Aug 21 2005
Major plans to transform Scarborough’s historic Harbourside area into one of Europe’s leading seafronts have been revealed to the public.
Part of Regional Development Agency Yorkshire Forward’s Urban Renaissance initiative, which aims to regenerate the region’s urban centres, the designs detail how £1.9 million of funding could be invested in the area.
The plans, entitled ‘The Sandside Project’ have been developed following discussions between main partners Scarborough Borough Council and Yorkshire Forward, and local stakeholders including fishermen, traders, residents and interested groups. As a community led project, this latest consultation process is intended to engage with a wider audience and encourage people from the town and surrounding area to feedback their views on the designs, which have been compiled by consultants LDA Design.
The plans include proposals to widen pavements and create parking bays along the Harbourside to make the area safer for pedestrians, as well as installing new benches and removing railings to allow tourists and local people to more easily enjoy the views out to sea. The designs also include a new lighting scheme, which will give the area a vibrant feel after dark.
Exhibitions of the designs are being displayed at a number of venues across the town, with a launch event including a presentation and debate being held at the Renaissance Office on Falconers Road at 7.30pm on 16th August. Following the consultation process, which will run from 16 August to 21 September 2005 and led by Nick Taylor, Scarborough’s Urban Renaissance Manager, the Council’s Cabinet will discuss the comments received, using them to help inform their decision on the next steps in the process, including funding options. It is expected that Yorkshire Forward, Scarborough Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund will jointly invest in the scheme.
Barra Mac Ruairí, Head of Renaissance Towns and Cities for Yorkshire Forward, said: “This project is an excellent example of Scarborough’s Renaissance. It is really a beautiful design and will be a real destination for visitors and residents. I’m looking forward to sitting on a new bench and looking out to sea. It will secure a great asset for Scarborough. Local knowledge and ownership in the making and development of the environment is fundamental. There have been many months of hard work by many people to get to this stage, and seeing plans beginning to take shape is fantastic. This is a major step forward and we must maintain the momentum and drive forward the future prosperity of Scarborough together.”
Cllr. Eileen Bosomworth, Leader of Scarborough Borough Council said: “The bustling Harbourside is one of Scarborough’s main attractions for both residents and visitors so this is great news for Scarborough. The fact that Yorkshire Forward is prepared to invest substantial funds in the Harbourside shows the faith it has in the future of our town. The scheme is very exciting and will kick start regeneration in the Harbour and Old Town area, which in turn will encourage investment in businesses and buildings and transform what is effectively the ‘shop window’ of Scarborough. We believe these proposals will make an enormous difference to the area but are now keen to hear what the public think.”
Tom Pindar OBE, Chairman of the Scarborough Renaissance Town Team & Executive, added: “Lots of ordinary people have spent hours of their own time on helping with the design of this project and countless other initiatives which have and will soon change the image of Scarborough. The future of the South Bay Pool, the Futurist Theatre, Royal Albert Park, Valley Gardens and the Business Park are all being shaped by a partnership of local people, the Council and Yorkshire Forward working together. The Sandside proposals match anything I’ve seen at home or abroad.”