the town, which has created a cohesive development that makes a positive contribution to the conservation area and the setting of the nearby listed buildings.

"We have welcomed comments made by members of the public and stakeholders in response to the application and our architects have significantly added to the richness of the elevational treatment to ensure the new building harmonises with the proposed new Town Square and the conservation area. "

The Project is being managed by Development partners Wrenbridge Sport who have previously delivered Scarborough's Sporting Village together with the University Campus and UTC.

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