Young people to get new centre

Scarborough Council has now agreed to sell land at the resort's William Street car park to local charity Coast and Moors Voluntary Action for a new youth and community building, called The Street.

Originally, the centre was expected to be housed on the site of the former registry office in Dean Road, near the former St Mary's Hospital, after the charity secured 4m in government funding last December.

These hopes were dashed when the council and the land owners clinched a deal with Tesco to redevelop the area, putting the whole scheme in jeopardy.

However, the Council found an alternative plot of land at the back of the William Street coach park and agreed to let Voluntary Action group buy it for 375,000.

Over the next three years, more than 8,000 people are expected to benefit from what they hope will be a world-class space for youth activities – as well as a base for various services and many local voluntary and community groups.

The Street project has been developed by Coast & Moors Voluntary Action working in close partnership with the 4Youth team at North Yorkshire County Council and youngsters themselves.

Over the last two years, they have consulted hundreds of young people in the area as well as local residents and community groups.

Voluntary Action chief executive Stephanie Sturrock said: "We are delighted that the Borough Council has been able to identify this land for The Street building.

"We have had great support for this project over a long time from all across the community. It's wonderful to have young people driving this unique opportunity to bring together different age groups, organisations and communities."

County Councillor Caroline Patmore, North Yorkshire's executive member for youth services, said: "This is very good news for Scarborough and its young people. The Street is a very significant initiative and offers exciting possibilities for young people to widen their opportunities as well as getting involved in their local community, to the benefit of everybody. We are delighted at this latest development which brings the project closer to being realised at last."

Those who could benefit include about 3,000 young people expected on programmes involving physical activities, healthy eating and cooking.

Voluntary Action staff also hope more than 2,000 other young people will feel safer and avoid anti-social behaviour as the centre will be open in the evenings and at weekends for activities targeting behaviour and personal safety.

They expect jobs to have been found for 750 on training programmes with another 1,200 young people participating in events to help local communities.

A further 1,500 youngsters are expected to take part in sports leader awards, nationally-recognised catering qualifications, youth arts awards and Open College courses.

Councillor Brian Simpson, Scarborough Council's portfolio holder for neighbourhood renewal, said: "I'm delighted the council has been able to help progress this fantastic project, which potentially will benefit thousands of youngsters in Scarborough and across the borough.

"I also take great pride in the role that our young people have played to get this project off the ground – they are credit to this borough."

Detailed plans go on show today between 2pm and 7pm and tomorrow between 11am to 4pm tomorrow at the Scarborough Christian Oasis Family Centre at the junction of Oxford Street and Castle Road.