Brunswick Regeneration Work to Begin This Autumn in Scarborough

The owner of Scarborough's Brunswick Centre, has reaffirmed its commitment to Scarborough’s long-term regeneration and says construction work on the site will begin in the autumn.

Scarborough Group International (SGI), a leading property developer and owner of The Brunswick Centre, has reaffirmed its commitment to Scarborough’s long-term regeneration, highlighting the pivotal role of Square One (SQ1) in revitalising the attractiveness of the town centre and driving economic growth.

As the transformation of the Brunswick shopping centre into SQ1 moves closer to construction, SGI says it is not simply delivering a new leisure and entertainment destination but is working closely with local and regional authorities to ensure SQ1 serves as "a catalyst for the broader regeneration of Scarborough’s town centre".

SGI’s involvement in The Brunswick Centre project began in 2021, after discussions with the leadership of the former Scarborough Borough Council. 

SGI say that at that time, the Council recognised that the closure of Debenhams and the wider challenges facing the Centre posed a threat to the vitality of the town centre - but also represented "a unique opportunity for transformative regeneration".

Mark Jackson, who is leading the project for SGI and was born and raised in Scarborough, said:

"Like so many traditional seaside destinations, Scarborough has faced stiff economic challenges, which need to be met with a concerted effort from the authorities and businesses invested in the town. Scarborough has great strengths and remains popular but, for the town centre to thrive, it must evolve to suit a much-changed world.

“We are working closely with North Yorkshire Council and other public sector organisations to ensure that SQ1 fulfils its role as a catalyst for further investment.

"With the support of these public bodies, we are able to take the long-term view that such a project needs, in the face of what are the most challenging market conditions facing town centres for decades. We have worked hard to secure ODEON Luxe, the best cinema operator, as SQ1’s principal anchor operator, and expect to confirm other occupiers in the coming months. In the meantime, we are carefully managing the process of winding down the shopping centre in its existing form to minimise the disruption and impact upon the town.”

SQ1 promises to transform the former Brunswick shopping centre into a "dynamic, leisure-led destination", improving connections across this important part of the town centre and towards the famous seafront. Anchored by ODEON Luxe, the development will introduce a state-of-the-art cinema featuring luxury recliner seating, enhanced audio-visual technology, and a premium food and beverage offer, setting "a new benchmark for entertainment in the town".

Beyond the cinema, SQ1 promises a mix of modern dining and leisure operators while preserving the active high-street frontage, and is being designed to appeal to residents and visitors alike. SGI says it is in advanced discussions with several leading operators and will be making further announcements soon.

Jackson added:

"SQ1 will provide a vital boost to Scarborough’s town centre, not just economically, but socially. By introducing a mix of leisure and hospitality that encourages visitors to spend longer in the town centre, we are helping to create a more welcoming environment.”

As detailed design and technical coordination nears completion, the company says SQ1 is moving closer to becoming a reality, with construction set to commence in autumn 2025 and completion anticipated by spring 2027. As the project progresses, SGI says it will be sharing further insights into the impact of the redevelopment, providing a deeper look at how it will positively contribute to Scarborough’s long-term regeneration.

Jackson concluded:

"SQ1 has been carefully planned to ensure that it delivers real, long-lasting benefits for Scarborough. We have worked closely with our partners to get to this point and, now, as we move towards construction, the real transformation begins.

“This is just the beginning of a much wider conversation about Scarborough’s future. Through our forthcoming blog series, we will be sharing insights on how SQ1 will help the town build on its strengths, address key challenges, attract further investment and create an even better place to live, work and visit.”