Cinema plans for shopping centre get the green light

The proposed multimillion-pound redevelopment of a North Yorkshire shopping centre to create a new cinema has been given the go-ahead.Scarborough Borough Council’s Planning and Development Committee voted unanimously in favour of granting planning permission for the redevelopment of the Brunswick shopping centre at a meeting on 9 March 2023.Scarborough Group International (SGI) submitted plans earlier this year to transform the centre into a leisure-led destination anchored by a multi-screen cinema.The proposals also include new food and drink outlets, and ancillary retail units, all within the existing building envelope.Mark Jackson, group development director at SGI, said: “We are delighted to have secured the committee’s approval for this strategically important scheme, which very much supports the council’s priorities set out within its Town Investment Plan.”In addition to providing a vibrant leisure and entertainment offering for the local community and tourists alike, it is hoped that our redevelopment of the Brunswick will act as a springboard for wider investment and economic growth in Scarborough town centre.”We will continue to work closely with the council, and the new North Yorkshire Council, to ensure that the pace of delivery is sustained, with a view to announcing our preferred cinema operator in the coming months.”About 300 jobs are set to be created once the site is operational, with further employment opportunities created during construction.SGI purchased the 1990’s-built shopping centre in September 2021 and has been working with Scarborough Borough Council to help meet its strategic objective of Scarborough becoming the best performing coastal town centre in England by 2025 and the primary economic hub for retail, leisure, learning and living within the Yorkshire coast area.The scheme will be funded by a mix of private and public sector investment.Councillor Steve Siddons, leader of the council, added: “It has long-been an ambition of the council to bring a cinema to the centre of Scarborough.”I am delighted that the Planning and Development Committee has voted in favour of granting planning permission for the redevelopment of the Brunswick – including a new cinema. It means the centre will take on a new role at the heart of Scarborough town, bolstering the evening economy and creating new jobs.”This was a great result for the final Planning and Development Committee of Scarborough Borough Council.”Works are due to start on site towards the end of the year and it is hoped the new centre will be open by summer 2025.