Keane Duncan has today announced plans for a new Mayoral Development Corporation in Scarborough if elected as Mayor of York & North Yorkshire this week.
The landmark new zone, a first for North Yorkshire, will kickstart the town’s regeneration - with Scarborough’s Grand Hotel at the heart of this bold vision.
Under the mayoral candidate’s plan, a local board would take control of planning and key council-owned buildings within the corporation’s boundaries such as the historic Town Hall and Spa.
With new powers, including compulsory purchase, Mr Duncan said the corporation would allow him to secure control of the “infamous” Grand from current owner Britannia.
The Grand’s takeover and renovation would be the “essential catalyst” enabling the transformation of eyesores such as Pavilion House and the old Comet building.
The Mayoral Development Corporation would deliver significant private sector investment to revitalise The Grand, and the wider town, by identifying commercial partners who support Mr Duncan’s positive vision.
Mr Duncan said his plan, with The Grand at its centre, represents a “now or never” moment ahead of next Thursday’s mayoral election, adding “Scarborough’s future depends on the outcome of next week's vote”.
He said: “I am the only mayoral candidate offering the bold, wide-ranging action required to revitalise Scarborough.
“By creating a Mayoral Development Corporation, we will at long last have the powers we need to deliver real and lasting improvements across the town.
“We would be able to transform Pavilion House, old Comet building, old Argos building, and more, at long last.
“But we can’t truly turnaround Scarborough’s fortunes whilst its largest and most iconic building, The Grand, drags down the town’s reputation.
“A Mayoral Development Corporation would have the legal power to wrestle this landmark from Britannia.
“And by partnering with the private sector, we would be able to raise the finance required too, meaning no big bill for taxpayers.”
He added: “No other mayoral candidate has a plan for Scarborough’s future.
“And they won’t protect the town’s glorious history either. They would simply leave The Grand to rot.
“Taking over this landmark would act as the essential catalyst for the town’s wider regeneration, sparking civic pride, fresh confidence and investment.
“I believe this symbol of Scarborough’s illustrious past can become a beacon of its radiant future.
“So my plan represents much more than sprucing up one historic building.
“The Mayoral Development Corporation isn’t just about a renovation. It could represent a revolution for the town.
“Scarborough’s future depends on the outcome of next week's vote. It’s now or never. The chance to rescue The Grand, and with it the wider town, won’t come round again.”