Station entrance plans approved after changes made

Plans to upgrade a seaside railway station's entrance have been approved after changes to the initial proposal were made.

The project will see new seating, a taxi rank, a pedestrian plaza and accessible parking at Scarborough Station.

North Yorkshire councillors previously deferred a decision on the plans in August over concerns about passenger drop-off arrangements and pedestrian safety.

The revised layout has addressed this "through the creation of clearer, more legible and more protected pedestrian routes", the authority said.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the scheme would increase pedestrian "public realm space" from 1,266 sq m (13,627 sq ft) to 2,450 sq m (26,372 sq ft).

Speaking on behalf of the council, Helen Jackson said: "The Station Gateway scheme is designed with real people in mind.

"It's essential that we improve access and safety as well as creating a better environment.

"We believe the changes we have made have the right balance between that convenience and the improvements for access and safety."

Councillor William Stuart, a member of Scarborough Town Council, welcomed the proposed investment but argued concerns remained over pick-up and drop-off facilities, convenient access to station services and disabled parking provision.

He questioned whether additional short-stay drop-off spaces could be provided closer to the station entrance and said councillors wanted reassurances that parking provision would be sufficient for users with disabilities.

Councillor Derek Bastiman said he would be "extremely annoyed" if adequate signage was not provided, while councillors stressed that visitors unfamiliar with the station would need clear directions to taxis, buses and drop-off locations.

Jackson responded: "Scarborough depends heavily on the visitor economy, and it is important that we provide a welcome that encourages people to spend more time in the town centre and, more importantly, return in the future.

"The station is Scarborough's front door and the scheme will provide the sort of welcome that residents can be proud of."

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