Lottery cash sought for scheme to boost country park tourism

Filey Country Park, which is on a plateau above the resort, could see a derelict building demolished to make way for an information and education centre.

It will detail the history of Filey, including its importance as a fishing and maritime haven, famed for its Yorkshire coble boats, built using the same techniques as Viking longships which were used 1,000 years ago to cross the North Sea from Scandinavia.

Next week senior members of Scarborough Borough Council’s cabinet committee will meet to decide whether to grant £22,357 to the Discover Filey Development Trust to further develop the project ahead of a planned £800,000 bid for support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The cash is from a pot agreed by the developer of a local housing scheme to provide community facilities.

It is hoped the project at the country park, which is already popular with caravan enthusiasts and tourists, will help boost tourism in the area and bring even more visitors to Filey.

Nick Edwards, the director of business support for the authority, said the council had already agreed to earmark £30,000 towards the venture, which would be used alongside £270,000 of potential external funds, mainly from heritage grants.

The development trust has set up a board comprised of representatives from several Filey organisations including the town’s museum, tourism association, chamber of trade, ornithological group, sailing club, the Filey Bay Initiative and Friends of Filey Parks.

“The trust has carried out considerable work in producing a business plan for a significantly larger scheme on the site,” said Mr Edwards.

He added that following a successful community asset transfer of the derelict building, a small amphitheatre will be built and used as a learning space. A bigger scheme will see a new all weather centre for heritage and cultural activities, the arts, astronomy, history and nature.

A bid is being made to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the main scheme, amounting to £800,000, said Mr Edwards.

“The trust recognises the need for a heritage and interpretation centre providing all weather facilities within the park.”

“The ambitious proposals are being developed in conjunction with Scarborough Council’s community asset transfer plan, covering the transfer of land and buildings from the council to voluntary, community organisations or parish councils,” said Mr Edwards.

Filey’s Town Mayor, Coun John Shackleton, said: “The scheme is a wonderful opportunity for Filey.

“It will provide the town with a splendid visitor attraction and education centre, highlighting our heritage and spectacular coastline.”

In addition, Coun Shackleton said the country park would have fitness trails, an outdoor classroom, and areas set aside for wild flowers.

“The whole area has the potential to be a big boost to Filey’s tourist industry year round,” Coun Shackleton added.

The issue will be debated by members of the council’s cabinet committee on Tuesday.

A report prepared for members says: “The Discover Filey Development Trust is working towards the submission of a funding bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the main scheme of the works.

“The bid will seek funding in the region of £800k in order to carry out these major improvement works to the area.

“It is the Trusts aim to source and attract the external funding and be the accountable body for the scheme.

“Further details relating to the main scheme will be presented to members at a later date when the results of the funding bid have been announced.”