Meeting documents

To consider a report of the Director (MC), (Reference 22/96).

The Head of Economic Development, Mr Alex Richards, introduced the report and outlined the background of the North Bay Masterplan (NBM).

He informed the Committee that the Capital Strategy Governance Board had in May 2021 agreed to a new masterplan for the North Bay area previously encompassed within the Sands Development. Subsequently, the Regeneration Service met with Members in June, 2021 to agree a scope for the NBM following which a consultancy firm, BDP, was chosen to develop the plan. After further scoping, a consultation was undertaken with local businesses, stakeholders, members of the public.

In summary, feedback from those consulted included that future improvements should include benefits to residents; for the development to complement the wider area of Scarborough Town; that the development should work as a holistic whole rather than being individual pieces; and that it builds on the area’s existing assets. From this BDP formed a vision based on the cultural heritage, nature, and sports that were identified as key strengths for the area.  BDP identified three key areas of focus, the Open Air Theatre which held potential for further expansion and improvement in areas of capacity, roof coverage for an extended season, food and drink, and green room facilities; new visitor attractions such as adventure sports and climbing, new family visitor attractions such as theme parks; and new visitor accommodation such as service departments, high quality hotel offerings, and camping facilities.

BDP’s proposal was shared with Members in February, 2022 where it was agreed that it should form the basis of further consultation with the public. The Consultation began on the 4^th March and included a website featuring a video presentation; a static display in the Alexandra Bowls Centre;  stakeholder engagement sessions with the Town Centre Team, the Chamber of Trade, the Civic Society, Students, site support groups, and local MP’s; and Better Borough volunteers facilitating face-to-face questionnaires.

Mr Richards summarised the consultations findings and reported that there was in excess of 700 responses that were yet to be fully analysed, however, there was general support for the types of activity and themes identified. He added that the analysis could bring forward new ideas. Such an analysis would be written into a report for Cabinet’s consideration in May. Based upon the feedback, recommendations would be made to Cabinet to finalise the NBM.

The Chair asked whether there was a proposed date for the adoption of the Masterplan, how much BDP had cost to the Council, and how similar the consultation responses were? Mr Richards responded that he hoped it would be completed and adopted by July, 2022; that the costings were in the region of £80,000; and that a preliminary understanding of responses revealed broad support of the themes and ideas such as covered entertainment and family attractions.

Cllr Broadbent praised the Parks staff for current state of the North Bay and Peasholm Park, and was encouraged by the tone of feedback. Further hoped that all aspects of the NBM would receive attention, as opposed to an unequal weighting towards the Open Air Theatre.

Cllr Smith questioned whether the boundary of the NBM could be extended to include the area surrounding Alexandra Bowls Centre. Mr Richards replied that the consultants were instructed to take into consideration the wider area and ensure nothing nearby would detract from the development. Improvements to the area / landscaping could be made under the Project Sunshine scheme which would complement the NBM.

Cllr Broadbent enquired whether the North Bay’s piazza could be resurfaced as part of the NBM. Mr Richards suggested that funding for the work could possibly be obtained from development gain monies once developers were chosen.

Cllr Riley commented on the Station Gateway Project that would feature shared parking, electric vehicle hire, and the potential for a tourist transport system. It was asked how much thought had been given to such a transport system? Mr Richards confirmed that they were working with NYCC and the Bus Operator on how to deliver a route servicing the North Bay, South Bay, and Town Centre.  He added that the plan shows a number of parking areas marked for improvement and expansion which would also feature Electric Vehicle charging points.

RESOLVED: That the update on the progress of the North Bay Masterplan be received and welcomed.