Seaside venues set for boost from website marketing

A dedicated website has been commissioned by Scarborough Borough Council to try to attract more visitors to both Whitby Pavilion and Scarborough's Spa complex, which is set to undergo a 10m refurbishment project later this month.

The move follows a report on Whitby Pavilion by the Council's head of tourism which warns visitor numbers to the building are falling.

And despite 300,000 of repair work that has already taken place at the Pavilion, more than 500,000 is needed to be invested to halt the decline.

Councillor Joseph Plant, a member of the Council working group on the Pavilion, said: "It had been left to go to rack and ruin and in the past and the money hasn't been spent on it that should have been.

"The fact that investment is coming now is brilliant and really good news for the whole town.

"But a lot of work needs to be done. The marketing side is well needed, a lot of people don't even know it is there. The fact that it hasn't had a website until now is unbelievable.

"The Pavilion is a lovely building and a great asset to Whitby but we have got a long way to go."

The report says so far a 286,000 project to restore masonry and repair the roof of the Pavilion has been completed but work is still needed to bring the building up to standard.

It also warns major works are needed to the Northern Lights Suite, the sound system, lighting and staging for quality performances and shows.

The CCTV system has also failed and is being replaced.

The 10m project to refurbish Scarborough's Spa complex which was secured last year with funding from the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, should start soon.

Coun Janet Jefferson, portfolio member for tourism and culture, said: "These are both tremendously important tourist venues and the work going on will make a real difference. We are very excited about the new website."

The 30,000 marketing campaign and website should be unveiled next month.