Residents vs Tourism: £20m Showdown

Hey Scarborough! Here's what's happening this week 👋

There’s a lot packed into this week’s Scarborough Rundown, and not just the usual mix of plans, pints and places to be. One story in particular stands out - how a £20m pot of funding could be spent, and who really gets a say. The new Neighbourhood Board is asking residents to put everyday needs ahead of tourism, and the choices made here could shape Scarborough for years. It’s one of those moments where local voices genuinely matter.

There’s also some big-picture news along the coast, with a world-leading wind farm project set to bring jobs, investment and long-term change to the region. It’s the kind of headline that sounds distant until you realise just how close to home the impact could be.

Closer to street level, there’s movement on familiar landmarks too. A popular café in Scalby is closed for a major refurb, a local dental surgery is planning to expand, and changes have been approved for the Cask & Keg building. Add in new parking proposals, rejected plans elsewhere, and ongoing work at Scarborough Sports Village, and it’s been a busy week behind the scenes.

On top of all that, the weekend diary is looking healthy. From live music and DJ nights to theatre, cinema and community events, there’s plenty happening from Friday through Sunday.

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📰 Scarborough Life

🦷 Expansion plans filed for Ramshill Road dental surgery. A proposal has been submitted to build a new office and staff room at the rear of the Scarborough practice. The addition aims to improve staff wellbeing and replace the current basement facilities.

☕ The Yew Tree Scalby begins major refurbishment. The popular café has closed for a makeover, but fans can still find their favourites at sister venue The Plough. Service runs Monday to Friday, 9 am–2 pm, until the café reopens this April.

👻 The Scarborough Ghost Walk returns this February. The first tour of the year kicks off on Friday, 13th February, promising eerie tales and dark history through the town's streets. Spaces are limited, so book your place online now.

🗳️ Residents urged to help spend £20m Scarborough funding. The new Neighbourhood Board wants "Resident First" projects to take priority over tourism. Share your views on the eleven shortlisted funding ideas before 13 February.

💨 Yorkshire coast to host world-leading wind farm. A record-breaking government auction has secured the Dogger Bank South project, set to power millions of homes. The move aims to boost skilled jobs and unlock £22 billion in private investment across the region.

⚽ Pitch repairs begin at Scarborough Sports Village. Work is underway to fix structural issues that forced Scarborough Athletic to relocate. The "Seadogs" aim to return home next season following complex groundworks and sub-base installation.

🎻 Artists wanted for Filey Folk Festival 2026. Planning is officially underway for the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (1st–3rd May). Musicians are invited to register their interest in performing via social media. Slots fill up fast, with opportunities spanning traditional folk, Americana, and acoustic pop across various local venues.

🏢 Exterior changes approved for the Cask & Keg. North Yorkshire Council has granted permission for alterations to the building on Cambridge Terrace. The project involves installing heritage-style rooflights to provide better quality residential accommodation within the property.

🅿️ New public parking proposed for North Bay. National Car Parks Ltd has applied to convert a hotel car park on North Marine Road into a public facility for up to three years. The site, with capacity for 21 cars, aims to support the local economy while the owners consider the building’s future.

🚗 Ruswarp parking plans branded "unacceptable" by council. Planners have rejected a proposal to create residential parking on The Carrs due to its impact on the conservation area. The works involved demolishing a boundary wall and excavating a front garden to house vehicles.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue

👀 Menu refresh teased at Burniston village pub. The Three Jolly Sailors is rolling out an updated menu this February.

🎩 Whitby Steampunk Weekend returns this February. Thousands will descend for a free, festival-style weekend, and the costumes alone are worth the trip.

🏥 New NHS diagnostics centre set to open in Scarborough. A brand-new community diagnostics centre is due to open next month.

Start your year with clarity

Written by Shane Parrish and reMarkable, this workbook helps you pause and reflect. Rather than add pressure, it relieves it, bringing clarity to what truly matters.


A simple reset for January. A thoughtful way to review your year.

Download the workbook

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

We keep it short here - head to our EVENTS PAGE for links and future events.

Fri, 16th Jan

09:45 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
18:00 💃 Line Dancing - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🏅 Social Bowls - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🎭 Goldilocks & the Three Bears - Whitby Pavilion
19:45 🎬 Cinema: Blue Moon - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
20:30 🎤 Open Mic Night - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Sat, 17th Jan

09:00 🤰 Pregnancy Mini Retreat - Cayley Court, Scarborough
10:00 🏺 Pottery Wheel Experience - St. Hilda's Business Centre, Whitby
11:30 🧘 Yogalates - Alexandra Community Centre, Scarborough
13:30 🎭 Goldilocks & the Three Bears - Whitby Pavilion
14:45 🎬 Cinema: Blue Moon - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
15:00 💖 Self-love Sessions - Yorkshire Coast Enterprise Centre, Scarborough
19:00 🎭 Goldilocks & the Three Bears - Whitby Pavilion
19:45 🎬 Cinema: Blue Moon - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
21:00 🎧 Live DJ Set - Scarborough Flyer, Scarborough
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - The Merchant Irish Bar, Scarborough

Sun, 18th Jan

10:00 Table Top Sales - Crossgates Community Centre, Scarborough
19:00 Sunday Sessions - Crescent Lounge, Scarborough

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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📮 Community Classifieds

🍺 Guinness Thursday runs every week at the Black Swan Hotel, Scarborough. Four pints of Guinness for £15, available all day on Thursdays.

 🍟 Falsgrave Fisheries is offering free chips with every fish, sausage or fishcake throughout January. Collection only, Wednesday to Saturday evenings.

💆 Aldwark Estate has opened a new £12m wellness spa with hydrotherapy pools, saunas and relaxation spaces. Located near York. Details

🎤 60s legends The Manfreds return to Scarborough with original members performing their classic hits. A theatre show focused on timeless songs. Details

💦 Alpamare Scarborough is offering low-season entry prices this winter, with heated pools, slides and spa access. Adult tickets from £10. More info

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